Procedure for determining and using a call sign
Anatomy of Bulgarian Amateur Radio Callsigns (LZ): Call Zones, Slash Identifiers, and Phonetics
The structure of Bulgarian callsigns is regulated by the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC). All native amateur stations carry the national prefix LZ, followed by a call zone number and a Latin letter suffix.
1. Geographic Call Zones and Callsign Categories
Bulgaria is divided into two geographic call zones determined by the numerical digit in individual callsigns:
- South Bulgaria (Zone 1): Odd numbers –
1, 3, 5, 7, 9(e.g., LZ1AAA). - North Bulgaria (Zone 2): Even numbers –
2, 4, 6, 8(e.g., LZ2BBB). - Club Stations: Prefix LZ, zone number, and a three-letter suffix ranging from KAA to KZZ (e.g., LZ1KAA).
- Repeaters and Beacons: Assigned the digit 0 with a three-letter suffix (e.g.,
LZ0RSO). Repeaters transmit their callsign, locator, and altitude automatically. - ARDF Transmitters („Foxhunting“): Transmit automated CW callsigns
MO,MOE,MOI,MOS,MOH, orMO5. - Shortwave Listeners (SWL): Formatted as
LZ[zone digit]-XXX(e.g., LZ1-105).
2. Operating Away from Permanent Station Address (Portable/Mobile Suffixes)
When operating away from the registered station address, operators append the appropriate procedural suffix after a slash (/):
| Suffix / Designator | Operating Condition and Setup |
|---|---|
/1 or /2 |
Temporary operation from a fixed location powered by mains grid electricity (1 for South, 2 for North Bulgaria). |
/P (Portable) |
Handheld or battery-powered portable operation away from mains power. |
/M (Mobile) |
Land-mobile operation from inside a land vehicle. |
/MM (Maritime Mobile) |
Operation aboard a sea vessel. |
/AM (Aeronautical Mobile) |
Operation aboard an airborne aircraft. |
Note: Appending /P or /M designators is optional during active contest participation. Foreign licensees operating temporarily in Bulgaria prefix their home callsign with LZ/ (e.g., LZ/DL1AAA).
3. On-Air Identification and Phonetic Alphabets
Station identification is mandatory at the beginning and end of every contact, alongside periodic location statements (QTH / Maidenhead Grid Locator).
Phone operation (SSB/FM) mandates the standard IARU/ICAO phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie…). The national Bulgarian phonetic alphabet is permitted exclusively for domestic contacts between Bulgarian operators.
