Operations

How do you operate a radio correctly? Operating procedures, digital modes, QRP operation, DX etiquette and everything you need to know about radio operation.

  • Kurzwellen-Funkantenne bei Sonnenuntergang

Modes

From CW and SSB to digital modes such as FT8 and APRS — the wide range of transmission methods in amateur radio.

  • Digital networks

Digital networks

Not voice, but data over the air: position reports, high-speed IP backbones and self-organising mesh networks — infrastructure that radio amateurs build themselves and operate independently of the internet.

  • Key abbreviations

Key abbreviations

Radio slang in a QSO — 73, OM/YL/XYL, QSO/QSL, Report 59, QTH, QRV, CQ and the Silent Key.

  • Morsetaste in einer Funkstation

Q-code and abbreviations

The Q-key, international CW abbreviations and the NATO spelling alphabet — radio abbreviations for efficient voice and telegraphy operations.

  • QRP

QRP

Transmission mode using low power — a maximum of 5 W in CW/Digi and 10 W in SSB. DX contact is still possible with a good antenna, location and operating procedure.

  • DX Code of Conduct

DX Code of Conduct

A Guide for Active Operators — 13 recommendations for proper conduct during radio operation on the amateur bands.

  • SWL – The Radio Listener

SWL – The Radio Listener

Short wave listener (SWL) — listening in on radio contacts, confirming them via QSL cards, becoming an active member of the USKA with an HE9 call sign.

  • Call signs & CEPT

Call signs & CEPT

How callsigns are allocated — the Swiss HB scheme, suffixes (/p, /m, /mm, /am) and the CEPT guest licence for three months’ radio operation abroad.

  • Logo der Internationalen Fernmeldeunion (ITU)

Prefix allocation

The ITU prefix identifies each call sign worldwide — Switzerland was allocated the HBA–HBZ group in 1929; H9 became HB9.

  • CB-Funk Sprechfunkgerät auf 27 MHz

CB radio

Citizens’ Band (CB) radio on 27 MHz for private, non-commercial radio traffic — licence-exempt in accordance with OFCOM regulations.