Episode 2
What’s a call sign?
What we learned
When you pass the test for a ham radio license, you get a call sign. It’s a radio name made of letters and a number.
You say your call sign when you talk on the radio, so everyone knows who’s talking. No two hams in the world have the same one.
In the United States, call signs start with K, N, W or A.
Try this with a grown-up
Make your call sign badge
You need
- Paper or a paper plate
- Markers or crayons
- Tape or string
What to do
- Pick a first letter: K, N or W, like hams in the United States.
- Add a number from 0 to 9. Pick your favorite!
- Add four more letters, like your initials or your pet’s name. Real U.S. call signs never end with four letters, so this one is just for pretend.
- Write it big on your badge. Then practice saying it out loud, slowly and clearly, like a real ham.