Aart - Radio Delta AM

This week, you can tune in to Radio Delta on 6110 kHz and 12.030 kHz shortwave frequencies. Currently, there are no new developments regarding our transmitters and antennas; they are operating optimally. Implementing multiple improvements would have a significant impact, so we are evaluating this further. Our focus has been on studio automation, a development that is enhancing the broadcast quality and giving Radio Delta International its distinct sound.

We’ve received wonderful feedback, including a special note from Paul Rudd in Scotland. He sent us a lovely handwritten letter, reminiscent of the 80s when listeners used their own radio setups to contact us. We greatly appreciate Paul Rudd’s gesture and wish him continued enjoyment of our broadcasts!

Phil Hayward shared a memory related to Robbie Williams, mentioning a photo he took years ago near Tunstall Park. He captured the spot of a missing blue plaque from the wall where Robbie Williams once lived.

This week we are broadcasting on 6100 kHz and 12.030 kHz shortwave. Our transmission will begin on February 25th at 6.00 UTC on 6110 kHz. For reception reports or music requests, please send a message to info@radiodelta.am. We’ve been busy selecting new music for our broadcasts this week, and many new tracks have been added to our collection.

On our news page you can read two stories:

from Radio Monique and catch up on the latest developments through videos;
you can also delve into the experiences of our dedicated listener, Lennart Wennberg from Sweden, as he shares his insights on listening to radio stations.

We’ve created exciting videos showcasing the latest updates at Radio Monique. Tune in to 1332 for a week and share your reception reports with us. Stay tuned as we plan to enhance the antenna at Radio Monique next week. Our dipole antenna, currently hanging low, will undergo improvements.

We wish you a delightful listening experience! Your Gateway to Engaging Broadcasts!

“A legendary offshore name, returning to the mediumwave — this time fully licensed.”

— Radio Monique, 1332 kHz

From offshore legend to licensed mediumwave

Few station names carry as much history as Radio Monique 1332 kHz. Now the legendary offshore name has returned as a licensed LPAM station on 1332 kHz.

Once broadcasting offshore alongside Radio Caroline, the station has now reached an important milestone. As a result, Radio Monique has obtained a licensed LPAM authorisation and is once again on the air on 1332 kHz.

Radio Monique 1332 kHz today

Therefore, this moment marks a clear transition. The station has entered a new phase as a fully legal LPAM broadcaster, combining its historic identity with a modern mediumwave operation in the Netherlands.

A new frequency, a stronger signal

The current broadcasting site is located in Velsen, where the setup provides a practical and solid base for mediumwave operation. On 17 February, a key technical step followed when the operating frequency changed from 918 kHz to 1332 kHz.

Because of this move, listeners experienced improved stability and more favourable coverage conditions — an important factor for both local reception and mediumwave DX listening.

Practical engineering, step by step

A refurbished container has been installed at the factory site. It now houses the transmitter and antenna tuning unit, keeping the setup compact, accessible and flexible.

Meanwhile, the existing dipole antenna remains in use. Further optimisation is planned for the summer of 2024, aimed at improving efficiency and refining overall audio performance on mediumwave.

On air: Radio Monique 1332 kHz

Radio Monique – 1332 kHz (LPAM)

Licensed mediumwave broadcast from Velsen

Transmitting with 100 watts PEP, Radio Monique delivers a recognisable and characterful AM sound. Development work continues steadily towards a stable, high-quality signal.

A look behind the scenes

In addition, several videos have been produced showing the broadcast site, antenna mast and technical setup. They offer a clear behind-the-scenes view of a modern LPAM station, built with respect for mediumwave tradition.

Continuing the journey

More updates will follow as Radio Monique continues its journey towards a fully optimised and reliable licensed AM service. A historic name is once again present on the dial — and this time, firmly rooted in the future of mediumwave.

