Today I checked the FCC ULS to find out the status of my 1×2 vanity callsign application and found that it was dismissed. An online PDF of the dismissal letter was on their site for reference stating the callsigns we unavailable. Upon further checking 2 of the 5 I had requested were indeed available via their database. After a quick call to Gettysburg I got the clarification…

The 1st available callsign I had requested was available as of the following day. The N4MC database showed the availability date as of 4/17 which was incorrect. It was actually available on 4/18 instead. The other callsign I had requested was indeed still available but here is where it was a little confusing.

On 4/17 is when I passed my Extra class exam. With CSCE in hand, I filed the application for the vanity call that night. The FCC ULS didn’t show me in as Extra until 4/21. The woman on the phone stated they assign based on the application date. So as of 4/17 I was indeed an insufficient class for a 1×2 callsign.

Bummer. Consider it a $12 lesson and something to blog about.

While researching information on vanity callsigns, I discovered two rather interesting web tools.

AE7Q – Amateur Extra Query Tools
This site provides callsign availability and vanity application status. It makes predictions as to application status and estimates process time. Rather cool website, let’s you in on the actual process.

N4MC Vanity HQ
N4MC has a number of very worth while tools regarding Vanity callsign availability and one tool in particular, Ham Locator maps hams in your area based on zip code. Very cool tool indeed!