Tradition Carries on in Sweden

The World Heritage Site in Grimeton, Sweden, once again fired up its 200kW Alexanderson alternator on Christmas Eve morning for a long wave transmission of a CW message of peace.

What is important is that this 100-year-old transmitter is still functional and in this digital age, it is easy to forget where our technology comes from when everyone is obsessed with waterfalls and SDR. Sending this traditional message - as it does several times a year - is a reminder of the advances communication has made but also a reminder that some things are built to last!

This event is carried off with great devotion entirely by volunteers and those who are not fortunate enough to have a long wave receiver can listen on an SDR or watch it livestreamed on YouTube.

It was a success this year - and that is no small feat for this mammoth piece of equipment that has required maintenance and some repairs since it was put into service in 1924.