Amateur radio is often misunderstood by modern society, especially in countries where technology is seen only as entertainment, social media, or commercial business. To many people, radio communication looks outdated. Some think it is merely “talking on walkie-talkies.” Others assume it has no purpose in the age of smartphones and the internet.

But those who truly understand amateur radio know that it is far more than equipment, antennas, frequencies, or licenses.

Amateur radio is a culture of discipline, logic, ethics, experimentation, self-reliance, and service to humanity.

It is one of the few hobbies in the modern world where a person’s character matters more than appearance, wealth, or social status.

The Spirit of Amateur Radio

The original spirit of amateur radio was never about popularity or showing off equipment.

It was built upon several core principles:

• Technical learning
• Self-training
• International friendship
• Emergency communication
• Respect for regulations
• Ethical operation
• Contribution to society

A licensed amateur radio operator learns that communication is not merely speaking. Communication is responsibility.

Every transmission represents the operator’s discipline, technical knowledge, and integrity.

Unlike social media, amateur radio cannot hide a person’s true behavior for very long. Operators quickly become known for either professionalism or poor conduct.

That is why experienced operators respect skill, patience, honesty, and operating ethics more than expensive radios.

Logic and Rational Thinking

Amateur radio naturally attracts people who value logic and critical thinking.

Radio propagation does not care about emotions, ego, race, politics, or social popularity.

Physics remains physics.

An antenna either works efficiently or it does not.
A feedline either has loss or it does not.
A signal either propagates or it does not.

This environment teaches operators to think rationally instead of emotionally.

Many operators become deeply interested in:

• Electronics
• RF engineering
• Propagation science
• Emergency systems
• Meteorology
• Satellite communication
• Digital modes
• Networking
• Power systems
• Antenna design

The hobby rewards experimentation and evidence-based understanding.

When a station fails, operators troubleshoot logically.
When interference occurs, operators investigate methodically.
When communication breaks down during disasters, operators adapt and improvise.

This mindset builds maturity and problem-solving ability.

The Ethical Foundation

One of the strongest values in amateur radio is ethics.

Ethical operators understand:

• Frequencies are shared resources
• Power should be used responsibly
• Communication should remain respectful
• Emergency traffic has priority
• False information is dangerous
• Interference is unacceptable
• Knowledge should be shared honestly

A good operator does not intentionally jam others.
A good operator does not spread panic and false information.
A good operator does not abuse frequencies for ego or attention.

The best operators are usually calm, disciplined, and technically competent.

In many ways, amateur radio preserves values that modern online culture is slowly losing.

The Difference Between Amateur Radio Culture and Typical Social Thinking

In many societies, including among parts of the Malay community, public thinking is often heavily influenced by emotions, trends, social pressure, and appearances.

People may value:

• Status symbols
• Group approval
• Viral popularity
• Blind loyalty
• Empty arguments
• Emotional reactions over facts

Unfortunately, this mindset sometimes discourages independent thinking.

A person who studies deeply, questions assumptions, or focuses heavily on technical knowledge may even be viewed as strange or overly serious.

Amateur radio culture is different.

In amateur radio:

• Evidence matters
• Skill matters
• Operating discipline matters
• Technical accuracy matters
• Calm behavior matters
• Respect is earned through competence

Nobody cares whether an operator is rich, famous, politically connected, or socially influential if they cannot operate properly.

A simple homemade station operated by a skilled and ethical operator often earns more respect than expensive equipment used irresponsibly.

This is one reason many technically minded individuals feel more comfortable within the amateur radio community than in ordinary social environments.

Self-Reliance and Preparedness

Amateur radio also teaches independence.

When modern systems fail during floods, blackouts, storms, or disasters, amateur radio operators often continue communicating using:

• Batteries
• Solar power
• Portable antennas
• Improvised stations
• Off-grid systems

This spirit of preparedness creates resilient individuals.

Operators learn:

• Power management
• Emergency planning
• Communication discipline
• Field deployment
• Technical improvisation

These are real-world skills that remain valuable even when advanced infrastructure collapses.

Global Brotherhood Beyond Politics

One remarkable aspect of amateur radio is that signals cross borders naturally.

Operators speak with people from different:

• Countries
• Religions
• Cultures
• Languages
• Political systems

Yet the communication remains focused on mutual respect and technical exchange.

