Qthr

[G6Tanuki]

When in the 70s I started reading Short Wave Magazine, I was initially confused by the small-ads at the back; sellers would often list their contact-details as something like "G3ABC, QTHR".

After a while I managed to fathom out that QTHR meant their address-details were to be found in the then-current RSGB Callbook.

I never really understood how callsign-details were exchanged between the then licensing authorities (GPO etc) and the RSGB.

Did you have to be a RSGB member in order to have your details included in the Callbook? Or was there some bulk data-transfer arrangement between the licensing authorities and the RSGB which gave them rights to publish your address in the Callbook (in the same way that the GPO took it upon themselves to publish your name/address/phone-number in telephone directories?)

When I first got my licence in the early-80s, I did everything possible to avoid my address details being published; back then I was rather mobile [in one period I bought and sold three houses in a two year period] and I doubt the new owners of one of my ex-houses would have appreciated some random radio-ham turning up on their doorstep asking to see me].

These days we have good data-protection policies. Does then "RSGB Callbook" still exist? If it does, I rather suspect it will be a rather slim thing like the last issues of the BT Phonebook.

[CambridgeWorks]

In 1967, I sent my new callsign and address to Short Wave Magazine. It then appeared in the next available "New QTH" page.
Applied, even if a licensee just moved address.
Rob

[Radio Wrangler]

The RSGB callbook still exists. Fatter than ever before, it's got a lot on lience conditions, bandplans and general operational data. The callbook section is there sorted by callsign, with further sections sorted by postcode areas so you can see who's in a general area, there's also a sort by family name so you can find people lost in your memory. Active licences are included, those who request anonymity are listed as "Particulars withheld at licencee's request"

I buy a new copy only once every few years. I've never been particulars withheld, and never had any problems from that.

In the days when adverts were costed per letter, QTHR was a saving.

David

[Jon_G4MDC]

"Details withheld at Licencee's request" - David had that right after all, I think it did read "Particulars"!

Then IIRC, they all appeared in the paid for International Call Book anyway.

I admit I was puzzled by QTHR just for a short while.

[CambridgeWorks]

QTHR used to mean you confirmed the current call book showed your correct details.
I think decades ago I was told QTH R for "Roger" as in "OK"
Rob

[m0cemdave]

Just as with the phone book, the proliferation of spam has led a large proportion of licensees to become "ex directory".

Extracts from old callbooks have been very helpful to many amateurs returning to the hobby after a long period of inactivity and wishing to regain their callsigns. They provide acceptable evidence to Ofcom (who dumped their archives years ago) of callsigns previously held. Which is a good reason not to have been "particulars witheld".

[dodgy-dxer]

What "Spam" exactly?? Please let us know?

I have been in the callbook since 1973 and I have never received ANY spam as a a result.

My details and email are on the online QRZ.com directory and no email spam from that either

I have never had anyone turn up at my house due to an address search

Quite a few do call in when they see my antennas from the road and I have made some good friends that way

I see no reason to hide behind anonymity, but I have nothing to hide

73 Fred
G4BWP

Im not ashamed of giving my callsign either

Originally Posted by m0cemdave

Just as with the phone book, the proliferation of spam has led a large proportion of licensees to become "ex directory".

Extracts from old callbooks have been very helpful to many amateurs returning to the hobby after a long period of inactivity and wishing to regain their callsigns. They provide acceptable evidence to Ofcom (who dumped their archives years ago) of callsigns previously held. Which is a good reason not to have been "particulars witheld".

[its ur aerial]

I to have always been in the Call book, and never had any "spam" issues or random callers. But have also engaged in conversation a few times when callers have seen the Antennas on the house, one Morrisons delivery Driver was G1
As for the "particulars withheld", I was once informed, Amateurs with certain Government jobs are required to have that listing.
Back in the 70`s, I knew a G8 who told me this was such a requirement for him as he was at the time employed with, the GPO Telephones, Illicit attachment squad, what that was a euphemism for I don't know, he wouldn't divulge any details

Ken G6HZG, QTHR.

[G6Tanuki]

My historic dislike of details appearing in callbooks was because I was often away from licensed address for long periods [up to six months] and so anyone overhearing me on-air during such periods would know my house was probably unoccupied and that there could be significantly-valuable radios unattended there.

Was there ever an option to use an accomodation-address in callbooks? "G6ABC, Box 88 London" for example.

[I had a box-number for forwarding important mail to me when I was out of the country].

[its ur aerial]

Was there ever an option to use an accomodation-address in callbooks? "G6ABC, Box 88 London" for example.

Years back I am certain there was listings of Military personal with addresses such as G3*** Gp Capt Bloggs C/O The RAF Club 128 Piccadilly SW1.

Toodle pip old fruit.

Ken G6HZG.

[Rowbank]

If it's of interest, the April 1954 RSGB Bulletin contained:

For some years the Editor of the RSGB Amateur Radio Call Book has been endeavouring to obtain the consent of the holders of any of the undermentioned callsigns to the insertion of their names and address in the RSGB Call Book. It would be most helpful, therefore, if any member who has knowledge of the licensees involved, or who is aware that the licences are cancelled, would write to ...

So it looks as if the early UK callbooks were compiled by RSGB and not from a list supplied to them.

I came across this entry looking for GM3BFU who appears in later call books.

Bruce GM4BDJ

[Graham G3ZVT]

Originally Posted by its ur aerial

As for the "particulars withheld", I was once informed, Amateurs with certain Government jobs are required to have that listing.

Ken G6HZG, QTHR.

A very good friend of mine naïvely submitted the address of his RAF station when he joined the service.
As soon as the the next Callbook was published, he found himself admiring the station commander's carpet so-to speak.

With good reason too, that very station had been infiltrated a few years earlier by another "Ham" in the pay of the Soviets.

http://www.raf-lincolnshire.info/dig...lasBritten.htm

[Radio Wrangler]

Am interesting read, but around 1960, a 'RACAL 1154' transmitter? Leaving errors unchecked leaves people wondering about the rest of it.

David

[m0cemdave]

Originally Posted by its ur aerial

Was there ever an option to use an accomodation-address in callbooks? "G6ABC, Box 88 London" for example.
Ken G6HZG.

Yes, I did that, when I was spending most of my time either at short-term addresses or out of the country and had a Monomarks mailing address.