Skip to content
OFF AIR
Next broadcast Fri 31 Jul · 19:30 UTC · 5970 kHz

Radio Delta AM

Radio Zanussi & Hercules

“Radio Zanussi & Hercules on 819 kHz mediumwave from Mastenbroek”
“One frequency — two station identities — and decades of radio history still alive.”
— Radio Story, 819 kHz

A mediumwave signal with a lifetime behind it

Some radio signals carry more than music — they carry history. On 819 kHz, from Mastenbroek in the Netherlands, a familiar mediumwave sound returns each weekend. Not as nostalgia, but as a living continuation of a lifetime devoted to radio.

Where the radio bug started

Long before licences and LPAM frameworks existed, radio already lived inside the house of two brothers: Johan and André. Pirate stations filled the air at home and sparked a fascination that never faded. Around the age of ten, they built and used their first FM transmitter — the moment the radio virus struck for good.

In those early years they were known by names that still resonate with Dutch listeners: Zeetijger and Kleine Jopie. What started as curiosity quickly became obsession — antennas, transmitters, and endless hours spent exploring the dial.

Valves, BC-191 and the knock at the door

Their first serious steps on mediumwave came with valve transmitters, including a double 807 tube transmitter. Not long after, a legendary BC-191 army transmitter entered their lives — a true icon of the pirate era.

Broadcasting brought excitement, but also risk. At times, a single knock at the door meant silence. Transmitters were confiscated, broadcasts stopped — yet every pause was followed by a return. Because for real radio people, radio is never optional.

From Zeetijger to Zanussi

As time passed, paths shifted. “Kleine Jopie” moved out, while broadcasting continued in different forms and locations. Then came a moment that changed everything: a field officer once remarked that they no longer wanted to hear the name Zeetijger.

That single sentence sparked a reinvention. A new name was born — Zanussi. André still proudly uses it today, a symbol of how pirate radio adapts without losing its soul.

Legal at last: LPAM on 819 kHz

In 2023, Dutch regulations opened the door for 100 watt LPAM broadcasting. Johan and André seized the opportunity immediately. What once lived in secrecy could finally be shared openly.

From Mastenbroek (Overijssel), Zanussi & Hercules returned to mediumwave on 819 kHz — the same passion, the same hands-on spirit, but now with a licence and a future.

The weekend sound on 819 kHz

Saturday – Radio Hercules
Presented by Johan

English and international music, spanning decades. Warm, relaxed and steady — a sound that fits mediumwave perfectly.

Sunday – Zender Zanussi
Presented by André

Dutch music, polka, oldies and German favourites — the classic pirate sound, now fully legal on 819 kHz.

Why this signal matters

In an age of streams and algorithms, 819 kHz offers something different: presence, patience and personality. Zanussi & Hercules prove that mediumwave is not history — it is continuity.

Have you heard them? Send in your reception report with date, time, location and equipment — and become part of a signal that has been travelling for a lifetime.

“Radio Zanussi and Radio Hercules broadcasting on 819 kHz mediumwave from Mastenbroek, Netherlands”
“QSL card confirming reception of Radio Zanussi & Radio Hercules on 819 kHz”
“Radio Zanussi & Hercules on 819 kHz mediumwave from Mastenbroek”

Radio Delta AM

RealMix Radio – A New Licensed Shortwave Voice from Finland

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.

Joakim Weckström of RealMix Radio Finland holding shortwave transmitter
Joakim Weckström of RealMix Radio Finland
Joakim Weckström of RealMix Radio Finland
Joakim Weckström of RealMix Radio Finland

Radio Delta AM

LASER 558 Revival: Nostalgia Reignited

The old offshore radio station Radio Laser 558 has a fascinating history that dates back to the era of pirate radio stations on the high seas. It stood out as a pioneering voice in broadcasting music from ships beyond the British territorial waters. Radio Laser 558 had strong connections with other offshore radio stations such as Radio Caroline and Radio Veronica, sharing a common goal of revolutionizing music broadcasting to reach listeners in innovative ways.

Under the revived moniker LASER558, the station makes a triumphant return as an online radio station, reiterating its commitment to be a constant source of music just a heartbeat away. Station Director, Steve Bannister, exudes enthusiasm for the special celebration commemorating the launch of LASER558 four decades ago. The original DJ lineup has come together to create fresh content, sharing untold stories and cherished memories that will be broadcast throughout the celebratory day.

Following the grand anniversary festivities on May 24th, LASER558 will unveil a fresh schedule commencing on May 25th, with five of the original DJs reclaiming the airwaves. The rekindled station primarily targets the vast audience who fondly recall the original broadcasts and caters to enthusiasts of music spanning the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

LASER558 aims to transport listeners back to the vibrant 80s era through its new programming and curated playlist, offering a seamless blend of current hits from that time and delving into the musical archives akin to the original station’s essence. As LASER558 embarks on this new chapter, Radio Delta extends its best wishes for a successful journey ahead.

