Every year again… Grimeton

The Grimeton long-wave transmitter is a historically important radio transmitter in Sweden, located near Varberg on the west coast. It was put into operation in 1924 and originally served as part of the international radio network for commercial telecommunications, especially for transatlantic radio traffic. In its day, the transmitter was one of the most modern and powerful transmitters in the world and played a crucial role in communications between Europe and North America.

Grimeton was equipped with a long-wave transmitter, which had a particularly low frequency and thus enabled a long range. The transmitter was capable of transmitting signals over thousands of kilometres, contributing to international communications before modern satellite and internet communications became widespread.

The Grimeton transmitter was decommissioned in 1995 as radio communication technology evolved and the need for such long-wave transmitters declined. Nevertheless, the transmitter was recognised as a technical heritage site and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, as it is an outstanding example of early radio communication technology.

Today, Grimeton is operated as a museum and technical monument. Visitors can tour the site, learn about the history of the transmitter and see the impressive transmitter building and gigantic antenna systems. The transmitter is also occasionally put back into operation for special events and demonstrations to show how the old technology works.

On Tuesday morning, 24 December 2024, SAQ Grimeton will go on air on 17.2 kHz CW with the 200 kW Alexanderson generator from 1924 to broadcast the traditional Christmas message to the whole world.

Live Youtube video on 24.12.2024 from 08:20: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-83S-l9JKD1iuhsXx3XQ3g?sub_confirmation=1

Further information:

https://alexander.n.se/en/saq-to-air-on-christmas-eve-morning-dec-24th-2024/
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A4ngstwellensender_Grimeton

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)