A radio signal does not ask about race before propagating.

This creates a unique form of international friendship rarely found elsewhere.

Many operators discover that ordinary people around the world are often more reasonable and respectful than political narratives suggest.

Why Amateur Radio Still Matters

Modern communication systems are centralized and commercially controlled.

Smartphones depend on:

• Cellular towers
• Internet infrastructure
• Corporate networks
• Electrical grids
• Government regulation

Amateur radio remains decentralized.

An operator with a radio, antenna, and power source can still communicate independently.

That independence is extremely valuable.

Amateur radio also preserves technical curiosity in an age where many people use technology without understanding how it works.

It encourages people to become creators and experimenters instead of passive consumers.

Conclusion

Amateur radio is not merely a hobby.

It is a discipline that develops:

• Technical intelligence
• Ethical behavior
• Rational thinking
• Self-reliance
• Patience
• Responsibility

It teaches people to respect truth over emotions, evidence over assumptions, and competence over appearances.

In a world increasingly dominated by noise, superficial attention, and emotional reactions, amateur radio continues to represent something rare:

A community built upon knowledge, discipline, experimentation, and genuine human communication.

That spirit is why amateur radio still survives today, and why it will continue to matter in the future.

73,

9M2PJU

The post Amateur Radio and the Spirit Behind It appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

This is the official uptime dashboard for everything running under the 9M2PJU callsign. It’s built on Uptime Kuma and shows you instantly if a service is Up, Down, or having SSL/cert issues. You also get 24-hour response time graphs and 90-day history for each monitor. Super handy before a contest, net, or when you’re troubleshooting.

No login needed. Just open the page and everything is color-coded: green = all good, red = down.

Full List of 9M2PJU Projects on the Status Page

How to Use the Status Page

1. Visit https://uptime.hamradio.my/status/9m2pju
2. Green badge = service is up. Check “Cert Exp.” to see if SSL is about to expire.
3. Click any service to see response time graph + incident history.

The page refreshes every minute, so it’s accurate for nets, contests, and daily use.

73 DE 9M2PJU

The post Tracking HamRadio.my Projects Uptime with uptime.hamradio.my appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

The problem is that most APRS software feels stuck in 90’s. You need to install it, configure soundcards, and fight with COM ports. APRS.world changes that. It gives you a free, modern, live map. No downloads required.

What Is APRS.world?

APRS.world is a real time map and callsign tracker for the global APRS network. It connects directly to the live APRS-IS internet feed. That means every beacon, message, and weather packet that reaches the global servers appears on your screen in seconds.

There is no installer. There are no config files. There is no need to set up virtual audio cables. Open https://aprs.world on your phone or laptop and you are looking at the entire planet, live.

7 Reasons Hams Are Switching to APRS.world

1. Track Any Callsign Instantly
Type 9M2PJU-9 in the search box and you jump straight to the last known position. You get speed, altitude, course, symbol, and the comment text. This is perfect for checking if your friend got home safely or for following your own APRS beacon during a road trip from Shah Alam to Kuantan.

2. One Click for “Stations Near Me”
Tap the location icon and APRS.world finds all active APRS stations around you. This is useful for VHF simplex testing, local nets, or identifying that new digipeater in Selangor you keep hearing.

3. Send APRS Messages From Your Browser
No radio with you? You can still send APRS messages from the web interface. This is a big deal for EMCOMM. Net control can message field teams even if they are out of RF range, as long as they have internet. You authenticate with your callsign to keep the system clean.

4. Live Weather and Telemetry Overlay
Thousands of CWOP weather stations report to APRS. APRS.world plots them with temperature, wind, and rainfall data. Click any station and you get historical graphs. Storm chasers and hikers use this for real time ground truth.

5. Satellite, Terrain, and Dark Mode
The map is not just a basic grid. Switch to satellite view to confirm if that SOTA station is truly on Gunung Nuang. Dark mode protects your eyes during late night nets. The site is smooth on mobile. No app needed.

6. Multi Language Support
APRS is global, so the tool should be global too. The UI is available in English, Japanese, Spanish, German, French, and several other languages. More languages get added based on community demand.