Join the community

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Your story

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I was born in 1959 in a little village outside the town of Umeå in Northern Sweden. My mother and I lived on a small widow’s pension. We didn’t have a car, so I was at home when not in school. Around 1970 I began to listen to foreign radio stations; Radio Luxembourg was a favorite. Little did I know then that this was the beginning of a lifelong journey on the radio waves. Little did I know that about thirty-five years later I would be live on the Voice of America or that Radio Taiwan would broadcast a ten-minute-long interview with me.

My sister gave me a book that would teach me a lot about listening to foreign radio stations as a hobby it was Arne Skoog “Kortvågslyssning som hobby”. (Shortwave listening as a hobby.) This book teached me all about reception reports, QSL-cards etc).

In the 70s there was a lot of radio stations to listen to, many of them had even transmissions in Swedish like: HCJB in Ecuador, Deutschland funk in Cologne, Western Germany, the Vatican Radio, Radio Moscow etc. But of course, the English language was the real key to the world. Without hesitation I would say that BBC World Service was my first university. (And I would add: the way BBC World Service was then, not the diluted politically correct stuff that they have today).

Pop music stations were favorites like: Radio Veronica, Radio Northsea International, Radio Luxembourg, Radio Caroline, but I made a mistake. I thought that they were going to last forever. Of the mentioned stations only Radio Caroline is left, of the mentioned above. More about that later.

A full-time job, wife, and five children took a big toll. For a couple of decades, I didn’t listen much. Another blow was when a whole lot of shortwave stations did close down for good, like Radio Australia.

But the children are big now, and one of them is cooking dinner at home, so my available listening time has increased. Although my wife hates hearing my radios sounding. And there is now a difference. In the beginning I could listen to just any radio station and sending reports. Now I would never suffer listening to radio stations from the “axis of evil”, as President George W Bush put it. Instead, I prefer radio stations with which I can have a personal relationship. Radio Caroline is one of the few. But since I first discovered Radio Delta in the summer of 2022, Radio Delta International is my absolute favorite radio station. A station that plays good music, has a very friendly owner and DJ, with whom I can interact with in real time, during transmissions. What can possibly beat that!?

This weekend, you can tune in to Radio Delta on February 18, 2024, on 6110 kHz from approximately 6 UTC to 9 UTC, and also on 12.030 kHz from 9 UTC to 11:30 UTC.

Over the past week, extensive testing has been conducted with the new antennas. The results have not shown improvement compared to the existing antennas. Not every change leads to enhancement. However, a promising discovery was made that the new antenna provides excellent results on the 31-meter shortwave band. Further testing will be carried out to explore this success. Initial plans to utilize the 19-meter shortwave band in the future have been reassessed due to test outcomes indicating it may not offer optimal coverage across Europe. Continuous testing is underway to achieve the best possible outcome.

We express our gratitude to Harri from Oulu for the consistent and enjoyable musical contribution to the ‘Finnish Request’ program, airing from 6 UTC to 7 UTC.

In other news, Radio Monique has recently launched the 1332 kHz mediumwave frequency. Progress has been made with the installation of a new antenna last Saturday, February 17th. Further enhancements, including raising the antenna height and adjustments, are planned in the upcoming months. Visit our website to view new videos showcasing the developments at Radio Monique.

This weekend, Radio Delta will only be available on February 4th, 2024, on 6110 kHz starting from 5.00 UTC and on 12.030 kHz at 10.00 UTC.

You can find the definitive show schedule on our website. We have spent some time finding the right balance in terms of timings, frequencies, and show segments to cater to all listeners.

On the website radiodelta.am, you can find more updates about our shows and schedule.

We are introducing a new program segment called “The Records and its History.” This new item will be added to the “5 Decades of Music” program on Radio Delta. In this segment, we will explore the best records released this week, providing background information and playing the songs.

We have received all the necessary components to build the new antennas. We will showcase the progress on our website and create small videos to keep you updated.

