At SWLing.com, one of the most frequent email questions we’ve received over the years is regarding the availability of call signs (station identification) for shortwave monitoring stations. Until today, I’ve had to tell these inquiring folks that there was no known organization managing such a program. Some people have even suggested that SWLing.com begin one, but this sort of program needs to be organized, maintained, and curated–no small task, and one which is frankly outside our scope at SWLing.
I’m delighted to report that Popular Communications Magazine has stepped up to the plate and is now steward of just such a radio monitoring program, to be known as Pop’Comm Monitors.
So, Pop Comm is granting shortwave listening post call signs. What’s more, you can request–much like amateur radio’s vanity callsign system–the 3 letter suffix of your choice.
What is the utility of a SWL callsign? I think fellow radio listener and operator, John Harper sums it up quite well on his site. In my view, it’s just one more way to conveniently connect and engage radio hobbyists across the globe.
Click here to go to the dedicated website for Pop’Comm Monitors, and sign up! There is no cost for joining the program.
SWARL (Short Wave Amateur Radio Listening) has been issuing such calls for several years now, and as far as I can tell, still are as of January 2015. I got mine back in 2007.
http://swarl.org/content/get-swl-call-sign
Thomas…. Is Pop Comm still issuing listener ID’s?
Hi, Chris,
I don’t believe they are. I have a copy of the database for the listener callsigns and it doesn’t look like it’s been modified since January.
On a side note, I received my August issue of CQ yesterday. Back in the day, I would have received it in mid to late July.
-Thomas
I think Karl is right…. I sent my request to Pop Comm back in May… still nothing in the DB for me.
I don’t think they are still doing this. I sent for a call sign back in April and have never seen it issued. Nice idea, but I think it lost steam.
I guess it’s run by the same people as the defunct mag… their attitude being we no longer exist so screw you… we don’t need you anymore 🙁
HI I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THIS TYPE OF SHORTWAVE LISTING CALL… IN RE GUARDS ..ACCORDING ARRL REGULATIONS & RULES IT ISNT VALID ON THE US AMATEUR RADIO BAND …AM I MISSING SOMETHING HERE ..IF YOU WILL PLEASE ADVISE ME OH MY CALL IS N9MWL …. THANKS WELDON
Hi, Weldon,
These are not valid amateur radio call signs, they are only “call sign” type designations for shortwave listeners. These are, in no way, endorsed by the FCC or ITU.
Cheers,
Thomas