7. Free to Use. No Account Needed for Viewing
You only log in if you want to send messages. If you just want to view and track, the site is wide open. That matches the spirit of amateur radio.

How People Use APRS.world in the Real World

APRS.world vs Traditional APRS Software

3 Pro Tips for APRS.world

1. Bookmark direct callsign links. Use https://aprs.world/?call=9M2PJU-9 to jump straight to your station. This is great for sharing with family.
2. Use filters. Hide or show vehicles, weather stations, digipeaters, or objects so the map stays clean during big events like Le Tour de Langkawi.
3. Watch the age colors. Beacons fade from red to yellow to grey as they get older. If a station is grey, it has not been heard in a while.

The Bottom Line

APRS used to mean tinkering with settings. APRS.world means you can just use it. Whether you are running communications for a public service event, tracking yourself on a motorbike tour, or just curious about ham activity in 9M2 right now, this is the fastest way to see it.

It respects the core of amateur radio. It is open, global, and experimental. The only difference is that the user experience finally feels like it belongs in 2026.

Try it now: https://aprs.world

APRS.world represents a significant advancement in the accessibility and functionality of APRS mapping. Unlike traditional software that often requires complex configurations, this browser-based platform allows users to engage with real-time APRS data effortlessly. Its intuitive interface and open access align seamlessly with the fundamental principles of amateur radio, fostering a sense of community among users. By providing a modernized approach to tracking and communication, APRS.world invites both seasoned and novice hams to explore and utilize the vast potential of APRS technology.

The post APRS.world: The Browser-Based APRS Map That’s Changing How Hams See the World appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

May 2026 bring you clear frequencies and great signals.

73, 9M2PJU

The post Happy New Year 2026 appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Have you ever wanted to talk to astronauts on the ISS, communicate without the internet during a flood, or chat with friends across the globe using nothing but a wire antenna?

Welcome to the world of Amateur Radio (Ham Radio).

In Malaysia, this is a thriving community of over 14,000 operators who are part hobbyists, part technical wizards, and part emergency responders. If you’ve seen the “Roadmap to Amateur Radio in Malaysia” infographic and felt a spark of curiosity, you are in the right place.

Here is your step-by-step breakdown of how to go from a total beginner to a licensed 9M (or 9W) operator.

Phase 1: Getting Started (The “Listening” Phase)

Before you touch a transmitter, you need to understand the culture. You don’t need a license to listen, only to talk.

• Join the Community: The infographic highlights MARTS (Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Society). They are the national body for ham radio. Joining a club is the fastest way to get mentorship (“Elmers” in ham speak) and technical advice.
  • Action: Visit marts.org.my to find local chapters.
• What is “SWL”? Short Wave Listening. You can buy a cheap “SDR dongle” online or just use a WebSDR to listen to amateur conversations. This helps you learn the lingo before you ever press the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button.

Phase 2: Passing the RAE (The Exam)

To transmit, you must prove you know what you’re doing. This happens via the Radio Amateur Examination (RAE).

Unlike the old days, you don’t need to learn Morse Code to get started! The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has streamlined the license into three classes:

The 3 License Classes

Pro Tip: Most beginners aim for Class B directly if they are over 14, as it gives you access to HF frequencies where you can talk internationally.

How to Apply

You don’t go to a physical counter anymore.

1. Buy an exam voucher (RM 50.00).
2. Register online via the MCMC SEMS (SKMM Examination Management System) portal.

Phase 3: Get Certified & Licensed (The Paperwork)

Passing the exam is only half the battle. You need two specific documents to be legal. Think of it like buying a car: you need a driving license (AROC) and road tax (AA).

1. The Operator’s Certificate (AROC)

• What it is: Proof that you passed the exam.
• Validity: It’s yours for life (mostly), but it doesn’t let you build a station yet.

2. The Apparatus Assignment (AA)

• What it is: This is your station license. It permits you to buy and own a radio.
• The Cost:
  • Class C: RM 60 (Application) + RM 12 (Annual Fee)
  • Class B: RM 60 (Application) + RM 24 (Annual Fee)
  • Class A: RM 60 (Application) + RM 36 (Annual Fee)

Important: You must hold a Class B license for at least one year before you are eligible to upgrade to the coveted Class A.

Phase 4: Get On The Air!

