Vacuum tubes inside the Radio Delta AM shortwave transmitter in Elburg, Netherlands.
Independent shortwave from the Netherlands

Radio Delta AM — real radio, real listeners, real data. Real radio.
Real listeners.
Real data.

Radio Delta AM broadcasts from Elburg, Netherlands. We combine music, shortwave engineering, listener reports and real reception data. Our seasonal focus is clear: 75 metres in winter, 49 metres in summer, with daytime and DX tests when propagation allows.

Shortwave radio with a purpose

Radio Delta AM is not just a station playing records on shortwave. We are a community-driven shortwave project where music, transmitters, antennas, propagation and listener reports all come together.

Built around listeners and reception reports

Every report helps us understand how Radio Delta is received in the real world: which frequency worked, what signal quality was heard, which receiver was used and what antenna made the difference.

  • Music with a real shortwave signal. Our programmes are made for listeners who enjoy radio as an experience, not just as background audio.
  • Reception reports become data. SINPO, location, receiver and antenna details help us compare bands, seasons and antenna systems.
  • DXers are part of the development. We share what we learn, explain our technical choices and use listener feedback to improve future broadcasts.

Station profile

A clear overview of Radio Delta AM today.

Location
Elburg, Netherlands
Reference point for the Listener Map.
On air since
1975
Independent shortwave with history.
Winter focus
75 metre band
Lower-band focus for winter evenings and longer darkness.
Summer focus
49 metre band
Main European evening band during the summer season.
Radio Delta works with seasonal anchor bands rather than one fixed frequency. The current broadcast frequency and UTC times are always listed on the Program Schedule.

Our shortwave strategy

Shortwave changes with the season, the time of day and the condition of the ionosphere. Radio Delta AM therefore uses a practical band strategy instead of treating one single frequency as the whole station.

Our base approach is clear: the 75 metre band is our winter and late-evening foundation, while the 49 metre band is our main European band during the summer season and evening broadcasts.

For daytime coverage we may use the 31 metre band, and for special long-distance reception or DX openings we may test the 25 metre band. Exact frequencies can change because of propagation, interference, antenna tests and international frequency use.

That is why this homepage explains our band strategy instead of listing every temporary frequency change. The current frequency, UTC times and programme details are kept on the Program Schedule. Technical background, antenna tests and reception results are shared on the Technology pages.

Check the current Program Schedule    Explore Technology updates

Seasonal bands, practical choices

Radio Delta uses each shortwave band for the job it does best. The exact frequency may change, but the idea behind our band choices stays the same.

Winter / late evening

75 metres

The lower band for winter evenings, longer darkness and late European reception. This is where Radio Delta has its traditional low-band character.

Summer / evening

49 metres

Our main summer and evening band for European coverage. This band gives Radio Delta flexibility for strong regional and international reception.

Daytime / DX

31 and 25 metres

Used for daytime tests, special openings and longer-distance reception when propagation gives the higher bands a real chance.

Data-driven shortwave, shared with listeners

Every reception report helps us build a clearer picture of real shortwave performance. We use this information to improve our broadcasts and to create Technology updates that show what is actually happening on the bands.

Reception

Real signal reports

SINPO, UTC time, location and frequency show how the signal behaves across Europe and beyond.

Equipment

Receivers and antennas

A portable radio, SDR, long wire, loop or home-built antenna all tell a different story. This makes every report technically useful.

Development

From report to improvement

Listener data helps us compare frequencies, refine antennas, document coverage and explain our choices in future Technology posts.

The Radio Delta sound

Radio Delta is built around music, stories and the warm sound of AM radio. Our programmes are designed for listeners who enjoy the atmosphere of real broadcasting.

Main format

Five Decades of Music

Classic tracks from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond — selected for a broad international shortwave audience.

Features

Stories between the songs

Record stories, radio memories, listener moments and short items that make the broadcast feel alive and personal.

Community

Pure Dutch & listener voices

Dutch music moments, Radio Delta Heroes, reception reports and listener stories connect the programme with the people receiving it.

Radio Delta Heroes

A Radio Delta Hero is anyone who listens, reports and helps keep shortwave alive. Your report can become a pin on the map, an eQSL, a story or part of our technical reception database.

We value every kind of listener: the DXer checking SDRs across Europe, the collector using a vintage receiver, the hobbyist with a home-built antenna, and the casual listener who simply enjoys hearing real AM radio over the air.

Send your reception report, tell us what you heard, share your setup if you like, and help us build a living record of Radio Delta on shortwave.

Submit your reception report    View the Listener Map

Heard around Europe and beyond

Every pin is a real listener location. The homepage map gives a quick view of the Radio Delta community. The full Listener Map shows the wider picture with reception reports from around the world.

Become a Radio Delta Hero. Send a reception report, receive your eQSL and help document real shortwave reception.