About the Call
Three Calls, One Story
Every ham's callsign says something. Mine carries on the call of the person who got me started.
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KB3ZACFirst license
My first call, assigned sequentially by the FCC. This is where it all started: first contacts, first antennas, and plenty of learning by doing.
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W3CDGVanity call
A shorter call that was easier to send and say on the air.
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W3JLIn memory of my Elmer
W3JL was the call of Glen Clark, my Elmer. Glen taught me much of what I know about radio, and after he passed I applied for his call so that it would stay on the air. Every time I sign W3JL, I'm remembering him.
What's an Elmer?
In ham radio, an Elmer is a mentor: someone who helps a newcomer get licensed, build a first antenna, and make those first contacts. Most hams can name theirs. If you're new, find one. If you've been around a while, be one.
About short calls
W3JL is a 1×2 call: one letter before the number and two after. Short 1×2 and 2×1 calls are available only to Extra class licensees and are in short supply, which makes them sought after. Through the FCC vanity program, the call of a deceased amateur can be requested after a waiting period, and a close relative or club can request it sooner. Carrying on a mentor's call is one of the ways hams keep those memories alive.