On December 1st 1924, the 200kW Alexanderson alternator with the call sign “SAQ” was put into commercial operation with telegram traffic from Sweden to the United States. 101 years later, the transmitter is the only remaining electro-mechanical transmitter from this era and is still in running condition. On Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday December 24th 2025, the transmitter is scheduled* to spread the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, on 17.2 kHz CW.
Transmission Schedule
- 08:20 CET (07:20 UTC): Live stream on YouTube begins.
- 08:30 CET (07:30 UTC): Startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ.
- 09:00 CET (08:00 UTC): Transmission of a Christmas message from SAQ.
- 08:00 CET (07:00 UTC): The transmitter hall at World Heritage Grimeton is opened for visitors.
E-QSL reports may be submitted online.
Source: SAQ Grimeton