Licensed Amateur Radio Operator in Essex? Why not show off your callsign?
On this page, we list a few of the ways that you can show off the callsign that you’ve worked so hard for!
Callsign Badges and Shack Plates
Going to a rally, or club event? Help other hams identify you with a badge. Many of the badges worn by amateurs have been produced by Keith Roden from Stourbridge. He attends ham rallies and can custom-make badges to order. He can produce badges in various different colours, including the RSGB logo for members. Shack Plaques are also available.
Keith’s badges and plaque signs were originally on sale via Ebay. We have also found some alternatives – see Ham Radio Callsign Badges
Callsign Car Stickers
If you operate mobile, consider getting a car sticker to show off your callsign. With so few hams on the road, only the select few will recognise the logo and appreciate the callsign. A handy way to get to meet other hams on the road, and it makes a good talking point.
Until 2012, it was possible to purchase car stickers such as the one shown below from Dean 2W0XTP. Sadly, we understand that Dean is now SK. We have since found a similar sticker on offer from sheconto-graphics. Ham Radio Car Stickers on eBay
Callsign Web Address / Website
One of the best ways to help other hams find out more about you, your setup and your achievements is to create your own website. Creating your own website can be tricky if you’ve not done one before, so before diving into setting up a site, maybe just securing your web address is the first step.
Ordering your web domain name is quick and easy, and you don’t need to get into designing a website to order the domain name. Buying it means that no-one else can get it – Consider buying your callsign’s domain name using either 1 & 1 Internet, or the slightly more expensive Namesco (Note that if you order your domain name using either of these links, we get a small referral commission, which helps to cover our site costs).
At the time of writing, getting a domain such as www.m6abc.co.uk costs just under £3 a year with 1 & 1. You don’t need to have a website – you can just buy the domain name, and forward it to your QRZ page. That means in a QSO, you could refer another ham to m6abc.co.uk and they could see your callsign entry, photos, etc, and log a contact with you.
If the idea of your own site appears, then as well as the domain name, you’ll also need some webspace. There are a few free services out there, such as wordpress.com (which can be used for a free blog or basic website), or you could get a package (domain name and webspace) from the likes of Namesco, who host sites for two of the Essex Ham team.
See our How to get your own callsign web address guide for more.
Callsign Car Registration Plates
The ultimate for mobile hams would be to consider getting a numberplate containing your callsign.
The easiest and cheapest way of getting personalised car registration plates is to go to the DVLA’s website at dvlaregistrations.direct.gov.uk, although if you’re looking for something more obscure (and are willing to pay a bit extra), then an online service such as Reg Transfers is worth a look.
If your callsign isn’t available, here are a few combinations you could consider: VHF, UHF, USB, SSB, LSB, HAM, PTT, PSK, ERP, DXR, ATU or ANT.
Other Ideas?
Any ideas for other ways to show off your callsign? Add them below
Hi. Apologies for being an interloper! I’ve been searching for amateur radio car sticker (callsign) suppliers for a long time and came across your info regarding Dean/2W0XTP. I sent an e-mail to him, but have never received a reply. Does he restrict his merchandise to the Essex amateurs, or can I (from the Peoples’ Republic of Wo King, Surrey) also order some stuff? Must say, the photo, (as pictured on the windscreen) is great. I’d really appreciate any info you can let me have. Best wishes. Mike Robertson/G3USX, Woking, Surrey. jingle@btinternet.com
Hi Mike,
Everyone’s welcome here… Living in Essex isn’t mandatory… the content has an Essex bias, but the world is welcome.
The personalised car stickers are available to everyone… It’s not just an Essex thing… The Essex link is that I’m in Essex and I ordered one. Dean was great to deal with – fast and friendly, so I’m happy to recommend him.
Hope that’s a help…
73s from Essex Land
Hello Pete/M0PSX. Most grateful for your reply. Sadly, I have to let you know that
Dean/2W0XTP died a very short time ago. I sent him an e-mail after seeing your website – asking him if I could order some of his car/callsign stickers. I received a reply from Barry, a close friend, saying that Dean had died and that he was clearing up Dean’s website affairs. I’d like to send another e-mail to you over the weekend. It is on a separate subject and it would not be appropriate to include it with this sad news. Best wishes
Mike/G3USX Woking, Surrey
Very sorry to hear that Mike. Thanks for letting me know. Our best wishes to Dean’s family.
Hi again, Pete. Don’t worry, you’ll soon be rid of me – put the previous error down to my dotage (I started as VQ4IC in 1960 aged 28). If you have sight of one of the the late Dean/2W0XTP’s diamond-shaped car window callsign stickers, I would really appreciate having the outside metric measurements (actual outside width and depth of the diamond). I’ll then find someone to make a couple for me -plus a few for my old chums. I’ve drawn a blank at the RSGB – they say they don’t make that sort of publicity material any more. Grateful thanks
Mike/G3USX
OK Mike. Dimensions:
They were supplied on a rectangle 90mm by 50mm
Width of the diamond: 78mm
Height of diamond: 139mm
Length of each of the outer lines of the diamond: 90mm
Hope that helps.
Hello Pete/M0PSX. Very many thanks for your trouble – good to see that the ‘ham spirit’ is still alive and kicking.
Best wishes
Mike/G3USX
Just want a call sighn badge G0BSD and my name Dave
Hi, i’m Barry MW0TOX the good friend of SK Dean 2W0XTP that emailed Mike.
It was me that started Dean up doing stickers.
If its any help I have a website http://www.hamradiosigns.co.uk that maybe of use to some of you.
Regards & 73 Barry
Hi all, just a quick update.
I have a new website and have listed the RSGB style stickers on there now.
http://www.hamradiosigns.co.uk
Thanks
Barry
Anyone know how to get hold of Keith Roden for the name plates and badges as the links above no-longer work. I got some off him at the Ham Fest last year but want new ones to go with my new call-sign.
Thanks
Andrew.
Took some finding but Keith Roden’s new online shop can be found at the URL below. He is still doing badges, shack plates, mugs etc.
https://www.freewebstore.org/Ham-Radio-Gifts