Subsections of Special Event Stations

1x1 Call Signs

To better understand the 1x1 system, think of a 1x1 call sign like a temporary parade banner. While anyone can host a “special event” (a parade) and use their standard identification, only those who go through the official coordination process can carry the specialized, highly visible “1x1 banner” to make sure they stand out in the crowd.

History and Protocol of Special Event 1x1 Call Signs

Overview and History

The FCC authorized the use of one-by-one (1x1) format amateur radio station call signs to help operators call attention “on-air” to their participation in events of significance. This system, implemented in August 1997, meets the needs of operators for temporary station identification during short-term events like conventions, festivals, anniversaries, or even local celebrations.

A 1x1 call sign consists of a single prefix letter (K, N, or W), a region number (0 to 9), and a single suffix letter (A to Z, excluding X). There are 750 such call signs available in the system.

The 1x1 and Special Event Relationship

It is important to understand the specific regulatory relationship between these designations:

  • 1x1 call signs must be a special event station: These specific short-format call signs are reserved exclusively for use in conjunction with events of special significance to the amateur service community.
  • Special event stations do not have to use 1x1 call signs. While many do, a special event station can use a personal or club call sign. For example: WW1USA, WM3PEN, or W9IMS.

For the Activator: How to Get and Use a 1x1 Call Sign

1. Reservation Process

Any licensed amateur radio operator, regardless of license class, may reserve a 1x1 call sign.

  • Timing: Reservations can be made up to one year (365 days) in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Duration: The maximum length of use is 15 days.

  • Coordinators: You must contact one of the five FCC-certified volunteer coordinators to approve and post the reservation to the common database:

    • ARRL
    • W5YI Group Inc.
    • Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society (WCARS/VEC)
    • W4VEC Volunteer Examiners Club of America
    • Laurel Amateur Radio Club

  • Fees: FCC application fees do not apply to 1x1 call signs.

2. Information Required for Application

While amateurs of any license class may reserve a 1x1 call sign, the call sign itself does not grant any additional frequency or mode privileges.

When requesting a call sign via the 1x1callsigns.org portal, you must provide:

  1. The requested 1x1 call sign (you may list up to 10 in order of preference).
  2. Beginning and ending dates (not to exceed 15 days).
  3. The name of the special event (30-character limit).
  4. Your legal name, current station call sign, mailing address, phone number, and email.

3. Publicize your event

  • Spread the word about your special event on social media.
  • Include details like planned operating dates/times, bands and modes of operation.

4. On-Air Operation and Identification

Once assigned, the 1x1 call sign is substituted for your assigned call sign during the event.

  • Mandatory Identification: You must transmit your FCC-assigned call sign at least once per hour.
  • Examples: On CW, this might look like W0O/K9ZTV. On SSB, you would say W0O SLASH K0EMT.
  • Self-Assigned Indicators: Operators may also append non-1x1 indicators to their own call signs (e.g., W1AW/national convention), provided they do not conflict with foreign prefixes or specific FCC indicators.
  • The operating privileges are the same as those of the operator or control operator.
  • Identifying the Source: This hourly requirement exists to make the source of the transmissions known to those receiving them. If a station is operating on frequencies reserved for Extra Class licensees, the identification must reflect the call sign of the operator whose license grants that authority.
  • Operating as a Team: Say you have a Technician working with an Extra class control operator on frequencies outside of Technician privileges. Because the Extra Class control operator is providing the legal authority for the transmission, their call sign is the one that validates the station’s presence on those specific frequencies. Use the Extra Class operator’s call sign to identify with the 1x1 station call sign.

For the Hunter: How to Find and Work Special Event Stations

If you are looking to contact these unique stations, use the following resources:

  • Official Databases: Search the One-by-One Database at 1x1callsigns.org to see which 1x1 signs are currently active.
  • The ARRL’s directory includes 1x1 and other special event calls.
  • Publications: Check the monthly lists of upcoming special events published in QST magazine.
  • Online Forums: The QRZ Special Events sub-forum is a major hub for announcements regarding special events.
  • Notable Events: Straight Key Month, 13 Colonies, 12 Days of Christmas, Halloween Fun Expedition W0O, W9G Godzilla, W9IMS (Indy 500).
  • Spotting Networks:

2001 K0C Earth Day

Mid-MO ARC K0C - Earth Day 2001 Special Event Station

Sponsored by the Mid-MO ARC

Abstract

The Earthday 2001 Special Event station was held April 20th, 2001. Members of the Mid-MO ARC set up and operated the station from the grounds of the Missouri State Capitol. K0C was part of an organized State Earth Day event.

About the Event

The State of Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources sponsors an Earth Day event to help raise awareness of environmental issues with the state’s youth. There were approximately 5000 grade school children on hand from around the state.

The goal of the K0C station was to disseminate information about the role Amateur Radio plays during severe weather events and natural disasters. Our primary goal during this part of the SES was to interact with the public.

We went QRT in the afternoon after activities on the grounds came to a close. The station went QRV a few hours later and the next day from Mid-MO ARC members QTH in a “contest” mode. The stations that were active were also located in the Missouri State Capitol.

About the Station

The station was set up “field day” style. Sprint graciously provided a canopy for us to operate under. The event organizers provided folding tables and chairs. They also placed us in a spot where we had access to AC. However, two of the three rigs on hand had DC power on hand.

N0SS set up a random length wire for HF CW with his Elecraft K2. The CW coming from an amplified motorola speaker drew the children to our station.

KC0ACQ set up a homebrew wire dipole for 10M SSB operation on his JST 245.

K0EMT brought homebrew rotateable dipoles for 10M and 2M operation as well as a homebrew 80M dipole for use with a Yaesu FT-817. This rig was used for VHF/UHF FM, HF Phone and HF CW.

KB0HNR brought a complete APRS station. The laptop seemed to be a magnet for the children as well.

We also had a straight key and home brew CPO (from the recent QST article on SMT). This was used to demonstrate sending CW, sending the children’s names and letting them send their own names.

We had also planned to be control ops for the children and let them make phone contacts. Unfortunately, our event coincided with one of the largest solar events on record. The only station making contacts from the grounds was N0SS with the K2 running 5W on CW. However, we made the best of the situation and made sure to note to attendees that while contacts couldn’t be made on a voice mode, CW was still getting through.

The event went very well and we were invited back for next year. This was our first year operating this event.

Operators

Amateurs involved with the K0C Earth Day Special Event Station: (in no particular order) K0EMT, KC0ACQ, N0SS, KB0HNR, KC0CZI, K0DXR, W0JES, N0OFD, NM0X, K9ZTV, WN0X, K0IRI, KC0JDW, N0MV

Everyone’s help and participation was appreciated.

Pictures

Here are a few pictures from the event:

K0C Station after setup, before visitors. K0C Station after setup, before visitors. K0C Station after setup, before visitors.

KB0HNR demonstrating APRS, KC0ACQ chatting. KB0HNR demonstrating APRS, KC0ACQ chatting. KB0HNR demonstrating APRS, KC0ACQ chatting.

KC0ACQ demonstrating CW. KC0ACQ demonstrating CW. KC0ACQ demonstrating CW.

N0SS demonstrating CW. N0SS demonstrating CW. N0SS demonstrating CW.

N0SS demonstrating CW to some YL’s. N0SS demonstrating CW to some YL’s. N0SS demonstrating CW to some YL’s.

QSL Info

K0C logs show that 77 contacts were made on HF, with two countries.

Band Contacts
10M 4
20M 70
40M 3

For an event certificate please send your QSL information along with a SASE to NM0X.