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Original multiple-choice practice questions based on the current RSGB syllabus and the style of its published mock papers. Practise licensing, operating procedures, radio theory, propagation, antennas, EMC and safety. Question and answer order is shuffled.
Licence power limits are band-specific: Foundation is typically 25 W PEP, Intermediate 100 W PEP, and Full up to 1 kW PEP where the Ofcom schedule permits.
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Study Material
Quick reference for selected Foundation topics. Use it alongside the current RSGB syllabus, official mock papers and Ofcom licence terms.
Power limits (Ofcom, from Feb 2024)
| Licence | Typical max PEP (most bands) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 25 W | Was 10 W before 2024. Check Schedule 1 for exceptions. |
| Intermediate | 100 W | Was 50 W. More bands than Foundation. |
| Full | Up to 1000 W on some primary bands | Limits and restrictions vary by band. Always check licence Schedule 1. |
You must comply with Ofcom's EMF exposure conditions. The required assessment depends on the station and exposure circumstances; use current Ofcom guidance rather than relying on a single power threshold.
Identification
- Keep your station clearly identifiable and transmit your callsign as frequently as practicable, as required by the current Ofcom licence.
- There is no fixed 15-minute identification interval in the current licence conditions.
- Use the callsign specified by your licence. A slash suffix may be added where appropriate; check the licence and operating guidance for the circumstances.
Ohm’s Law & power
- V = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance)
- P = V × I (Power = Voltage × Current)
- Also: P = I²R and P = V²/R
- Resistance unit: ohm (Ω)
Wavelength
- Approximate: λ (metres) ≈ 300 / f (MHz)
- 145 MHz ≈ 2 m · 14 MHz ≈ 20 m · 7 MHz ≈ 40 m · 3.5 MHz ≈ 80 m
- Half-wave dipole length ≈ 150 / f (MHz) metres
SWR, feeders & antennas
- SWR measures how well the antenna/feeder is matched. Near 1:1 is ideal.
- Coax = unbalanced feeder · Open-wire / twin = balanced
- Dummy load = a matched, low-radiation load for testing
- ATU helps match the impedance presented to the transmitter; it does not necessarily make the antenna resonant or improve its efficiency
- Low-pass filter reduces harmonics leaving the transmitter
Operating practice
- Listen first before transmitting
- RST: Readability 1–5, Strength 1–9 (Tone 1–9 for CW). 59 = excellent
- Phonetics: Alfa, Bravo, Charlie … Sierra, Tango … Zulu (international radiotelephony alphabet)
- QRM = man-made interference · QRN = natural noise · QTH = location
- Band plans are voluntary but widely followed so modes can share the bands
- Repeaters use a frequency offset (split) between input and output
Safety & EMC
- Isolate from mains before working inside equipment; capacitors can hold charge
- Never touch antennas or open feeders while transmitting (RF burns)
- Keep antennas clear of overhead power lines
- Correct fuse rating protects cable and equipment
- If interference is reported: cooperate to identify the cause, check your station and take steps to prevent undue interference; use only the power needed for the contact
- Ferrite chokes on leads often help domestic breakthrough
Reference set checked 5 October 2026: RSGB syllabus v1.6b with March 2026 change notes, Ofcom amateur licence booklet OFW611, and Ofcom EMF guidance updated 9 February 2026. Follow the linked sources for later revisions.
Official & further study
- Ofcom — licence conditions, EMF, Schedule 1
- RSGB — syllabus, training, official mocks, exams
- RSGB official mock papers and exam reference booklets
- RSGB syllabus v1.6b — complete specification (PDF)
- RSGB syllabus v1.6b — March 2026 change notes (PDF)
- RSGB exam specifications: paper length, pass marks and timing
- Ofcom EMF assessment and records guidance (updated February 2026)
- Ham (UK) Guide on pttradio.co.uk
- Resources on pttradio.co.uk