In southern Sweden at a place called Grimeton, is an historic radio transmitter, the only remaining example of its type.
What is so special about it?
To generate the RF, instead of the usual valves or transistors, it uses an alternator. Yes, a rotating mechanical machine.
As you may expect, the frequency is rather low at 17.2kHz.
The station was built many years ago (1920s) to provide a reliable long distance communication system in conjunction with similar transmitters at other places around the world.
The transmitter at Grimeton is preserved as a museum, but the associated antenna is still used by the Swedish Navy for use on 40.4kHz.
Twice a year, the old transmitter is connected to the antenna and run up to send a short message.
The days are Alexanderson Day (in memory of the the guy who designed the alternator) which is the first Sunday in July, and Christmas Eve the 24th December.
Tomorrows transmission takes place at 08:00 UTC (GMT in disguise).
I will be up nice and early to listen for it, having heared it several times in recent years.
For more information about SAQ, have a look here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varberg_Radio_Station
or here:
https://www.grimeton.info/
It may appear in Swedish, but click on the Union Flag for an English vesion.
JimB
What is so special about it?
To generate the RF, instead of the usual valves or transistors, it uses an alternator. Yes, a rotating mechanical machine.
As you may expect, the frequency is rather low at 17.2kHz.
The station was built many years ago (1920s) to provide a reliable long distance communication system in conjunction with similar transmitters at other places around the world.
The transmitter at Grimeton is preserved as a museum, but the associated antenna is still used by the Swedish Navy for use on 40.4kHz.
Twice a year, the old transmitter is connected to the antenna and run up to send a short message.
The days are Alexanderson Day (in memory of the the guy who designed the alternator) which is the first Sunday in July, and Christmas Eve the 24th December.
Tomorrows transmission takes place at 08:00 UTC (GMT in disguise).
I will be up nice and early to listen for it, having heared it several times in recent years.
For more information about SAQ, have a look here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varberg_Radio_Station
or here:
https://www.grimeton.info/
It may appear in Swedish, but click on the Union Flag for an English vesion.
JimB