Reading material for training and further education

Recommended books and magazines for radio amateurs and those wishing to become one — from the licence exam to practical operation.

Reading list for amateur radio

The following book, written for the old German ‘A’ licence, is a useful supplement for preparing for the HB3/HB9 examination

‘Amateur Radio Technical Course’ by E.K.W. Moltrecht, DJ4UF

This course is based on the 2007 examination question catalogue published by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA). All topics covered within it from the areas of mathematical fundamentals, electrical engineering, electronics, as well as transmitter and receiver technology, transmission technology, antenna technology and measurement technology from the ‘Technical Knowledge’ section are explained in detail. Knowledge acquired from the amateur radio course for the Class E amateur radio licence is required. The current question catalogue from the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is required as an additional resource.

The book is structured to provide a pedagogically sound course, whilst specifically addressing the exam questions taken from the BNetzA’s question catalogue. The difficult exam questions are worked out in detail and the exam questions are answered. The course is equally suitable for use alongside amateur radio courses and for self-study.

304 pages, format 16.5 x 23 cm

VTH Order No. 411 0089

ISBN: 978-3-8180-389-2

Amateurfunk Lehrgang Technik “Der Weg zu HB9” von E.K.W. Moltrecht, DJ4UF
Amateurfunk Lehrgang Technik für die Einsteigerlizenz von E.K.W. Moltrecht, DJ4UF

Amateur Radio Course: Technology for the Beginner’s Licence by E.K.W. Moltrecht, DJ4UF

The following book, written for the old German Licence N, is suitable as a supplementary resource for preparing for the HB3/HB9 examination

This course is based on the Federal Network Agency’s list of examination questions for the Class E amateur radio licence. All topics covered therein – ranging from the fundamentals of electrical engineering and electronics to transmitters and receivers, antenna technology and measurement technology – including calculations for electromagnetic compatibility – are explained in such detail that the candidate will be able to answer every question in the question bank correctly.

Drawing on experience from practical courses, the order of the course material has been chosen so that some interesting chapters on radio technology are covered quite early on. However, no prior knowledge of electrical engineering is required; the course builds on standard primary school knowledge.

240 pages, format 16.5 x 23 cm

VTH Order No. 411 0064

ISBN: 978-3-88180-364-9

Amateur Radio Course: ‘Operating Procedures and Regulations’ by E.K.W. Moltrecht, DJ4UF

Covering operating procedures in great detail and always with an eye to the relevant examination questions, the course covers topics such as the international spelling alphabet, the Q key, call signs, country codes, operational abbreviations, IARU band plans, shortwave operating procedures, VHF/UHF operating procedures, digital modes, the RST system, logbooks and QSL cards.

Particularly with regard to the many terms to be learnt, such as country codes, Q-groups or frequency bands, the overviews have been reduced to the necessary minimum compared with the question catalogue. Furthermore, the legal provisions, regulations and other rules relating to amateur radio are discussed in detail, and complex legal terms are explained.

This book is the ideal supplement to the ‘Amateur Radio Technology’ course for the Class E or Class A amateur radio licence. It should be studied in parallel with the technology section, for example, one lesson on technology followed by one lesson on operating procedures and regulations.

156 pages, format 16.5 x 23 cm

VTH Order No. 411 0103

ISBN: 978-3-88180-803-3

Amateurfunk Lehrgang "Betriebstechnik und Vorschriften"von E.K.W. Moltrecht, DJ4UF
Harald Zisler: Amateurfunk

Harald Zisler: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio is a fascinating hobby: it combines applied technology with real-world communication when you use your homemade antenna to make contact with radio stations all over the world. Harald Zisler (DL6RAL) shows you how it’s done: from a simple introduction to the technical background, from practice questions for the amateur radio examination to setting up your own station. This reference book helps you take your first steps and guides you through practical radio operations. From the contents: The Amateur Radio Experience, Component Theory, Physical Principles, Amateur Radio Technology, Interference & Troubleshooting, Safety, SDR Reception, Station Setup and Antenna Selection, Mobile Radio Operation, Digital Amateur Radio, Morse Code

Technical Knowledge for Radio Amateurs – The Content of the E and A Exams

Contents: The World of Amateur Radio – Amateur Radio Technology – Technical Calculations – Component Theory – Physical Fundamentals – The World of Resistors – Electrical Power – Alternating Current/Signals – The Electric Field (electrostatic field) – Magnetic field and inductance – R, C and L in an alternating current circuit – The semiconductor diode – The transistor and its basic circuits – The electron tube – Circuit theory: Power Supply – Fundamentals of Electronic Oscillation Generation – Transmitter and Reception Technology – Antennas – Transmission Lines – Standing Waves and Power Reflection – Sheath Waves – Matching, Transformation and Symmetrisation – Electromagnetic fields – Power and field strength – Measurement and measuring instruments – Interference & Co. – Safety – Practical work and projects – SDR reception with SDRplay RSP2pro – After passing the exam – Setting up a station – Antenna construction for beginners – Radio operation outside your own four walls – Digital amateur radio – Remote radio operation – Morse code

687 pages, dimensions 24 x 17 x 4.5 cm

ISBN: 978-3-8362-8938-2

Max Rüegger HB9ACC: Practical Guide to Antenna Installation

Even today, when commercial equipment dominates the shacks, antenna technology still offers radio amateurs an interesting field of activity for DIY projects. This book mainly describes wire antennas that can easily be built by the reader.

The author has deliberately avoided providing ‘step-by-step instructions’. Instead, he offers easy-to-understand explanations and provides interesting ideas. In 40 chapters, featuring over 600 illustrations and numerous tables, Max Rüegger explores a wide range of aspects of shortwave antenna construction, from site selection and feed lines to materials science and the installation of antennas – even those that are not immediately recognisable.

This 5th edition has been supplemented with, amongst other things, many useful tips on the topics of lightning protection and safety.

The author, Max Rüegger, HB9ACC, was born in 1942 and has held a licence since the age of 20. As an experienced telecommunications engineer, he approaches the subject of antenna installation from a practical perspective, drawing on decades of experience from his life in radio – which is not limited to amateur radio. As a radio amateur, HB9ACC prefers the CW mode. In addition to antenna technology, his interests lie in DX contact, particularly on the low bands.

488 pages

Slides for the two presentations (on antennas) by Max Rüegger, HB9ACC, at the Bern Section

Detailed documentation on the talks by Max Rüegger, HB9ACC (as at 2007)

  • All About Antennas, Part 1 (PDF 3.5 MB) General information, materials, accessories
  • All About Antennas, Part 2 (PDF 2.5 MB) Feeder cables, SWR
  • All About Antennas, Part 3 (PDF 3.3 MB) Antenna couplers, SWR meters, measuring instruments, baluns
  • All About Antennas, Part 4 (PDF 3.2 MB) Antenna theory, antenna simulation
  • All About Antennas, Part 5 (pdf 5.5 MB) Dipoles, Windom Antennas, Trap Antennas, Long-Wire Antennas
  • All About Antennas, Part 6 (pdf 14.5 MB) Full-wave dipole, L-antennas, slopers, loop antennas, vertical antennas
  • All About Antennas, Part 7 (PDF 3.6 MB) Voltage-fed antennas, shortened antennas, special designs

Magazines

HBradio the official publication of the USKA www.uska.ch
CQ-DL the official publication of the DARC radio https://www.darc.de/nachrichten/amateurfunkmagazin-cq-dl/
amateurs Magazine for amateur radio electronics Radio technology www.funkamateur.de/

Max Rüegger HB9ACC: Praxisbuch Antennenbau