pirate radio - Radio Delta AM

In this post, we delve into the fascinating world of radio through the experiences of Risto, a passionate radio enthusiast from Raisio, southwestern Finland. From his childhood memories to his own broadcasting endeavors, Risto’s journey showcases the allure and power of this timeless medium.

Risto’s love for radio began during his childhood in the 1950s. He vividly remembers listening to the longwave station from Lahti and cherishes the memories of his father attempting to catch broadcasts from the Melbourne Olympics on shortwave. These early encounters sparked Risto’s interest in the world of radio.

As the 60s rolled in, Risto’s fascination with radio expanded to the realm of pop music. Radio Luxembourg quickly became his favorite station, delivering the latest hits and fueling his passion for music. Additionally, he found joy in tuning in to Radio Sweden’s Saturday Show program, further immersing himself in the wonders of radio.

Risto’s interest in radio took an adventurous turn when he discovered the realm of sea pirates. Stations like Radio North Sea and Radio Caroline captured his imagination, and he regularly tuned in to their captivating broadcasts. These offshore stations offered a unique and rebellious charm to the world of radio.

With the dawn of the 70s, Risto’s curiosity expanded to landbased pirates. He started exploring these renegade broadcasters and eventually became determined to try broadcasting himself. Constructing transmitters with power ranging from 8 to 100 Watts, Risto launched his own station, Radio Meteor, alongside its sister station Scanwood, in 1980. This venture proved to be a creative outlet for his passion for radio.

Despite the end of his pirate broadcasting days due to a raid in 1995, Risto’s enthusiasm for radio has not waned. He continues to enjoy listening to landbased pirates, as well as exploring other radio stations. One of his current joys is the increasingly good reception of Radio Delta on his receivers. Not only that, but Risto has remote listening sites in Raisio, Paimio, and Korpilahti, and his Kiwi receivers are frequently online. To keep up with his radio adventures, you can visit Risto’s pirate log page at pirateradiolog.blogspot.com

Risto’s story is a testament to the enduring allure and impact of radio. From his childhood fascination to his own broadcasting endeavors, his passion for this medium has shaped his journey. The world of radio, with its diverse programming and ability to connect people across distances, continues to captivate both Risto and countless others worldwide. So, let us join Risto in extending warm greetings to all Radio Delta listeners from Finland and celebrate the magic of radio together.

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.

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!

Here is finally a results for a Pirate Hunt 2023 – DX-Contest! It was a playful competition for the listeners.

Results:
1. Jouni Kilpinen, Finland 51
2. Lars Jeppesen, Sweden 50
3. Klaus Fuchs, Germany 46.
4. Risto Harjula, Finland 44
5. Mikael Sjöberg, Sweden 39
6. Kari Kallio, Finland 31
7. Konstantin Barsenkov, Russia 28
8. Luis Alejandro, Mexico 26
9. Pekka Sorjonen, Finland 21
10. Hugo Matten, Belgium 20
11. Hans Gosdschan, Germany 16
12. Jan-Mikael Nurmela, Finland 13
13. Stéphane Morice, France 12
14. Hans-Joachim Pellin, Germany 10
15. Patrick Robic, Austria 9
15. Janne Heinikangas, Finland 9
16. Robert Kipp, Germany 1

Countries:
Finland: 169
Sweden: 89
Germany: 73
Belgium: 20
Russia: 28
Mexico: 26
France: 12
Austria: 9

Thanks to everyone who participated. Diplomas will be sent by email in the next few days!

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.

Exploring the World of Radio: Risto’s Story

A Trip Down Memory Lane : Radio Blauwe Piraat

The world of pirate radio

[nordx] Pirate Hunt 2023 results

Memories with our good old friend Radio Perlee (Walvisbaai)