Licence Revalidation, for UK amateur operators

[kellys_eye]

Has anyone (UK based) tried to get an expired amateur licence revalidated?

Mine expired in 1978 but I've been 'in the business' ever since and even have 'professional' radio operator qualifications (and the relevant professional licence that shows profficiency in code to 20 wpm) and I'm hoping this will be enough 'clout' to get the authorities to re-issue my old callsign.

Anyone had any experience along these lines?

[CWB]

has your old call been reissued to someone else ?
that would be the first thing i would check .

sometimes the old call goes back into the pool after a certain length of time .

[kellys_eye]

Not as far as I know.

I got a reply from them and it (as usual) involves moolah...... not a lot admittedly ($30) and a form to be completed but the 'killer' is going to be

"Supporting documentation to evidence that you originally held the call sign G4***"

Since it lapsed in 1978 the chances of finding the paperwork are nil to frikken impossible.

You would think that it would be THEM that held the original records anyway and all I need do is provide proof of identity...

Still, we do have movement.

[CWB]

"Still, we do have movement."
and , it doesn't involve a box of ex-lax ... yet .

yep ... fees are charged over here as well .
they should indeed have your paperwork on file .
much of that the paperwork from that era should be on microfiche or possibly have been converted over to digital by now ... a search by them should not be too difficult .
the FCC database (here) is pretty darn searchable by "joe schmuck" .

i am certain that even though your ticket lapsed quite a while ago they still should be able to pull up your records ...
what would happen if someones license was burnt up in a fire ?

if for some reason they can't find your original application and certification for issue of license , you may be able to petition them for the issue of your old call applied to your new (re) certification tests .

[kellys_eye]

The (long) Christmas holidays have put a stop to further requests for advice from the authorities although I feel I do have one 'decider' up my sleeve....

I still have my 'professional' licence which states all the technical knowledge learned in the application of said licence plus the ability to operate code at 20wpm - far in excess of the requirement for a Class A amateur ticket!

Think I'll use this as 'evidence' on my behalf.

We shall see.

[CWB]

that should be enough "cause" for them to get the ball rolling on their side of things .

hey , you might want to check the call database and see if they don't have you listed as a "silent key" .

[kellys_eye]

Time to get 'stroppy' (UK word for bolshy or obstreperous).

I've decided that, rather than jump through the hoops being demanded of me over proving my original callsign, I'm simply going to go on-air and work CW using that callsign WITHOUT official notification or sanction - and fcuk the consequences.

Since no-one can possibly 'claim' my original callsign (as I can prove my identity and address at time of issue) then the callsign is, and will always remain, 'mine' regardless of who cares to accept that fact.

I am going to make the offer of 'payment' to the relevant authorities for the 'right' to use my callsign and if they refuse to accept my payment that's their problem.

I cannot, for the life of me, find any record of my exam pass (Class-A) nor a copy of a callbook showing my callsign (with the corresponding name/address attached to that callsign). No-one in 'authority' is prepared to assist and I can't be 'arrised to go down the FOI route to move the situation on - if even that would work

I've been scouring eBay for old callsign books (need a 1979 or 1980 issue) to see my callsign in print but to no avail.

The RSGB used to have a CDROM that showed ALL the details but they took it off the market as people complained about 'privacy'.......FFS. I can't get a copy anyhow, anyway.

So, I wonder how long it will take the authorities to catch-on and what, if anything, they will do?

Interesting times.....

[MacFromOK]

I'd guess chances are slim anyone will notice/bother if you stay within operating requirements. How many legit HAMs have you ever heard of being investigated?

Luck.

[CWB]

and you know what my response to your proposed course of actions is .
to my notion it is like driving a car with no license , registration and insurance .
i can appreciate you wanting to get back on the air , however ...

PM me with your original call sign , i'll see if i can find something .

have you thought about getting a new call sign/license and then tackling getting your old one reinstated ?

on a side note ...
the 20M path between here and the gb area has been open for a short time in the afternoon .
i have a couple of sstv pix ... a bit noisy but not bad considering .

[tekwiz]

Sometimes the only crime is getting caught.