Once you have your AA, MCMC will issue your unique Call Sign.

• Example: 9W2ABC (This tells the world you are a Class B operator from Malaysia).

What Can You Do?

• DXing: Hunting for distant stations (e.g., contacting a station in Brazil from your home in KL).
• Satellite Comms: Using a simple handheld radio to bounce signals off passing satellites.
• Emergency Comms: When phone towers go down during floods, hams are often the only line of communication.

The Big “No-Nos”

Amateur radio is strictly non-commercial.

• No business discussions.
• No politics or religious broadcasting.
• No broadcasting music or entertainment.

Ready to Start?

The journey to becoming a “9M” or “9W” starts with a single step.

1. Visit the MARTS website to find a study guide.
2. Download the “Amateur Radio Handbook” from the MCMC website.
3. Find a local club to see a radio in action.

See you on the airwaves!

The post From Zero to Hero: Your Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Ham Radio Operator in Malaysia appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

This browser-based tool demonstrates, with phase-level precision, how energy travels along a transmission line stub and how it results in bandpass or bandstop behaviour. Most explanations stop at “a quarter-wave stub blocks this frequency,” but here you can actually see why.

Link to the tool:
https://dada1.decem.co.th/stub08.html

Why This Webapp Matters

Quarter-wave stubs are often taught through formulas and Smith charts. While accurate, they rarely help beginners visualise what is happening in the line. Pat’s webapp changes that.

Here’s what makes it special:

1. Phase-Accurate Animation

The simulation is not just conceptual — it is precise down to phase movement. By slowing down the animation, you can observe how forward and reflected waves interact along the stub. This directly shows the mechanism that causes a specific frequency to be passed or notched.

2. Real-Time Parameter Control

Users can adjust:

• Stub type (notch or pass)
• Line length
• Electrical characteristics
• Frequency

The output updates instantly, allowing intuitive experimentation.

3. Clear Visualisation of Energy Flow

You get to witness how energy travels, reflects, and cancels. Seeing the signal behaviour in motion is far more effective than static diagrams in textbooks.

4. Great for New and Experienced Hams

Beginners learn the basics.
Experts get a phase-level demonstration that is usually only available in professional RF simulation tools.

LPF, HPF, and Stub Logic Explained Simply

The webapp also includes low-pass and high-pass filter demonstrations where you can adjust L (inductor) and C (capacitor) values to see:

• Cutoff frequency (fc)
• Attenuation at 145 MHz (VHF)
• Real-time response
• Antenna output level

For example, an LPF with an inductor in series and a capacitor in parallel shows classic filtering behaviour:

• The series inductor blocks high frequency.
• The shunt capacitor diverts high frequency to ground.

Seeing this interactively helps new hams finally understand why certain components behave the way they do.

A Creator With Serious RF Credentials

Pat (E25VBE) is not only developing educational tools — he is currently building a sophisticated RF lab setup that includes:

• 8 Fish Ball Pluto SDR units
• 15 RTL-SDR receivers
• 4 GPSDO references

His next major goal is real-time TDoA/MLAT development and an advanced beam-forming repeater system. His proposed design allows users to steer antenna radiation patterns electronically using CTCSS — potentially achieving 9–12 dB directional gain without any mechanical rotation. This project alone is capable of transforming repeater coverage strategies.

Why You Should Try the Stub Webapp

Whether you are a licensed ham, a student, or an RF enthusiast, this tool delivers something rare: a visual explanation of what textbooks only describe in words.

• Want to know why a stub rejects interference?
• Want to see how a bandpass stub behaves at different frequencies?
• Want to understand transmission line phasing without heavy math?

This is the ideal resource.

Try it, share it, and help new hams build strong fundamentals.

Link to the webapp again:
https://dada1.decem.co.th/stub08.html

The post Understanding Quarter-Wave Stubs Made Easy: An Interactive Tool for Every Ham appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

On August 31, 1957, as the Bendera Persekutuan Tanah Melayu rose proudly into the sky for the very first time in Penang, one man had the honor of raising it: Ismail Abd Razak. Known to friends and family as Eshee, his name may not be found in every history textbook, but his contribution to Malaya’s independence story is one that deserves to be remembered.

Born in Penang in 1927, Ismail Eshee to those who knew him grew up during turbulent times. When the Japanese occupied Malaya during World War II, his schooling life changed drastically. The Japanese converted local schools into Japanese schools, and due to his talent for languages, Ismail excelled in Japanese. At just 16 years old, he was recruited into the Japanese Navy Volunteer Service.

Although his heart longed for Malaya’s freedom, Eshee worked with dedication. He endured harsh wartime conditions, food shortages, backbreaking labor, and the trauma of seeing forced laborers sent to the Burma Death Railway, many of whom never returned. His discipline and technical skills earned him certificates of merit from the Japanese, but deep inside, he never abandoned his hope for independence.

After the war, he joined the Royal Malayan Navy Volunteer Reserve, serving across Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. His naval service prepared him for one of the proudest moments of his life: being chosen to raise the national flag in Penang during the historic Merdeka celebrations of 1957. It was an honor he never expected, but one he carried out with dignity and pride.

But Ismail Abd Razak’s story does not end with independence. Beyond his service to the nation, he also became part of another unique community, amateur radio operators. Known on the airwaves as VS2FK (before Malaysia’s prefix changed) and later 9M2FK, he connected with radio amateurs locally and around the world. Just as he raised the Federation’s flag to symbolize Malaya’s place in the world, he also raised Malaya’s and later Malaysia’s voice on the global stage of amateur radio.

In 2017, Eshee, 9M2FK, became a Silent Key (SK), a term radio operators use with reverence when one of their own passes on. His life journey from surviving the Japanese occupation, to serving in the Navy, to raising the national flag, and to being a respected member of the ham radio fraternity reflects resilience, patriotism, and community spirit.

Today, as we fly the Jalur Gemilang, let us also remember Eshee Ismail Abd Razak whose quiet but significant acts helped shape our nation’s early story. And to the amateur radio community, his callsign 9M2FK will always echo with respect and remembrance.

Rest in peace, OM Eshee – Ismail Abd Razak, 9M2FK. You raised not only the flag, but also the spirit of a nation.

The post Remembering Ismail Abd Razak (VS2FK / 9M2FK) – The Man Who First Raised the Bendera Persekutuan Tanah Melayu in Penang appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

WsprryPi is an open-source project that transforms a Raspberry Pi into a standalone WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) beacon. With no need for additional radio hardware, it offers an affordable and elegant way for amateur radio operators to experiment with low-power HF propagation.

The project recently reached version 2.1.1, bringing major improvements under the hood and ongoing support for current and upcoming Raspberry Pi hardware.

What is WSPR?

WSPR (pronounced “whisper”) is a digital radio mode designed for weak signal communication. It was developed by Joe Taylor, K1JT, to test propagation paths over long distances using very low power. WSPR beacons transmit signals containing location and callsign data that are automatically reported to a central network of receiving stations.

The WSPR network allows operators to see in near real-time how far their signal is being received—ideal for antenna testing and propagation studies.

What is WsprryPi?

WsprryPi is a software package that enables a Raspberry Pi to transmit WSPR signals directly from its GPIO pins—no external transmitter needed. Originally based on PiFM, the concept was expanded and modernized by several contributors. The latest versions (2.x and beyond) are completely rewritten, no longer tied to the legacy codebase, and released under the MIT License for broader adoption.

Project page: https://github.com/lbussy/WsprryPi
Documentation: https://wsprdocs.aa0nt.net

Key Features

• Full WSPR transmitter: Works standalone with Raspberry Pi GPIO
• No SDR or external hardware required
• Supports multiple WSPR bands (via harmonic filtering)
• Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 support
• Lightweight and efficient
• Easy installation with a one-liner script
  curl -L install wspr.aa0nt.net | sudo bash

What’s New in Version 2.x?

• Rewritten core codebase for better performance and maintainability
• Improved timing accuracy, especially in the WSPR transmission loop
• Enhanced systemd integration for auto-start and reliability
• Future-ready support for modern Raspberry Pi OS and hardware
• More modular, extensible design

The development shift toward a modernized structure means it’s easier to maintain, easier to contribute to, and more robust in handling real-world scenarios.

Things to Keep in Mind

• WSPR transmission through GPIO may produce harmonics. Filtering is essential to ensure spectral cleanliness and regulatory compliance.
• A low-pass filter or bandpass filter should be used before connecting the GPIO output to an antenna.
• Only licensed amateur radio operators should use WsprryPi for over-the-air transmissions.

