[UK-CONTEST] Three character calls

[Ed -- GW3SQX]

I've often thought that calls such as G3U may not provide much 
advantage, and may call for repeats often enough to make their usage 
counter-productive.  Of course, people get used to them if they're on 
the air often enough, but not everyone is using SCP, especially casual 
contesters.  On the other hand, something like GW3U seems much more 
likely in the middle of a contest.

There was a proposal that all Full licensees should be able to use the 
"club" prefixes (GC for GW, GS for GM, and so on), but I believe that 
Ofcom were not impressed.  If this were done, and if these prefixes were 
also available for Special Contest Calls, then SCCs in England could 
optionally be in the format GX3U, for example, which seems more 
contest-like than G3U.  The GX prefix is already in prefix lists used by 
contest loggers, so that wouldn't be a problem.

What we really need is a proper Vanity Call system, perhaps just for G3s 
(only kidding)!  I would vote to put that top of the list for 
negotiation with Ofcom, but am aware that this is unlikely to happen.

73,

Ed, GW3SQX

===============


On 01/02/2011 12:14, Ken Eastty wrote:
> David,
>
> You already have the answer use a 'proper' callsign, the idea of using a
> three character call in order to gain some advantage in a contest is I
> believe something to be discouraged.
>
> With regard to the issuing of GnXX calls I notice that some of the
> holders of these callsigns are quite coy when asked how they acquired
> the call&  don't like to admit that they are really G0??? or whatever.
>
> The group that I was part of used G4KF even then we had people asking
> what the third letter was.
>
> 73...
>
> Ken
>
> G3LVP
>
>> I am seriously wondering if it is just as "good" to use my normal call
>> rather than an SCC. Or may be I should have gone for a GnX call rather
>> than a MnX call. I would like to know what others have experienced in
>> this regard.
>>
>> I suspect a better alternative for England would be a GnXX call but you
>> need to know the right people as well as being very persuasive to get
>> one of those.
>>
>> I would welcome comments from others experience of using a 3 character
>> or a 4 character call.
>>
>> 73 David G3YYD
>>
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