Since early March 2024, a new private radio station has appeared on the shortwave bands: RealMix Radio, broadcasting from Finland. The station is founded and operated by 16-year-old Joakim Weckström, whose enthusiasm and technical skills have quickly drawn attention within the shortwave community.
After an initial test weekend, RealMix Radio already received a remarkable number of reception reports — impressive, considering the station was transmitting with just 15 watts carrier power (60 W PEP).
Reception Reports and Confirmation
Using a Finnish WebSDR, the broadcasts were recorded with signal strengths between S5 and S7, received via the Loppi receiver in Finland. A reception report submitted on 9 March 2024 was promptly confirmed, receiving confirmation number 76 — a clear sign of the station’s early activity and engagement with listeners.
On 17 August, the signal was also received at Radio Delta AM using an ICOM IC-7610, an event captured on video. This reception demonstrated that RealMix Radio’s signal was already reaching well beyond its immediate surroundings.
Growth and Technical Improvements
Since 25 May, Joakim and his team have been transmitting with 100 watts and a revised antenna system. This upgrade noticeably improved coverage, although reception in Hamburg, northern Germany, remained variable when monitored indoors using a loop antenna. Even under less-than-ideal conditions, the station was still audible.
At the same time, the programming expanded significantly. Several DJs joined the project, and Joakim regularly fulfilled music requests during his live, self-moderated broadcasts. On two Sundays, he even played requested tracks from Bad Boys Blue and Toto, underlining the station’s strong listener focus.
New Frequency and Broadcast Plans
RealMix Radio has since obtained a broadcasting license for 6195 kHz. Currently, transmissions take place mainly during the evening hours, with ambitions to eventually operate 24 hours a day.
Challenges on the Band
As with many low-power and emerging shortwave stations, interference remains a challenge. Signals from China Radio International are frequently present on nearby frequencies, making reception conditions more difficult at times.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, RealMix Radio represents an inspiring example of what passion, dedication and technical curiosity can achieve — even at a young age. We wish Joakim Weckström every success as he continues to develop RealMix Radio and look forward to hearing more of this promising Finnish shortwave station in the future.
About The Author
Thanks for publishing, Aart.
I am very proud of Joakim for his ambition and how he has turned the idea of his own radio station into reality and is continually testing what else is possible.
I think we will hear and read a lot more from him.
Soviel Enthusiasmus muß belohnt werden und ich finde es immer wieder bewundernswert, daß junge Radiomoderatoren ihr Ding machen und einen LPAM-Sender betreiben.