Current broadcast plan
Radio Delta AM broadcasts on shortwave from Elburg, the Netherlands, with signals reaching listeners across Europe and beyond. The current active frequency is 5970 kHz on the 49 metre band.
Our regular planned broadcast times are Friday and Saturday from 19:30 to 22:00 UTC on 5970 kHz. Sometimes we may also be on air earlier in the evening, around 16:00 to 18:30 UTC, but this earlier slot is not guaranteed.
Other Radio Delta AM frequencies such as 3985, 6040, 9800 and 12085 kHz are planned or seasonal options. These are used depending on season, propagation, antenna tests and programme planning.
| Day/Period | Frequency | On air (UTC) | Band | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday evening | 5970 kHz | 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | 49m | Current main slot | Five Decades of Music |
| Saturday evening | 5970 kHz | 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | 49m | Current main slot | Five Decades of Music |
| Occasional early evening | 5970 kHz | 16:00 - 18:30 UTC | 49m | Occasional / not guaranteed | Check latest announcements |
| Autumn / winter / late evening | 3985 kHz | announced slots | 75m | Planned seasonal use | Low-band winter and late-evening reception |
| Spring / summer option | 6040 kHz | announced slots | 49m | Planned / possible use | Additional 49m option depending on QRM and propagation |
| Daytime tests | 9800 kHz | announced daytime slots | 31m | Planned / occasional use | Daylight tests and selected broadcasts |
| DX specials | 12085 kHz | announced daytime / special slots | 25m | Special broadcasts | DX, seasonal and Christmas transmissions |
How we use the bands
Shortwave changes by season, time of day, propagation and interference. The current schedule table above is leading. The notes below explain the role of each planned or seasonal band without replacing the current broadcast schedule.
5970 kHz — current active frequency
5970 kHz is the current main Radio Delta AM shortwave frequency. At the moment, the regular planned slots are Friday and Saturday from 19:30 to 22:00 UTC. Earlier evening broadcasts around 16:00 to 18:30 UTC may occur, but are not guaranteed.
3985 kHz — late evening and winter
3985 kHz is the classic Radio Delta AM low-band frequency. It is mainly planned for autumn, winter and late-evening or night-time broadcasts when the 75 metre band gives the best result.
6040 kHz — spring and summer option
6040 kHz is an additional 49 metre option for spring and summer. It may be used for announced slots depending on propagation, QRM and the planned broadcast window.
9800 kHz — daylight tests
9800 kHz is planned for 31 metre daytime tests and selected broadcasts when daylight propagation gives the higher band a better chance.
12085 kHz — DX and specials
12085 kHz is planned for daytime broadcasts, DX specials, long-distance openings, Christmas transmissions and selected seasonal tests.
The schedule table is leading
The table above is the leading reference for the current broadcast plan. Frequencies can still change because of QRM, propagation, antenna tests or international frequency use.
Why a frequency can change
Shortwave is shared with many international broadcasters. A registered frequency can work well in one season or time slot, but become less useful when propagation changes or when another signal appears on or near the channel.
Radio Delta AM works with a small set of anchor frequencies instead of constantly promoting many temporary options. This makes it easier for listeners to find us and easier for us to compare real reception reports over time.
For propagation patterns, receiver and antenna data, technical tests and background about frequency choices, see the Technology & Updates page →
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.
Your reports help us understand how our signal travels across Europe and beyond. They also help build the Listener Map and keep the spirit of shortwave radio alive.
Heard Radio Delta AM on shortwave?
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