When:
🗓️ The Sunday closest to July 2
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
❓
📻
Alexanderson Day: Celebrating Radio History and Transmissions
Get ready to step back in time and experience the wonders of early radio technology on Alexanderson Day!
This event, which bears the name of the distinguished Swedish radio engineer Ernst Fredrik Werner Alexanderson, is a celebration of the creation of Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology and a tribute to the early days of radio.
Alexanderson Day is typically held either on the last Sunday in June or the first Sunday in July, whichever is closer to 2nd July, in the vicinity of Varberg, Sweden. This occasion offers a unique opportunity to see world’s only Alexanderson alternator transmitter still being used.
Transmitting History: The Purpose of Alexanderson Day
The Grimeton transmitter, also known as SAQ, an impressive Alexanderson alternator that serves as a monument to early radio technology, is at the center of Alexanderson Day. This rare and historic Alexanderson alternator transmitter transmits short Morse code messages at an astonishingly low frequency of 17.2 kHz with the aim to be received throughout Europe.
While these transmissions cannot be received by ordinary radios, modern enthusiasts have found innovative ways to tune in. Radio hobbyists use a variety of reception techniques to capture the messages sent by SAQ in Morse code. Others use short-wave receivers with upconverters, while some use a PC connected to a coil and FFT analysis software to monitor the transmissions.
Dedicated receivers designed for VLF transmissions or software-defined radio receivers have also proven to be valuable tools for receiving the signals from SAQ around the world.
Joining the Celebration:
Attend the Open House: If you’re in the vicinity of Varberg, Sweden, make sure to visit the Grimeton VLF transmitter site on Alexanderson Day. Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere, learn about the history of radio, and witness the awe-inspiring SAQ transmitter in action.
While attending Alexanderson Day in person is a treat for radio enthusiasts, there are other ways to engage with this remarkable event. Modern technology allows enthusiasts to monitor the transmissions using specialized equipment or software-defined radio receivers.
By tuning in and participating, you become a part of the ongoing legacy of radio history and contribute to the preservation of this unique form of communication.
And don’t forget to share the story of Alexanderson Day and the Grimeton VLF transmitter with fellow radio enthusiasts and history buffs.
Help raise awareness about this one-of-a-kind event and the significance of safeguarding early radio technology. Share your reception experiences, exchange tips and techniques, and contribute to discussions about the historical importance of Alexanderson Day.
Rediscovering the Magic of Radio’s Past
Alexanderson Day is an invitation to step into the captivating world of early radio technology.
Take the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Alexanderson Day, where radio history comes alive, and the echoes of Morse code resonate across continents.
Whether you come to the open house, tune in with advanced equipment, or simply spread the word, your participation helps to ensure that the story of Alexanderson and the Grimeton transmitter will captivate and inspire future generations.
Happy Alexanderson Day!
#AlexandersonDay
