SM6NM Lars Kålland at the key

SAQ 17.5 kHz transmissions on Christmas Eve

The Swedish VLF transmitter SAQ at Grimeton will be transmitting on 17.5 kHz on Christmas Eve.

A test signal will be sent from about 07:30 UTC.
A message will be sent at 08:00 UTC and repeated at 08:15 UTC. The frequency is 17.2 kHz CW.

The Varberg Radio Station at Grimeton in southern Sweden (built 1922–24) uses an Alexanderson Alternator and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list on July 2nd 2004.

It is an exceptionally well-preserved monument to early wireless transatlantic communication consisting of the transmitter equipment, including the aerial system of six 127-m high steel towers. Although no longer in regular use, the equipment has been maintained in operating condition.

The 109.9-ha site comprises buildings housing the original Alexanderson transmitter, including the towers with their antennae, short-wave transmitters with their antennae, and a residential area with staff housing.

The architect Carl Åkerblad designed the main buildings in the neoclassical style and the structural engineer Henrik Kreüger was responsible for the antenna towers, the tallest built structures in Sweden at that time. The site is an outstanding example of the development of telecommuni-cations and is the only surviving example of a major transmitting station based on pre-electronic technology.

QSL reports can be sent via:

E-mail to: info at alexander.n.se
Fax to: +46-340-674195
via SM bureau
Direct by mail to: Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner, Radiostationen,
Grimeton 72, S-430 16 ROLFSTORP, SWEDEN

SAQ is now a member of the Swedish Amateur Association (SSA) and "QSL via bureau" is OK.

SAQ Website
http://www.alexander.n.se/startsida_e.htm

UNESCO - Varberg Radio Station
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1134

Alexanderson alternator
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexanderson_alternator