What is
Amateur Radio ?
Amateur
Radio, also affectionately known as "hamradio", is a hobby of
constructing, experimenting and communicating. In Malaysia, hams are licensed by
the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission. Once licensed an amateur
can operate radio equipment from home, from their vehicle and from anywhere in
Malaysia. A number of radio frequencies have been set aside for Amateur Radio
use. On these frequencies a ham can talk across town or around the world. The
scope and possibilities are endless-from sending TV pictures to operating
through Amateur Radio satellites.
Who can
be Hams ?
Just about
anyone can become a ham. Some famous people such as Kings and Prime Ministers
are hams, but most are just people from all walks of life who like
communicating. Young people find Amateur Radioa great training ground, older
people find "hamming" an absorbing retirement hobby.
In fact
Amateur Radio is more than a hobby, itis a service. Hams provide their equipment
and operating skills when ever the need arises-such as for Civil Defense
emergencies and Search and Rescue operations.
How do I
become a Ham ?
Passing a ham
license is quite easy. For a license you are required to obtain a pass in a test
on radio theory, a pass in understanding Radio Regulation and a morse code
sending and receiving test at twelve words per minute.
Malaysia introduced the
in 1997. If you have all requirements except Morse, you may work under this
category. It privileges you to work 144-148 MHz only.
Where do
I get more information ?
The Malaysian
Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society is a non-profit association of Amateur Radio
Operations. For more information on Amateur Radio and details of licensing,
contact:
The
Hon Secretary,
Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society,
PO Box 10777
50724 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia