Hungary: BKV Rádióklub – HA5KDQ, A Vibrant Hub for Amateur Radio and Beyond

BUDAPEST, Hungary — The BKV Rádióklub, identified by its club callsign HA5KDQ and contest callsign HG5A, stands as a highly active and thriving amateur radio club with over 120 members. Its official website, www.ha5kdq.hu, serves as a comprehensive resource for its diverse activities.

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Engaged Activities and Community Building

The BKV Rádióklub offers a wide array of activities, fostering both technical exchange and community spirit:

• Club Days: These regular gatherings provide excellent opportunities for members to meet, exchange technical and informal information, and engage in team-building. It's a time for mutual learning, discussing current club matters, and handling QSL cards. The club also welcomes interested individuals, offering a chance for personal interaction and answering questions. During club days, HA5KDQ is active on amateur radio bands, with precise information available on the DX Cluster. Currently, there are no online club days, but information on any forced virtual gatherings (like during a pandemic) would be announced on their website.

• Events and Field Operations: The club regularly participates in events promoting amateur radio. At events like the Nagy Sportágválasztó (Great Sport Selection), visitors can try radio communication, test their Morse code skills, and search for radio direction finding (RDF) transmitters ("fox transmitters") using club-provided equipment and member guidance. Annually, the club hosts an Open Day at the Hármashatár-hegy contest station, warmly inviting all interested individuals, families, and club members. Details are available on their Facebook page.

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Education and Training for All Levels

The BKV Rádióklub is deeply committed to education, offering various training opportunities:

• Amateur Radio Exam Preparation: Club members contribute with lectures to the amateur radio exam preparation courses regularly organized by the Hungarian Radio Amateur Association (MRASZ).
• One-Day Courses: Personal and online one-day courses are primarily held before scheduled exam dates. Information is disseminated via their Facebook page and amateur radio Facebook groups. These include:
  • "How to take the exam smartly?": Consultation for those already registered for Novice and HAREC level exams.
  • Beginner Exam Preparation Course: A 4-hour session.
  • "I passed the exam! What's next?": A one-day session for licensed amateur radio operators seeking further self-training, whether they are new to the hobby or returning.
  • Further details on these courses can be found at https://bkvradioklub.hu/vizsga-felkeszites/.

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Competitive Spirit: Radio Contests and Orienteering

The club actively participates in radio contests, using callsigns HG5A, HA5KDQ, and HG0HQ. They follow the official contest calendar to select events and modes of participation, aiming to uphold the club's long-standing reputation for achieving excellent results.

For those interested in radio orienteering, the club plays a significant role in organizing monthly training sessions, primarily held at Hármashatár-hegy, Népliget, or the Péterhalmi Forest in the 18th district. They also contribute to organizing various levels of competitions and nurturing new talent in radio orienteering. All details regarding radio orienteering can be found at radiostajfutas.hu (or ardf.hu).

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Becoming a Member and Supporting the Club

The BKV Rádióklub continuously welcomes licensed and prospective amateur radio operators interested in radio and participating in its activities. To inquire about membership, individuals are encouraged to contact the club via one of their listed contact methods for detailed information. Membership conditions and fees are outlined in the club's statutes. More details are available at https://bkvradioklub.hu/tagsag/.

The club also relies on community support for its sustainability. You can contribute by donating 1% of your income tax. To do so, you'll need the following details:

• Name: Budapesti Közlekedési Vállalat Rádió Klub
• Tax ID: 19624899-2-42

Details on how to designate your 1% can be found on the NAV (National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary) website at https://nav.gov.hu/ado/szja1_1/11-os-rendelkezes-2024-ben/11-os-rendelkezes-2024-ben. The club extends its gratitude for any support received.