South African Radio League Introduction to Amateur Radio: A study guide for the Radio Amateur Examination

Abstract

This Introduction to Amateur Radio is exactly that: The document provides an entry into the wonderful world of amateur radio, specifically for would-be radio amateurs. South Africa complies with CEPT T/R 61-01, the European recommendation on mutual recognition of amateur radio licences. South African radio amateurs can exercise their privileges in more than 80 countries and territories with minimal paperwork. In exchange, we have an obligation to ensure that all licence holders possess a minimum level of knowledge commensurate with that required in other countries. Andrew Roos, then ZS1AN, produced most of this study guide around 2005. Colin de Villiers ZS6COL brought it into alignment with ISO units and formatting in 2007. It covers all items in the HAREC syllabus, which forms Annex 6 to TR 61-02. The latest version of that syllabus is dated 2004-02-12. It is through Andrew’s and Colin’s hard work and with mediation from the South African Radio League that this monumental piece of work is offered free of charge to anyone wanting to become a radio amateur in South Africa. Our hope is that its availability will also help would-be amateurs elsewhere in Africa. Amateur radio has a great role to play in fostering skills in modern communications technology.