Radio Delta AM

New Finnish LPAM station: Radio Piko

FINNLAND: Wir hatten bereits Scandinavian Weekend Radio, das seit mehr als 20 Jahren ein wochenende im monat auf Sendung war. Wir bekommen jetzt eine weitere neue Station auf finnischen Kurzwellen. Sie wird aus Asikkala senden und soll am Samstag, 1. Juni 2024 gestartet werden. Der Sender heißt Radio Piko. Das format wird Big Band musik sein.

Testübertragungen werden erwartet, vielleicht ab diesem Wochenende? Das Radio hat eine Leistung von 10 W und nicht-Richtungsantennen. Frequenzen werden 3990, 5980 und 9770 kHz sein.

Die Lizenz wird Lehtinen Jari Erkki Sakari für jedes Wochenende (samstags und sonntags) bis zum Wochenende vom 10. bis 11. August 2024 erteilt.

Weitere Informationen werden sicherlich bald auf ihrer Website veröffentlicht werden, die gerade am 9. Mai erstellt wurde. http://radiopiko.fi/

Info von Stig Hartvig Nielsen und Traficom, der finnischen Verkehrs- und Kommunikationsagentur. 

FINLAND: We already had Scandinavian Weekend Radio, which was on the air one weekend a month for more than 20 years. We are now getting another new station on Finnish shortwaves. It will broadcast from Asikkala and is scheduled to launch on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The station is called Radio Piko. The format will be big band music.

Test transmissions are expected, perhaps starting this weekend? The radio has a power of 10W and non-directional antennas. Frequencies will be 3990, 5980 and 9770 kHz.

The license is granted to Lehtinen Jari Erkki Sakari for every weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) until the weekend of August 10-11, 2024.

More information will certainly be posted soon on their website, which was just created on May 9th. http://radiopiko.fi/

Info from Stig Hartvig Nielsen and Traficom, the Finnish transport and communications agency

Email: pikofinland@gmail.com

 

Radio Delta AM

Congratulations to Radio Caroline

Radio Delta extends heartfelt congratulations to Radio Caroline! This weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic offshore radio station that revolutionized broadcasting in 1964. Join the celebration from Friday, 29th to Sunday, 31st March, live from the legendary radioship Ross Revenge. Enjoy a nostalgic journey through hits from the ’60s to the early ’90s. Radio Caroline, a beacon of musical freedom, continues to thrive despite challenges, now broadcasting from English soil. The MV Ross Revenge stands tall as a proud symbol of its illustrious past. With enhanced broadcasting capabilities, Radio Caroline now reaches an even wider audience, sharing its legacy of unique music across the airwaves and beyond.

Radio Delta AM

Radio Monique – 1332 kHz Velsen (Netherlands)

“Mediumwave antenna structure used by Radio Monique for 918 kHz broadcasting”
“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.

Radio Delta AM

A Trip Down Memory Lane : Radio Blauwe Piraat

Today, I would like to share my recent experience of receiving Radio Blauwe Piraat, a radio station from the vicinity of Nieuwleusen, Netherlands. It was a special and nostalgic moment when I tuned in to their signal on the medium wave frequency of 765 kHz. It all began with a beautiful record from the era of offshore radio, played by the Les Leeds Orchestra and titled “Man of Action”. This music style immediately transported me back to the golden years of radio.

It was fascinating to learn that Radio Blauwe Piraat operates at a power output of 120 watts (480 watts PEP). With such strength, their signal could be received far and wide. The majority of the broadcast consisted of Dutch folk music, which added to the charm and uniqueness of Radio Blauwe Piraat. It took me on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands, showcasing the talent and passion of local musicians.

The nostalgia of the experience combined with the distinct sound of Radio Blauwe Piraat made it a truly memorable encounter. It served as a reminder of the power that radio holds in connecting communities, preserving traditions, and evoking emotions.

Radio Delta AM

The world of pirate radio

In the Netherlands, there are still many active radio stations on the medium wave, each with their unique names. In our studio, we often tune in to these radio stations, using the ICOM 7610 and a dipole antenna for shortwave reception. However, when we want to venture outside into nature to listen, we take along the ICOM 705 and a 20-meter wire antenna. And our trusty companion, an old German Shepherd, joins us with great enthusiasm to explore the outdoors and enjoy the radio broadcasts along with us.

Recently, we have captured recordings of various radio stations, each with its distinctive flavor and programming. One such station, Radio Noorderzon, takes us back in time with their unique selection of traditional Dutch folk music. We find it fascinating how they manage to transport us to a bygone era with their carefully curated playlist. Another station that captures our attention is Radio KJ. They specialize in playing hits from the 70s and 80s, creating in the early morning a nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with listeners of all ages. It’s thrilling to hear iconic songs from legendary artists as if they were being played live just for us.

