The Callsigns Origin
The amateur radio call sign WA8IQO traces its origins to the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) call sign assignment system, which designates unique identifiers to licensed amateur radio operators. The prefix “WA” indicates that the license was first issued in 1969, during a specific era when “W” and “K” prefixes were commonly used. The numeral “8” represents the FCC’s 8th call district, which historically included Ohio and Michigan. The suffix “IQO” is a sequentially assigned three-letter combination, completing the call sign’s distinct identity.
The First License Holder
WA8IQO was originally assigned to my father, who began his communications journey while serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Much of what he did remains somewhat unknown to me, but I do know that at some point in his tour he was stationed in Nome, Alaska, where he played a critical role intercepting and deciphering encrypted Russian radio communications.
Following the completion of his naval service, he returned to civilian life, received his General Operator Class designation, and was issued the call sign WA8IQO by the FCC. During the 1970s, he was an active member of the local amateur radio community and played a significant role in civil defense efforts, particularly through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), which was established to provide emergency communications during national crises or natural disasters. He contunued to activley partiapate in amature radio up till his passing in the early eighties.
I have fond memories of rushing to follow him out of the house as he called up net control during severe weather events, serving as a storm spotter with Skywarn. Those experiences may have laid the groundwork for my twenty-year career in public safety. More inporanltly it lead me to become the second WA8IQO liscensee.
The Second License Holder
I have only been licensed as an amateur radio operator under the call sign WA8IQO since 2007. It took me over twenty years after my father’s passing to carry on the legacy. If memory serves me correctly, the FCC introduced a new rule in the early 2000s that allowed immediate family members of a deceased licensee to apply for and inherit a family member’s call sign. As with most government requirements, there were stipulations and plenty of red tape. I began the long, drawn-out process and started jumping through all the hoops. The process dragged on, life got in the way, and before I knew it, I had lost interest.
A few years later, I found out that a local amateur radio club was offering free exam preparation classes. These classes coincided with the FCC’s recent removal of the Morse code requirement, and the classes were ment to boost the club’s membership. I signed up and attended twice a week. During the class, I learned that the FCC had also recently introduced “vanity” call signs, and that it was now simpler to carry on the WA8IQO designation.
Amature Radio Hobbyest & Motorola Enthuests
What makes me diffrent from my father is I’m also a Motorola enthusiast. Amateur radio hobbyist also refereed to as a “Ham Radio Operator” that use Motorola commercial radios are a small minority. Despite our relative scarcity amateur radio hobbyists like me who choose to use a Motorola commercial radios bring a unique perspective to the hobby of Amateur Radio communications.
Exploring the intersection of two diverse worlds, the challenges I encountered navigating between amateur radio and commercial radio spheres were frustrating to say the least. I have faced many challenges and a steep learning curve. Motorola commercial radios are more readily available today then every. Used and surplus Motorola ASTRO Radios on eBay can be found by the hundreds from private and government sectors for a few hundred dollars. The problem I’ve encountered has been the availability of resources and meeting peers who are knowledge that are willing to share the information.
Navigating the intricate world of amateur radio and commercial radio technologies requires time and effort, especially for enthusiasts seeking do it your self guidance. There are many benefits of investing in high-quality commercial radio gear in place of spending your hard earn money on a cheep China made Baofeng radio.
As an amateur radio hobbyist who is willing to share my experiences and knowledge, I hope to bridge the gap for those interested in integrating Motorola radios into their ham radio pursuits. I aim for you to learn and grow without struggling to find information. Embarking on this journey together, I hope to empower you with the necessary knowledge and insights to enhance your experience with Motorola commercial radios as a licensed amateur radio operator.
In the Amateur Radio Category of this site, I hope to present useful and unique information and resources while simplifying all the technical jargon and present it in terms that beginners can understand. Check out my video series; Beginners Guide To Motorola ASTRO® 25 CPS. This mini series of “how to” instructional videos geared towards the novice amateur radio hobbyist. The videos contained in this ten part series are a montage of smaller clips originally produced by Motorola around 2001.
All clips can be found within the help file section of the software package R20.01.00, Motorola Part Number: RVN4186. I have gathered each individual clip, organized and combined them based on topic. Hopefully this makes it easier to understand and more accessible allowing you to become more proficient in programming your Motorola ASTRO 25 series radios.
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