Conclusion

WsprryPi continues to be a great tool for experimentation, learning, and passive beaconing. Whether you’re testing a new antenna, studying propagation, or simply interested in digital modes, it’s a low-cost project that packs a lot of value. The Raspberry Pi—already a favorite among radio experimenters—becomes even more versatile with WsprryPi installed.

If you want to give it a try, check out the GitHub repo or the official docs to get started. It’s a perfect example of how modern software and open hardware can empower amateur radio in smart, efficient ways.

Useful Links

• GitHub Repository: https://github.com/lbussy/WsprryPi
• Docs & Install Guide: https://wsprdocs.aa0nt.net

The post WsprryPi 2.x – A Modern WSPR Beacon Using Only a Raspberry Pi appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

A Special Reflection for Malaysian Amateur Radio Operators

Today, 31st August 2025, we celebrate 68 years of Malaysia’s independence. On this day, Malaysians from all walks of life come together to honour the struggles of our forefathers, the sacrifices of our heroes, and the unity that has brought us this far as a nation.

For us in the amateur radio community, Merdeka carries an extra layer of meaning. Amateur radio has always been about freedom of communication, exploration of knowledge, and service to society. Just as our country fought for independence, amateur radio thrives on the spirit of independence, operators building, experimenting, and connecting without borders.

Amateur Radio & National Spirit

Since the early days, Malaysian amateur radio operators (or “hams”) have contributed to:

• Emergency communications during disasters, when conventional systems fail.
• Friendship and goodwill, linking Malaysians with the global ham community.
• Technical innovation, experimenting with antennas, propagation, satellites, and digital modes.
• Nation building, through community events, education, and training the next generation of operators.

This Merdeka, we remember that our hobby is not just about radio, it is about unity, resilience, and service, values that mirror the very foundation of our independence.

Looking Ahead

As Malaysia advances into a digital and interconnected future, amateur radio remains relevant and meaningful. Whether through HF contacts across continents, VHF/UHF repeaters, APRS, satellites, or even experimentation with new digital modes, we carry forward the Merdeka spirit, adaptable, independent, and innovative.

Let us continue to:

• Mentor new hams and keep the spirit alive.
• Volunteer our skills for society whenever needed.
• Uphold the amateur’s code of respect, courtesy, and lifelong learning.

73 & Selamat Hari Kebangsaan!

On behalf of the Malaysian amateur radio community, we wish everyone a Happy Merdeka 2025. May the spirit of independence continue to inspire us, on the airwaves and in our daily lives.

The post Selamat Hari Kebangsaan 2025 appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Good news for all CW (Morse code) enthusiasts! A web-based version of the legendary Morse Runner is now live at https://morserunner.hamradio.my/. This new platform brings all the excitement of contest-style Morse code pileups right into your browser—no installation required.

Inspired by the original Morse Runner by Alex Shovkoplyas (VE3NEA), MorseRunnerJS is a modern JavaScript port that runs entirely in your browser. The open-source project is maintained by mgiugliano on GitHub, and we’ve deployed it for the Malaysian amateur radio community and the world to enjoy.

What Is MorseRunnerJS?

MorseRunnerJS simulates high-speed CW pileups, just like you’d hear during major DX contests. It’s ideal for:

• Training your ears to pick out callsigns under pressure
• Improving your CW receiving speed
• Practicing contest operation techniques
• Having fun with realistic Morse simulations

You don’t need to install anything—just visit the site and start copying CW like you’re on the air!

Features

Web-based: Runs in your browser
Realistic pileups with multiple callers
Adjustable difficulty and speed
Familiar keyboard shortcuts (like in the original Morse Runner)
Open source and actively maintained

Why Use morserunner.hamradio.my?

This deployment is hosted in Malaysia to support regional operators and learners. Whether you’re studying for your CW exam, brushing up on rusty ears, or prepping for your next IARU or CQ WW contest, this tool is for you.

And yes, it works perfectly on Linux, Windows, macOS, and even mobile browsers (though keyboards are easier!).

Want to Run It Yourself?

