Radio Amateurs at Jerudong Beach

By Azrol Azmi

Among the present at the event was Brunei Darussalam Amateur Radio Association (BDARA) President Pg Salleh Abdul Rahman bin Pg Hj Damit.

Demonstrating the proper use and techniques of communicating with a radio transmitter and receiver, the roadshow will assist interested parties in communicating with others either in or outside the country.

Amateur Radio is a non-commercial radio communication service whose primary aims include public service, technical training, experimenting, and communication between private individuals.

Amateur radio operators often communicate with each other recreationally but also provide communication for others during public events or in times of emergencies and disasters.

"Communicating through the radio transmitter helps to build friendship not only in the country but also in other countries," said the Vice President of Brunei Darussalam Amateur Radio Association.

Radios can be hand-held transceivers similar to a walkie-talkie, a mobile unit for use in a car or a base station with outdoor antenna used for local or distance communication.

Regardless of the type of equipment, amateur radio operators have a wide range of activities they can pursue, including talking with friends using a hand-held transceiver.

During Emergency and Disaster Communication, radio amateurs can provide assistance to national organisations in emergency situations.

Radio amateurs also have the opportunity to try their hand at 'Technical Experimenting,' which is an attraction of the hobby in which they build their own equipment - be it just a simple antenna, something as complex as a transmitter, or an interface between a radio and a computer.

Additionally, Radio Amateur enthusiasts can participate in a contest, whereby they get on air and compete to see who can make the most contacts in a limited period of time.

They can also engage in 'Digital Communication' - a mode of connecting a computer to a radio, installing some software and communicates digitally over the air.

To become a radio amateur, be ready to spend a minimum average of B$500. Interested parties must also learn the basic theory, communication rules and regulations, and pass an examination before they will be granted a radio amateur licence.

On being issued a licence by the Authority for Info-Communication Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AiTi), the individual will be given a unique call sign of V8 (Victor Eight) or V85 (Victor Eight Five).

Three similar roadshows have been lined up at the Seri Kenangan Recreational Beach on May 17, the Jubli Recreational Park in Belait on May 24, and in Temburong (to be announced on a later date). The roadshow will run from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Members of the public are encouraged to check out the event, where they will be able to register with the BDARA.