When we venture outdoors with our ICOM 705 and 20-meter wire antenna, we become immersed in the beauty of nature while listening to these radio stations. Whether we’re sitting by a calm lake or hiking through a dense forest, the soothing melodies and informative discussions from the radio transport us to different worlds, enhancing our connection with the environment.

The world of medium wave radio in the Netherlands is a treasure trove of unique stations with captivating names and programming. Whether in the comfort of our studio or out in the embrace of nature, we thoroughly enjoy the experience of tuning in and exploring the diverse offerings of these radio stations. It’s a hobby that not only entertains us but also connects us with the rich heritage and cultural tapestry of this wonderful country.

We encourage you to embark on your own journey of radio exploration. Take your radio equipment, find a peaceful spot in nature, and let the waves of music and voices carry you away. You never know what hidden gems you might discover on the medium wave frequencies. Happy listening!

Radio Delta AM

Radio Monique on 6020 kHz – A Shortwave Special via Radio Delta

“Radio Monique shortwave broadcast on 6020 kHz via Radio Delta International”
“Hearing Radio Monique jingles on shortwave — this is radio history, alive.”
— Listener report, 6020 kHz shortwave

Radio Monique on 6020 kHz shortwave

On 28 November 2021, Radio Monique could be heard once again on the shortwave. The broadcast took place on 6020 kHz, carried by Radio Delta International.

This special transmission was a cooperation between Radio Monique and Radio Delta International, bringing a legendary station name back to the air — this time travelling far beyond national borders via shortwave.

Why the jingles matter

The shortwave broadcast featured a selection of classic Radio Monique jingles. These are the sounds that many listeners immediately associate with the station’s offshore years.

Hearing those jingles on shortwave is no coincidence. They symbolise what Radio Monique represents: free radio spirit, international reach, and a sound designed to travel over water and distance.

On shortwave, with fading and propagation effects, the jingles gain even more character — turning each reception into a unique listening moment.

A short history for international listeners

For many international listeners, the shortwave broadcast also served as an introduction to what Radio Monique is all about.

The station began in December 1984 as an offshore broadcaster, transmitting from international waters aboard the radio ship Ross Revenge.

During daytime hours, Radio Monique rented airtime from Radio Caroline, placing the station firmly within the offshore radio tradition.

The Ross Revenge was moored in the Thames estuary, in an area known as the Knock Deep — a relatively sheltered location in the North Sea, well suited for offshore broadcasting.

From offshore to shortwave cooperation

Decades later, Radio Monique returned to the air not from a ship, but through cooperation. Via Radio Delta International, the station once again reached listeners across Europe.

Broadcasting Radio Monique on 6020 kHz shortwave reflects the same philosophy as the original offshore days: radio without borders.

Shortwave as it is meant to be

This broadcast was not about perfect audio or automation. It was about listening. About tuning, waiting, and catching a signal that might fade in and out.

For many listeners, that is exactly why the Radio Monique shortwave special on 6020 kHz mattered. It felt authentic — and unmistakably real.

Keeping the legend audible

Through this shortwave cooperation, Radio Monique was not just remembered — it was heard. A legendary name, carried once more across the airwaves by Radio Delta International.

On 28 November 2021 you can listen to the legend on 6020 Shortwave, this is a coöperation with Radio Delta International. For our international friends a short explanation about our broadcast and what Monique is all about. In the beginning, in december 1984 we started as a radio station broadcasting from international waters from the radio ship Ross Revenge. During daytime we rented air time from radio Caroline. Her elegant ship was moored in the Thames estuary in a area known as the knock deep, quite a protective little patch on the North Sea.

www.radiomonique.am

Radio Delta AM

Memories with our good old friend Radio Perlee (Walvisbaai)

During the vibrant era of the eighties, we embarked on numerous broadcast adventures in collaboration with Radio Perlee. Reflecting on that cherished period, we reached out to him to contribute his insights for our audience.

Graciously responding to our request, he expressed his nostalgia, “Thank you for your message,” he paused momentarily, reminiscing about frames of time that date back over 37 years to our joint broadcasts with Radio Delta International. He fondly recalled your parents as extraordinary individuals, exuding a rare warmth and hospitality that left an indelible mark on him. The camaraderie we shared during those days was unmatched, leaving unforgettable memories etched in our hearts.

In the summer of 1983, your father graced us with his presence, and together, we constructed the studio (as depicted in the photo). It was a time of creativity and innovation, as I crafted a new transmitter specifically for him. With this cutting-edge equipment, we delivered captivating programs on the frequency of 7325 kHz, captivating our listeners with each broadcast.

Following one of our successful transmissions, we embarked on a memorable journey to visit the renowned DXer Arie van Dam from de Bilt, further deepening our bonds through our shared passion for radio.

These anecdotes from the past serve as poignant reminders of a bygone era filled with shared experiences, technological advancements, and the enduring camaraderie that characterized our collaborations. In revisiting these moments, we pay tribute to the legacy of Radio Delta International and the remarkable individuals who contributed to its rich tapestry of history.