Q - Why doesn't the map show my correct location?
A - The map pointer is located on the map by using Latitude/Longitude information, not addresses (this will be changed at a future date). Lat/Long numbers are approximate, and not always correct. You can more accurately map your QTH location by updating the database to add more accurate Latitude/Longitude numbers.
Also, if the map display an incorrect location, it is possible that the Latitude/Longitude information that has been provided is out of date and needs to be updated.
Q - How do I change my address or renew my license?
A - You can renew your license or change address information online using the FCC Universal Licensing System.
Another option is to download form 605 from the FCC Forms Page.
Q - Where does the callsign information come from?
A - The FCC callsign database is available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, (5 U.S.C. § 552) of 1966. More information can be found on the FCC's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) page.
You can download the FCC data from the FCC Wireless Telecommuncations Bureau's ULS download page.
Canadian callsign database comes from Industrie Canada, and is available from Radio Amateurs of Canada. It is updated weekly.
DX callsign information is added by users of the system, and changes must be submitted via email to the database administrator.
Q - What does the (AV) etc, next to the date issued mean?
A - These are the flags that indicate a vanity callsign was issued, and why. The (V) means vanity, and the rest of the flags are as follows: A - former call, B - close relative, C - former club call, D - club station with consent, E - primary station preference, F - club station preference. Please see FCC form 610V for further clarification.
Q - How do I change my email address or update lat/long information?
A - Go to the callsign query page. Enter your callsign, click on the "Update Database" button, and follow the instructions.
Q - How often does the database get updated? OR
Q - My callsign was updated in the FCC database today... why doesn't your database show the correct information?
A - The data from the FCC is updated daily. This usually occurs at
about 5am Pacific time. The data for Canadian calls is updated weekly, on
friday. The database updates depend on the daily data exports from the FCC.
This is NOT a real-time copy of the FCC database.
Other callsign information will be updated/added as it is made available.
Q - I sent email to WM7D (or one of the support email addresses). Why didn't I receive a response?
A - WM7D receives hundreds of messages EVERY day. Some of these messages are work related, and others are related to the web page. Every one gets read, but there just isn't time to respond to each one individually.
Q - Why do you have the wrong address listed for my callsign? And how do I get it fixed?
A - If your call is issued by the FCC: if any of this information is incorrect, you need to notify the FCC. This data is obtained directly from the FCC, and is ONLY a mirror of that data.
Please be sure to notify the FCC if you move or have an information change!
Canadian callsign data is obtained from the RAC. Any changes to Canadian callsign data should be taken up with the RAC and/or Industry Canada.
All other DX callsign information is unverified and no guaranties are made concerning accuracy. Changes can be submitted the WM7D via the feedback page.
Q - The database doesn't show my previous callsign. Why not, and why won't you add it if I tell you what it is?
A - This database mirrors what the FCC has in it's database, and since this is a mirror, I cannot change the data. Why the FCC does not show your prior callsign is unclear at this time. It appears that changes to the database made by the FCC (such as an address change), that don't directly involve the callsign, will result in erasure of the previous callsign data.
HOWEVER, if you want to add a previous callsign to the database, you can now do so using the WM7D information update form. But, please do not enter a callsign that already appears in the database. The FCC does keep some information on previous callsigns. If your record shows NO previous callsign, feel free to enter it.
Q - The database says "None" for my previous class, or it shows Advanced when my previous license was an Extra class; why is that?
A - The FCC seems to update information differently than most people would expect. If you make an address change, it seems that the Previous class information gets lost. If you get a vanity callsign, the Previous class information reflects that of your true previous class, NOT the class of your previous license. There are no provisions for updating that information in the WM7D database, nor is it likely that there will be any time soon.
Q - My email address is wrong. How can I change it?
A - On the main callsign lookup page, there is an entry box for updating database information. Enter your callsign there, and you can change county, Email, QSL mgr, web page, and previous callsign information.
Q - The database shows me in the wrong county... do I need to notify the FCC? How do I fix it?
A - The county and lat/long information is based on your zip code, and is from 1990 US Census Bureau information. As the data in that file is nearly ten years old it may be incorrect. The FCC has nothing to do with that information, and DOES NOT provide it.
If you wish to change it, you can do so on the 'update database information' page.
Q - How can I add the database lookup to my home page?
A - See the how to link to the database page.
Q - I sent a link to be added to the WM7D pages. Why does it take so long to get added?
A - Basically, all link addition requests get sent to WM7D. They then get checked (as time permits), and then added. Sometimes the number of requests gets large, and time simply does not permit timely checking.
Q - When I search by name for "McAlister", the database shows no records. Why is this?
A - The FCC seems to place spaces in the last name of those people whose name begins with Mc, Mac, etc. The best way to check is to add a space in your search criteria; ie: "Mc Alister". WM7D has no control over the data from the FCC.