In other news, Radio Monique, the famous offshore radio station from the 80s, has undergone some changes. Several members have left, allowing the station to make progress towards the future. They have obtained a new broadcasting license for 1332 kHz medium wave and have prepared the transmitter. However, they still need to make the antenna suitable for broadcasting, which will take some time due to the location and height of the mast. They hope to be back on the air within a month. We wish Radio Monique success with their new setup!

If you have any interesting stories to share, please let us know. We can use them in our radio show. To continue producing great programs on shortwave, we need your help!

Overall, it will be a Sunday to stay home and turn up the radio!

At Radio Delta, our team has been conducting a series of experiments to understand and compare the performance of shortwave radio transmissions. In this blog, we will share with you our findings and the insightful discoveries we’ve made along the way.

We have put together a series of videos that showcase the comparison between the 25-meter shortwave and the 49-meter shortwave. Through these demonstrations, we aim to illustrate the differences in transmission quality and reach between the two bands.

Transmission Details:

– **Radio Delta**: Frequency – 12.030 kHz, Power – 1000 watts (PEP)

– **Radio Mike**: Frequency – 5980 kHz, Power – 1600 watts (PEP)

– **Radio Continental**: Frequency – 5810 kHz, Power – 400 watts (PEP)

One of the key insights we’ve gained during our experiments is the impact of power on transmission strength. We observed that a doubling of power results in only a 3dB increase in strength. For example, if Radio Continental were to use 800 watts, it would be 3dB stronger.

In one of our videos, we demonstrate the significant difference in reception quality within a distance of 750km from Elburg, France. This highlights the impact of frequency and power on the reach and reception of our transmissions.

Interestingly, we found that during the daytime, the 25-meter band often provides clearer reception even at a distance of 500 kilometers. This unexpected observation has sparked further exploration into the specific conditions under which each shortwave band excels.

The entire journey of conducting these experiments has been a learning experience for us at Radio Delta. Our enthusiasm for testing and our commitment to self-built solutions have driven us to understand the nuances of shortwave transmissions, and the outcomes have exceeded our expectations.

As we continue our journey, we are excited about more experiments and experiences that lie ahead for our team at Radio Delta. Our dedication to self-improvement and learning is what motivates us to push the boundaries of our understanding of shortwave transmissions.

We are delighted to have shared this experiment with you, and we look forward to your continued support as we embark on further adventures in the world of shortwave radio.

Stay tuned for more updates, more experiments, and more exciting discoveries from Radio Delta!

In the fast-evolving digital era, where music streaming services dominate the airwaves, there are still passionate individuals who find joy in the art of radio reception. One such individual is Ruud Walet from Apeldoorn, who embarked on an extraordinary journey during his vacation in La Palma, Spain. Armed with his trusty ATS 20 receiver, Ruud set out to explore the possibilities of radio reception in a foreign land. Let’s delve into the captivating story of his experiences on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023.

Ruud, a devoted radio enthusiast, never misses an opportunity to send reception reports, even from his vacation destinations. Arriving in La Palma, he wasted no time in setting up his ATS 20 receiver. In the town of El Paso, he ingeniously utilized a nearby lamppost as an antenna, tuning in to Radio Delta on the 6110 kHz and 12.0frequency. Despite the distance of approximately 3300km from Elburg, the reception was surprisingly clear, allowing Ruud to enjoy his favorite radio station while soaking up the Spanish sunshine.

As Ruud continued his vacation, he took his radio reception adventures to the great outdoors. During his beautiful hikes, La Palma’s stunning landscapes captivated him. With the ATS 20 in hand and a compact dipole antenna measuring 2×5 meters, Ruud ventured into the wilderness. Even amidst the daytime bustle, he managed to receive radio signals from his beloved station, Radio Delta. The melodic tunes accompanied his walks, creating a captivating ambiance that made his vacation truly memorable.

