AA Radio Services specialise in the sales, service, installation and maintenance of all types and most brands of two-way radios and other mobile communications equipment.

Tongan Defence Service has new Icom VHF Radios

The Australian Defence Force recently negotiated the purchase of a new VHF Radio system which was presented to the Tonga Defence Service as part of an assistance package by the Australian Government. Until the new system was installed the Tongan Military did not have reliable communications over Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga and home to eighty percent of the Tongan population.

After an approach to Icom by the ADF representative, AA Radio were requested to do the system design and provide quotes for the system. In addition, the ADF also requested AA Radio to provide the installation facilities and train the Signals Section of the Tongan Defence Service (TDS) at the same time. To enable the TDS to have the potential for future technology upgrades, the equipment recommended was based on the Icom IC-F1810 and IC-F70T radios, thus giving an upgrade path to P-25 digital technology within the life of the radio system. Icom IC-FR3000 repeaters were also recommended.

In Mid-October 2007 Ian Miller and Craig Yule of AA Radio travelled to Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, to install the equipment. With the very able and keen assistance of the Signals Section of the TDS the installation of two VHF repeaters and associated hardware, as well as mobile radios and handheld radios was undertaken. Much time was taken with patient explanation to the local TDS members on how the works were done and how to handle the installation process. It was very satisfying that after the first few installations in vehicles, the local staff was taking over and were very keen to demonstrate their new-found skills.

At the completion of the installation the radio system was tested and found to cover virtually all of the main island of Nuku’alofa with mobile coverage and around ninety percent of the island with handheld radio coverage. Needless to say the TDS were very pleased with the radio system and its operation. As part of the overall package supplied by AA Radio, specific operator training packages were developed for the TDS in order for them to be assimilated into the standard training procedures for all members of the military in Tonga.

At the completion of the installation, Brigadier ‘Uta’atu, Commander of the TDS, made a short speech of thanks to both the AA Radio staff and the local representatives of the Australian Defence Force, and then presented AA Radio with a small token of appreciation which is to be displayed in the office at AA Radio Services. Ian Miller from AA Radio thanked the Commander and complimented him on the attitude and dedication of the Signals group of the TDS as they had been willing and keen to learn all they could about the new system.

Subsequent to the installation of the new communications system Brig ‘Uta’atu was very pleased to be asked to provide the communications and liaising for the Pacific Leaders Forum held in Tonga in late October 2007. It was recognised that the new TDS radios offered the best communication system available within the Tongan Government.

Ian Miller – AA Radio - October 24th 2007