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Docs Frequencies & Regulations Switzerland Radio Legal

Switzerland Radio Legal

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Using the 433 MHz beacon legally in Switzerland: OFCOM rules, ISM power limits, and practical notes for the Alps.

Switzerland Radio Legal

Switzerland follows the CEPT harmonized framework through OFCOM (Bakom). The beacon’s 433 MHz ISM operation is license-free within the standard limits.

ISM operation

The band 433.050 - 434.790 MHz is open to license-free short-range devices. The standard ISM limit applies: maximum 10 mW ERP for general use. Equipment must be type-approved under the SRD framework; a module like the E22 with CE certification satisfies this.

The power setting in practice

At typical beacon power levels above 10 mW ERP, the device operates outside the license-free envelope. The practical position, as documented throughout this wiki: use the legal power floor for routine beaconing, reserve higher settings for genuine emergencies, and test only with a dummy load or on amateur-licensed channels.

Duty cycle

Swiss rules apply the harmonized duty-cycle limits for continuous operation. The beacon’s sleep interval exists to respect this (see Duty Cycle Rule).

The emergency exception

The distress exception applies: a person in genuine danger may exceed the normal limits to summon help. The beacon’s EMERGENCY mode is designed for exactly this situation.

Amateur alternative

Swiss amateur licensing (HB callsigns) opens the 70 cm band with full privileges. The beacon’s frequency and identification settings support this use (see Callsign Identification).

Practical Alpine notes

  • Cross-border trips: the beacon’s behavior is identical across CH/IT/FR/AT because all four follow the same harmonized framework; the Frequency Compatibility tables are valid on all of them.
  • The SEARCH mode is fully legal in all these countries: receiving requires no license anywhere.