We change frequencies at the seasonal broadcast changeovers
Radio Delta AM plans to change its main evening frequency when the international shortwave season changes. In practical terms, this means a switch around the final weekend of April and the final weekend of October.
From the end of October until the end of April, 3985 kHz on the 75 metre band is the principal evening frequency. During the same period, the station also focuses on the 25 metre band during daylight, with 12085 kHz used for announced daytime broadcasts, favourable propagation openings and special transmissions.
From the end of April until the end of October, evening broadcasts move to 5970 kHz on the 49 metre band. This is intended to provide practical European evening coverage during the lighter part of the year.
6040 kHz remains the main backup frequency when the scheduled channel is unsuitable because of interference, coordination, propagation or technical testing.
How the annual frequency cycle will work
The two-season model gives listeners a clear starting point while still leaving room to respond to real shortwave conditions.
3985 kHz in the evening, 25 metres by day
During the darker part of the year, the main evening service moves to 3985 kHz. Longer nights and earlier darkness generally make 75 metres the stronger practical choice for evening coverage across Europe.
During daylight, 12085 kHz becomes an important option. The 25 metre band is used for announced daytime transmissions, longer-distance openings and selected special broadcasts.
5970 kHz for the evening service
During the lighter part of the year, the main evening service moves to 5970 kHz. The 49 metre band is expected to provide the most practical balance for evening reception across Europe during spring, summer and early autumn.
The changeover normally takes place around the final weekend of April and remains in place until the final weekend of October, unless actual propagation or interference makes a different choice necessary.
| Day/Period | Frequency | On air (UTC) | Band | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday evening – HFCC A-season | 5970 kHz | 19:30–22:00 UTC | 49m | Main evening frequency | Planned from late April until late October |
| Saturday evening – HFCC A-season | 5970 kHz | 19:30–22:00 UTC | 49m | Main evening frequency | Planned from late April until late October |
| Occasional early evening – HFCC A-season | 5970 kHz | 16:00–18:30 UTC | 49m | Occasional / not guaranteed | Only when announced |
| Friday evening – HFCC B-season | 3985 kHz | 14:00-22:00 UTC | 75m | Main evening frequency | Planned from late October until late April |
| Saturday evening – HFCC B-season | 3985 kHz | 14:00-22:00 UTC | 75m | Main evening frequency | Planned from late October until late April |
| Daytime broadcasts – HFCC B-season | 12085 kHz | announced slots | 25m | Daytime / propagation frequency | Mainly planned for daytime use from late October until late April, when propagation supports the 25 metre band |
| Backup frequency | 6040 kHz | announced slots | 49m | Primary backup | Used when 5970 or 3985 is less suitable because of QRM, propagation or planning |
| Christmas and special broadcasts | To be announced | announced slots | Various | Special schedule | May differ from the normal seasonal operating model |
Clear seasonal anchors, flexible operation
Radio Delta AM uses a defined seasonal structure but continues to evaluate whether it delivers the best possible coverage across Europe.
The schedule table is authoritative
A frequency is only active when it appears in the published schedule or is specifically announced by Radio Delta AM.
The calendar is a framework
Darkness, daylight, solar conditions, QRM and actual reception determine how well a band performs. The changeover may therefore occur slightly earlier or later.
The model will be refined
We still need to build experience and confirm through listener reports whether this cycle gives the best European coverage throughout the year.
How each frequency fits into the plan
The frequencies below have a defined role, but the actual operating choice always remains subject to the current schedule and real reception conditions.
3985 kHz — main frequency from late October to late April
3985 kHz is the planned principal evening frequency for the darker-season period. It is intended to provide dependable evening coverage across the Netherlands, neighbouring countries and wider parts of Europe.
5970 kHz — main frequency from late April to late October
5970 kHz is the planned principal evening frequency for the lighter-season period. It normally carries the regular evening broadcasts during spring, summer and early autumn.
12085 kHz — 25 metres during daytime openings
12085 kHz is the main planned higher-band option during daylight from late October to late April. It may be used for daytime programmes, wider European coverage, DX openings and special transmissions.
6040 kHz — alternative when the main channel is unsuitable
6040 kHz is the principal backup frequency. It may be used when 5970 or 3985 kHz is affected by interference, coordination issues, propagation or technical testing.
— selected 31 metre broadcasts
remains available for selected daytime tests and announced broadcasts when 31 metres offers a useful path across Europe or beyond.
Christmas transmissions will be planned separately
Christmas transmissions, daytime specials, DX programmes and other one-off broadcasts may deliberately depart from the normal seasonal cycle. Their frequencies and times will be announced separately.
Why the dates remain flexible
The seasonal changeovers provide a clear operational moment, but shortwave propagation does not change on one exact date. In some years, 3985 kHz may remain the better evening choice slightly longer. In other years, 5970 kHz may become useful earlier.
The same applies in autumn. The move back to 3985 kHz may be brought forward or delayed when darkness, interference or actual European reception shows that another band is performing better.
This is the first full operating model of this kind for Radio Delta AM. We still need to gain experience and determine whether 3985 kHz, 5970 kHz and 25 metres together provide the best possible coverage across Europe throughout the complete season.
Five Decades of Music on shortwave
Radio Delta AM combines the warm sound of AM radio with Five Decades of Music, Radio Stories, Record and its Story and listener voices from the shortwave community.
Reception reports are essential while this plan is being evaluated. They show whether 3985 kHz in the darker-season evenings, 5970 kHz in the lighter-season evenings and 25 metres during daytime openings provide the intended coverage across Europe.
Help us evaluate the seasonal frequency plan
Send a reception report with UTC time, frequency, SINPO, receiver, antenna and optional audio or photo. Your report helps us evaluate whether this annual frequency cycle provides the best possible coverage across Europe.