This service is powered by the public GitHub repository at https://github.com/mgiugliano/MorseRunnerJS. If you prefer running it locally or contributing to its development, that’s a great place to start.

Try it now: https://morserunner.hamradio.my/
Improve your CW, one pileup at a time.

The post MorseRunner Now Online at morserunner.hamradio.my – Train Your CW Like a Pro! appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

“CQ CQ Bunkers on the Air — from a site once guarding our shores, now echoing with RF!”

A new and exciting on-air activity is taking root in Malaysia — one that blends amateur radio, history, and adventure in a way we’ve never done before.

Introducing 9M Bunkers on the Air (9MBOTA) — the official Malaysian chapter of the global WWBOTA (World Wide Bunkers on the Air) movement. Designed for licensed radio amateurs who love portable operation and heritage exploration, this activity encourages hams to activate and operate near historical bunkers and fortifications — with proper respect, safety, and permission.

Official Site: https://9mbota.hamradio.my

What is WWBOTA?

World Wide Bunkers on the Air (WWBOTA) is an international amateur radio initiative focused on activating historic bunkers, pillboxes, forts, and underground military sites. Operators set up portable stations near these locations and make contacts with other hams around the world.

Like SOTA (Summits on the Air) or POTA (Parks on the Air), WWBOTA is all about activating from specific reference sites — but with a unique twist: each one tells a military or wartime story.

What is 9MBOTA?

9MBOTA is Malaysia’s official participation in WWBOTA. With a rich landscape of wartime bunkers, pillboxes, and forts from World War II, the Malayan Emergency, and the colonial era, Malaysia is a natural fit for this global movement.

Whether it’s a Japanese WWII bunker in Penang, an old British pillbox in Johor, or a hidden fort in Borneo — these sites are now being rediscovered and activated by Malaysian amateur radio operators under the 9MBOTA banner.

IMPORTANT: Always operate near the bunker, not inside. Do not enter private or restricted areas unless you have full permission. Your safety is your responsibility.

How to Get Started with 9MBOTA

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the official website
2. Find a reference site
   Use the map/list of bunkers in Malaysia with official WWBOTA reference codes (e.g. B/9M-0001).
3. Choose your activation site wisely
   Only operate from public, accessible land near the bunker. Avoid entering private or dangerous locations.
4. Set up your portable radio station
   HF or VHF/UHF — you decide. Most WWBOTA activations happen on 40m and 20m SSB, but FT8, CW, FM, and digital modes are welcome too.
5. Call “CQ Bunkers on the Air”
   Log your QSOs, take some photos, and submit your activation details on the website.
6. Spot yourself
   Use the WWBOTA cluster or apps like Ham2K Portable Logger or fieldspotter.radio to help other chasers find you.

Why Participate?

• Explore History: Learn about Malaysia’s wartime past in a hands-on way.
• Test Your Portable Skills: Practice off-grid operating in real-world outdoor conditions.
• Promote Heritage & Tourism: Share photos, logs, and experiences to raise awareness of these historical sites.
• Earn Recognition: Points, awards, and certificates are available through WWBOTA.

Safety & Access Rules

WWBOTA and 9MBOTA do not take responsibility for your access or safety. Always follow local laws, respect property boundaries, and put safety first.

DO:

• Operate near bunkers from safe, legal locations
• Check maps, land ownership, and surroundings
• Inform someone of your location and carry a phone/GPS
• Get permission for private or protected land

DO NOT:

• Enter a bunker or tunnel unless explicitly allowed
• Trespass on private or restricted property
• Put yourself in unsafe or hazardous environments

Helpful Tools

• WWBOTA Website
• 9MBOTA Website
• Ham2K Portable Logger
• Fieldspotter Map
• WWBOTA Cluster
• WWBOTA WhatsApp Spot Group (spots only, no chat)

Final Words

9MBOTA offers a unique and meaningful way for Malaysian hams to explore their country, share its hidden stories, and keep the spirit of radio adventure alive. With every activation, you’re not just making QSOs — you’re bringing forgotten pieces of history back to life.

So next time you plan your portable setup, think beyond summits and parks — think bunkers. Respect them, operate near them, and make history heard once again… over the air.

The post 9M Bunkers on the Air (9MBOTA) – Malaysia Joins WWBOTA! appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.