EPC Membership  
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
EPC HOT NEWS
Digital Monitoring Stations

Shortwave Listening (SWL) is a hobby, listening to shortwave radio broadcasts or amateur radio stations. Since digital modes of communication became popular amongst radio amateurs, digital mode monitoring is now starting to come into use. The traditional concept of Shortwave Listening does not include the use of software to decode and monitor radio stations using digital modes and indeed, you don't listen to PSK, RTTY or SSTV signals, you monitor them!

The European PSK Club (EPC) has created a special Digital Monitoring Section. Its purpose is to involve more people in digital monitoring, and promote good monitoring practice across all amateur bands. The section issues and maintains a database of unique Digital Monitoring Station (DMS) identification signs. These signs are based on the recognized international prefix system. Successful applicants receive a high quality, colourful DMS and EPC certificates in PDF format via email. Each new applicant is assigned a unique DMS Identification Sign and EPC Number for life. DMS identification signs and EPC numbers are never re-issued; they are permanently listed in the EPC Records. Anyone can apply and get a DMS identification sign, there are no special requirements.

This service, including certificates is free of charge. The EPC Digital Monitoring Section has defined a unique system of DMS identification signs. Be aware that this is not an official standard, sanctioned by any international body. This is intended for the digital monitoring hobby. Each DMS identification sign consists of a two-character country prefix, four-number Grid Square code, and two-number personal code that is unique within the Grid Square. For example, GM-9675Ø2 represents Scotland «GM», in Grid Square «IO75», where  «IO» is converted into two-number code «96» (see table below), and the station's personal number is «Ø2». Please click here for more info. If you wish to apply for DMS Identification Sign, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 
European Phase Shift Keying Club - EPC
 

EPC Membership Certificate

 

The European PSK Club, or EPC for short, is an informal club of amateur radio operators dedicated to maintaining high levels of amateur radio communications on PSK modes. Its purpose is to promote activity and good operating practice on the PSK modes on all amateur bands. Membership is FREE for any licensed radio amateur, club or SWL. All of our managers serve on a voluntary basis. A high quality and colorful membership certificate in PDF format is sent via email to new members when membership is granted. Each new member is assigned a unique "EPC Number" which is retained for life. A EPC number is never re-issued and it is listed in the Membership Records forever. All EPC members are eligible to participate in various club's activities and award programmes. Please pass this information to others you think might be interested in joining our club.

 
The following questions are most commonly asked by those interested in the EPC or by new members:

What are the benefits in belonging to the European PSK Club?

The EPC is like any other HAM radio organization, a group of HAMs who are interested in promoting the PSK modes. In order to keep interest up on the PSK modes, the idea of collecting "EPC Numbers" has been developed. Personally, each member enjoys the camaraderie of kindred spirits, whether the activity is informal rag chewing or numbers chasing or a more formal EU PSK DX Contest or QSO Party. All EPC awards are issued in high quality PDF format and sent via email to the applicants. In an effort to make EPC Award Programme more affordable to PSK enthusiasts, we have provided EPC members the opportunity to get all awards FREE of charge.

How do I join and where do I get my EPC number?

Any licensed amateur or club authorized to operate PSK modes or SWL can join EPC. There are no special requirements. Just fill in our EPC Membership Registration Form. We will assign you a EPC number and email it to you along with your membership certificate.

What do I do with my EPC number now that I have received it?

You can exchange it with other EPC members (on PSK modes, of course) and keep a record of their number. We are issuing numerous awards for collecting EPC numbers. You can just give your number to others when asked for it. It is strictly up to you as to how involved you want to get in EPC and our Award Programme.

What happens to my EPC number if for some reason I lose interest in EPC?

Once you are issued a EPC number, it is yours for life. If you decide to not participate in EPC and our Award Programme, your number is still yours. You can still give it to other EPC members and you can still collect numbers yourself.

What happens to my EPC number if I have changed my callsign?

Each EPC number is assigned to the callsign which you had at the registration process. It is never re-issued to another callsign, even if you have received a new one. Please note that if you have changed your callsign you have to apply for a new EPC number. There are no exceptions!