After his eventful vacation, Ruud wanted to express his gratitude for the unforgettable experiences he had while indulging in radio reception. He shared his story, thanking everyone who had been a part of this journey, including the team behind Radio Delta and the dedicated individuals who make radio reception an art form. Ruud’s heartfelt message resonated with fellow enthusiasts, inspiring them to pursue their passions and embrace the magic of shortwave radio.

Ruud Walet’s adventure in La Palma showcased the beauty of combining a vacation with his passion for radio reception. From using a lamppost as an antenna in El Paso to exploring the wild landscapes with his trusty ATS 20 and dipole antenna, Ruud’s tale serves as a reminder of the wonders that await when we step outside our comfort zones. As he continues his radio reception journey back home with his Siemens E309B tube receiver, Ruud’s story inspires others to embrace the joys of listening to shortwave radio and the captivating experiences it offers.

This weekend, Radio Delta brings you an exciting lineup of programs and developments. Tune in on January 28, 2024, for a day filled with music, stories, and unique listening experiences.

Starting at 6:00 UTC, the Finnish Request show will kick off the morning broadcast on the frequency 6.110 kHz. Join us as we showcase the finest Finnish music and take your song requests.

At 9:00 UTC, get ready for the program “Radio Delta Goes DX.” Your host Aart will be discussing all reception reports, and this week, we have some truly remarkable ones. Stay tuned as we explore these unique reception stories.

From 10:00 UTC, tune in to 12.030 kHz for the program “5 Decades of Music.” In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to discover new music along with its fascinating background. We will also delve into the latest releases of the week, giving you insights into the stories behind the songs. This new segment will be a regular addition to the “5 Decades of Music” program on Radio Delta.

This Sunday is the perfect day to stay home and turn up the radio volume. Enjoy a variety of shows, immerse yourself in captivating stories, and explore the latest music releases.

In addition to our radio programs, we have also uploaded new videos on YouTube. Visit our website to read the accompanying stories and insights behind these videos.

We are delighted to share that a new listener from South America, Alf from Lima, Peru, has contributed to Radio Delta by recording Spanish station IDs. We have transformed Alf’s recordings into catchy jingles. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alf (Alfredo) and hope that he continues to be an avid listener. Would you like to lend your voice to Radio Delta? Send us some beautifully recorded texts at info@radiodelta.am.

Furthermore, our testing on the 20-meter band has continued this past week. We are working towards broadcasting on this band in the future. With the help of dedicated listeners like Patrick Travers from Sheffield, we are evaluating the best frequency to ensure regular transmissions. We sincerely thank Patrick for his assistance and monitoring of the different frequencies.

On our website, you can also read a fascinating Radio Story from Rudd Wallet, a listener from the Netherlands. While on vacation in La Palma, Ruud had a short expedition and managed to receive Radio Delta. Discover his captivating tale on our website, radiodelta.am.

Join us this weekend and embark on a memorable journey with Radio Delta. Stay tuned for more captivating programs, music discoveries, and engaging stories.

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone for tuning in to our broadcasts during the Christmas period. We appreciate your support and listenership. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024.

During these days, we received over 300 messages from our listeners, and we have now responded to all of them with a QSL card. These cards have been sent out to the listeners.

We have also announced the winners of our recent contest during the broadcast. The winners will receive a stylish hoodie featuring the Radio Delta logo. Congratulations to the following individuals:

1. Patrick Travers from Sheffield, England

2. Ruud Wallet from Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

3. Harri Hatunen from Oulu, Finland

4. Patrick Robic from Austria

5. Christer Brainstorm from Halmstad, Sweden

Additionally, you can visit our website to get an impression of our listeners. They often send us photos and videos from their surroundings or of their receivers. We have uploaded some of these great photos and videos on our website.

We have made some changes to the power supply of the transmitter for 12.030 kHz, which should further improve the signal quality. We look forward to bringing you more exciting broadcasts in 2024. Stay tuned!