Pat,

They are watching you, but not that close.

73, Steve  KW3A

On 11/23/2015 7:20 PM, Pat Byrne wrote:
> Thanks Steve.  I was bothered that some software might know my date
> of licensing - is it anyone's business, but your explanation of the
> "how" made it all better.
> PatAt 06:09 PM 11/23/2015, you wrote:
>> For what it's worth.  From the ARRL rules for Sweepstakes regarding  the
>> check:
>>
>> ***
>>
>> 4.4. Check
>>
>> 4.4.1. The last 2 digits of the year of first license for either the
>> operator or the station.
>>
>> 4.4.2. An entry must send the same Check throughout the entire contest.
>>
>> ***
>> For anyone wanting info regarding  historical  callsign info (like date
>> first licensed) contact Pete  NL7XM.  He is in Pennsylvania despite the
>> NL7 call.   From the blurb  on the e-ham review of his service:
>>
>> MSRP: $Free or 1.00
>> Description: NL7XM ("Pete the Greek") provides a wonderful service to
>> the ham community by using his vast collection of Callbooks to research
>> original license dates. His work is done as a service to his fellow hams
>> (although he would accept $1.00 to defray copying and mailing costs).
>> Keep him in mind when you have old Callbooks to dispose of. He can be
>> reached at [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Last of all, the pre-fill  info mentioned that is used by some of the
>> logging software packages is just a compilation of data gathered from
>> logs of previous contests.  It's not "official" and sometimes isn't even
>> correct, since a station who was low power last year and sent "A", may
>> be high power this year and sending "B".    Other data can change from
>> year to year.    Also if you haven't played in a particular contest and
>>    gotten into enough logs, you won't be in the next year's  pre-fill
>> file anyway.
>>
>> And last of last of all,  the contest is really just a game, and if you
>> give the wrong year, the FCC isn't going to kick down your door and
>> shut you down.   You should try to be consistent however and give the
>> same  check throughout the contest as the rules quoted above state.
>>
>>
>> 73, Steve KW3A
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 11/23/2015 6:04 PM, Pat Byrne wrote:
>>> The question of first licensing makes me wonder?  From a legal
>>> standpoint I don't think this information carries any
>>> significance.  Isn't it just a bit of information to be a part of the
>>> exchange?  I've not checked the FCC's database so don't know if
>>> anyone can check on the fact that I got my callsign/license in
>>> 1957.  Sadly along the way I've lost the original paper document.
>>> So, I'm wondering if you weren't quite sure of when you got that
>>> ticket, wouldn't an approximation do about as well?
>>> Thanks for the upcoming opinions.
>>> Pat, K9JAU
>>>
>