Watching the skies with an SBS-1 Virtual Radar
 

Dear all,

Has anyone successfully imported a Kinetics Avionics SBS-1 Virtual Radar into Bahrain? I thought I would go through the right channels and sent off a 'request of importation' to the TRA who later replied stating that the Directorate of Wireless Licensing, Frequencies and Monitoring (DWLFM) would not permit it's entry. No reason was given (surprise surprise)! Do you think the intellects at customs would know what it was if they saw it? I'm thinking of taking a risk and seeing what happens.

If anyone knows who I might be able to approach/sweet talk please PM me! The device is completely passive and has no capability of transmission. I love ATC screens and receivers. How on earth could such a product be a threat to national security? :bored:


Here's a link to what I want to import.
http://www.kinetic-avionics.co.uk/sbs-1.php

Have you see the Kuwait Radar at www.kuwaitstorm.com

L_LLz

I have indeed - and I'd love to run something similar in Bahrain - at least be able to stream transmissions from OBBI Tower over the internet. VHF receivers are "banned" in this country - along with remote controlled planes and helicopters. There's no flight training schools here, our airspace around the whole country is restricted. It's a total nightmare if aviation excites you!

This site might be of interest to you: http://www.airnavsystems.com/

Im not sure with the regulations in bahrain, this part of the world is a bit strange when it comes down to things like that. A buddy of mine has passed thru obbi once with a handheld reciever and when the customs agent asked him whats it for he just said it was part of his flight gear and he was able to pass thru ok. but im not sure how they will react towards bigger equipment.

Im trying to setup a live atc feed for omdb and omsj will let you know how that goes here.

another link since its of ur interest: http://www.liveatc.net/

goodluck :-)

i am going to bring a handled reciever to bahrain, because they hardly check in the airport.

I did some asking around today - Paid a visit to DHL in Bahrain and asked about importing the SBS-1 and a VHF receiver. They said they had their own customs employees at the aiport :ooh: (dont know how that works) - and the chap had a look in some DHL manual that has all the control import/export lists for each country. Under the restricted & prohibited items for Bahrain, it had no mention of VHF recievers or any controls on aeronautical equiptment! So I think I'm going to see what goodies I can bring in via DHL! :}

TZZ: Many years ago i brought in a manual VHF airband scanner from england (it was only a 20 pound manual handheld one) and it looked like a pocket FM radio - anyways - It clearly said AIRBAND SCANNER which I covered up with a mickey mouse sticker and it looked so childish! I got it through with no problems. :}

Just found this:

http://www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh/Cus...ricted/Import/

Theyve got the list up online! Dont know how current it is. :hmm:

Do customs still stop people with cordless phones? I know they used to - My cousin was pulled aside whilst they had a look at the phone, what frequency it utilizied and what distance it would cover.. Why oh why do they have to be so anal about such things? It's not like we can eavesdrop on MoI comms anymore - theyve phased out VHF r/t and have gone digital with controversial TETRA network.. (TETRA base stations visible on all Fire stations in Bahrain). :8

thats really great what you did, the one i want to bring really looks like one illegal but whenever i come to bahrain they never check my bags, so i will take the risk and see how it works.

Urgh! I've got a VHF airband reciever stuck with customs in Bahrain - Can anyone offer any advice on how I might be able to get it released? Customs want me to apply to the TRA to get a release - TRA say they need to consult with the Directorate of Wireless Licencencing and Monitoring along with the CAA should I apply for a release. How f***ing retarded!

.Aero,

Go to a half decent Freight Forwarder, tell them you wish to re-export the device, send it to a friend then pick it up or ask someone to bring it into you later!!

That maybe a soloution..

Many moons ago they used to prohibit those 2.4ghz cordless fones...and lots of other things...now they sell them everywhere..times are a changin', good luck with the vhf though..there aqre customs agents assigned to the DHL facility, and also designated inspectors tht are DHL employees, but that doesn't change the rules, and whether it's a govt customs employee, or a designated inspector, they will/do enforce the laws of the land..they may be able to accomodate a permit for you though.

Ironbutt57 - I dont think very much has changed to be honest.

Thats taken from the TRA website - The 2.4/5 Ghz spectrum which by the way is considered a free-for-all under the ITU requires a licence in this country. Fact is - if it looks like a walkie-talkie under their xray machines - your not having it! End of. :mad:

I think this is a more appropriate thread to post my next question. I've tried and failed with customs - sum have been lucky and have gotten their goodies in without being stopped. So I'd like to know if items sent to APO addresses destined for Bahrain are inspected/scrutinized by customs like all regular mail?? :rolleyes: :ok: