HAM Radio Exam Study Plan - Switzerland

Date:

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Recommended Study Resources
3. Study Timeline and Topics
4. Mock Exam Questions
5. Conclusion

1. Introduction

This document provides a detailed 6-month study plan for the Swiss HAM radio exam, optimized for individuals with prior radio operation experience. It covers theory, practical applications, and regulations. The plan begins on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

1.1 Study Goals

• Master fundamental electrical principles.
• Understand radio wave propagation deeply.
• Hands-on antenna and modulation techniques.
• Learn Swiss licensing rules and operational procedures.
• Successfully pass the HAM radio certification exam.

2. Recommended Study Resources

• ARRL Ham Radio License Manual:
  https://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-license-manual
• IRTS HAREC Study Guide:
  https://www.irts.ie/cgi/st.cgi?harec
• ITU Radio Regulations Handbook:
  https://www.itu.int/en/publications/ITU-R/pages/publications.aspx
• Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) Guidelines:
  https://www.bakom.admin.ch/
• RSGB Operating Manual:
  https://rsgb.org/main/

3. Study Timeline and Topics

March - April: Electrical and Circuit Theory

• Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws.
• AC/DC circuits, impedance, reactance.
• Practical circuit building and testing.

May - June: Radio Wave Propagation and Modulation

• HF, VHF, UHF propagation.
• Amplitude, frequency, digital modulation techniques.
• Hands-on software-defined radio (SDR) tuning.

July - August: Antennas, Licensing, and Exam Review

• Antenna types, SWR matching, practical tuning.
• Licensing rules, frequency allocations, operating procedures.
• Full mock exams, troubleshooting weak topics.

4. Mock Exam Questions

1. What is the primary advantage of SSB over AM?
   • (A) Less bandwidth usage.
   • (B) Higher power consumption.
   • (D) Better audio quality.
   Answer: (A)
2. What type of antenna is best for NVIS propagation?
   • (A) Vertical antenna.
   • (B) Low dipole.
   • (C) Yagi.
   • (D) Parabolic dish.
   Answer: (B)

5. Conclusion

This structured approach ensures effective exam preparation with minimal wasted effort.

Recommended Daily Study: 1-2 hours + hands-on practice (if possible).