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Next broadcast Fri 14 Aug · 17:00 UTC · 5970 kHz

Radio Delta AM

Brian – Denmark

“It’s not just radio – it’s real radio.”
— Brian, Denmark

A real shortwave moment

Brian at the receiver

This shortwave radio story began in Denmark — at a listening desk, with a receiver, an antenna, and someone who still listens.

Brian, callsign OZ4EA, tuned in from his home station in Denmark. On 12.005 kHz and 6.040 kHz, he listened to Radio Delta AM, made recordings and shared photos of his setup — not just to report reception, but to share the experience.

When radio feels alive

Brian described it in one simple sentence: “It’s not just radio – it’s real radio.”

Signals fading in and out. Audio breaking through the noise. Moments when everything lines up and the radio comes alive. That’s the magic.

The listening setup

At the heart of Brian’s station is a Xiegu G90, connected to an EFHW 40-meter horizontal antenna.

A clean, practical setup. No automation. Just a receiver, an antenna and time spent listening — exactly how shortwave is meant to be experienced.

One question from the shack

Brian noticed something many listeners did at the same time: why were we sometimes only on one frequency?

Winter over Elburg

During the first days of January, winter hit Elburg hard. Snow, ice and strong winds affected antennas, feeders and transmitters.

For safety reasons, we sometimes limited transmissions to a single frequency — or paused completely. Protecting equipment means protecting future broadcasts.

Why it matters

What stayed with us most was Brian’s trust: “A true feel-good radio experience, that I can rely on.”

That is exactly what Radio Delta AM aims to be. Not perfect. Not automated. But present. Human. Alive.

Radio Delta AM

Dave – United Kingdom

“Thanks for the programmes, presenters and music — always great to hear Radio Delta across the North Sea.”
— Dave, Market Drayton

A signal from Shropshire

Dave at the receiver

This shortwave radio story arrived from Market Drayton, Shropshire — about 40 miles south of Liverpool. Dave tuned in from England and shared both the details and the feeling behind his reception report.

Tuning 5970 kHz

On Sunday, December 7th, 2025, Dave tuned to 5970 kHz and caught Radio Delta coming in from across the North Sea. He was listening on an FTDX101D receiver connected to an end-fed long wire antenna — a classic setup for pulling shortwave signals out of the air.

A solid signal

Dave reported reception at 5-4-4-4-4 — a good, solid signal overall, with occasional drops. Those little dips are part of the shortwave experience, shaped by propagation and natural atmospheric noise. You can even hear it in the recording he shared with us.

Shared the old-fashioned way

Because of limitations on our QSL page, the audio file couldn’t be uploaded directly. So Dave sent the recording by email instead — sometimes radio still finds its own path.

Across the North Sea

Thanks for listening, Dave — and greetings to all our listeners in the UK and beyond, wherever the signal happens to land.

Radio Delta AM

❄️ Winter Magic on the Airwaves — New Frequencies, New Energy! ❄️

The airwaves were a bit wild last weekend! QRM on 5.970 kHz tried to knock us off the dial — but we don’t give up that easily. After fresh testing and some serious radio wizardry, we’re thrilled to announce:

📡 6.040 kHz is our brand-new main frequency for the coming weeks!

And when the skies get noisy, 5.970 kHz stands ready as our trusted backup.

The 25-meter band had its own share of chaos too. With interference crashing in on 12.030 kHz, we’re moving to 12.005 kHz as our new alternative. More options, more stability, more freedom to keep the music playing — no matter what the QRM throws at us.

One change you should know: we’re officially signing off from 9.800 kHz. CRI’s heavy interference left us no room to breathe there.

But now for the fun part…

🎄 This weekend, Elburg turns into a sparkling winter fairytale during “Winter in the Fortress”!

The historic streets fill with lights, music, and festive cheer — the perfect backdrop as we fine-tune our holiday broadcasts and bring shortwave to life with that unmistakable December glow.

So here’s your winter listening plan:

▶️ Tune in daily on 6.040 kHz from 07:00 to 16:00 UTC

Grab a warm drink, twist that dial, and let the sound of winter roll in.

Because this season… shortwave is alive, kicking, and more magical than ever.

Radio Delta AM

Radio Delta Special Broadcast: Reception Report from Spain

Welcome to this special broadcast of Radio Delta. Today, we have a remarkable reception report from El Prat de Llobregat, near Barcelona, Spain. Our listener, Tomás Méndez Losa, tuned in to our frequency and has shared his experience with us.

Picture an early morning in Barcelona, where Tomás is nestled, clutching his trusty Tecsun PL880 radio receiver. The sounds of early birds chirping fill the air, yet his focus is rooted on the radio, eagerly anticipating the enchantment of shortwave broadcasts.

On the 2nd of February, 2025, at precisely 8:30 UTC, Tomás tuned into our frequency of 9.800 kHz. With a simple telescopic antenna extending outward, he was prepared to capture every nuance of the transmission. As the clock struck 8:37 UTC, he was greeted by a special segment hosted by Ignacio Sotomayor from Madrid, discussing the rich history of shortwave listening while extending warm salutes to Radio Delta.

Moments later, at 9:01 UTC, the conversation shifted to our new frequency, alongside an exciting recording clip available on YouTube, showcasing how technology beautifully intertwines with the traditional art of radio. The musical interlude began at 9.:5 UTC, with Tomás rocking out to “Come Together” by Aerosmith, followed by the upbeat tune “Living on Video” by Trans-X. Each note resonated through his radio, filling the air with joy and nostalgia.

As the hour-long session drew to a close, he enjoyed the final song, “De Diepte” by S10, which played at 9:14 UTC, perfectly wrapping up an enchanting listening experience. Grateful for the wonderful broadcast, Tomás expressed his heartfelt appreciation for our programming, praising the clarity and stability of our new frequency. He even shared a recording link with us, reflecting his passion for shortwave radio and his connection to a community that spans the globe.

As he turned off his beloved Tecsun receiver, Tomás felt an undeniable connection to the distant voices he had just encountered and to fellow listeners who share in this extraordinary journey. Thank you, Tomás Méndez Losa, for sharing your remarkable experience with us! It’s listeners like you who keep the spirit of radio alive.

Radio Delta AM

The Magic of Shortwave: A Tale from Michael

In the quaint town of Gera, nestled in the heart of Thuringia, Germany, an old soul named Michael Lindner embarked on a nostalgic journey through the airwaves. It was January 26, 2025, a seemingly ordinary day, but for Michael, it held the promise of extraordinary sound. 

With his trusty Xhdata D-808 receiver resting on a well-worn table, he adjusted the 60 cm telescopic antenna, meticulously aiming it for the best reception. The room was dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for radio exploration. Outside his window, life bustled, but within these walls, time stood still as he tuned into the frequency of 9800 KHz. 

As the clock struck 11:00 UTC, Michael’s heart raced. Suddenly, the air filled with melodies, and he recognized the familiar jingle of Radio Delta’s test transmission. “Dear FRIENDS!” echoed through the room, and he eagerly grabbed a pen to capture the moment, reflecting a tradition he cherished. 

He carefully wrote down the reception details: the station’s name, the date, the frequency, and the quality of the broadcast. Pop hits swirled around him—”At Your Worst” by Calum Scott, “Hotel California” by the Eagles, and “A Good Heart” by F. Sharkey—each note reigniting cherished memories. In this intimate setting, he felt connected to a broader world, where the sound waves served as a bridge across distances.

Despite the simple setup and the old receiver, Michael felt immense joy. He crafted his reception report with enthusiasm, hoping it would reach the hearts of those behind the voices on the air. “I would be very happy to receive your QSL card. Such a confirmation card would be a great gift for me,” he penned thoughtfully, valuing the connection forged through the airwaves.

As Michael sent his email, he couldn’t help but smile, knowing that his small act of communication echoed the essence of what Radio Delta stood for: “BC-DX since 1971 – for better world communication and friendship!” His heart warmed at the thought of how, through radio, friendships blossomed, and cultures intertwined.

And so, in Gera on that day, a simple act of listening turned into a celebration of connection, illustrating how, even in a modern world, the magic of shortwave still held the power to unite souls across continent

Radio Delta AM

Maurizio’s Morning Melody: An Experience with Radio Delta

In the quiet town of Marsangy, France, the morning of January 12, 2025, broke with the promise of an extraordinary radio experience. Maurizio Naldi, a dedicated radio enthusiast, had set up his equipment the night before, ensuring everything was ready for the much-anticipated broadcast from Radio Delta. With his Kiwi SDR receiver aglow on the desk and an 18-meter long end-fed antenna stretched across his garden, Maurizio felt the familiar thrill of listening to the airwaves.

As the clock struck 7:30 UTC, the first notes of AC/DC’s classic “You Shook Me All Night Long” erupted from his speakers, filling the room with energy. Maurizio’s fingers danced over the controls of his recording setup, eager to capture every moment. The signal was remarkably strong, marked at S9-S9+20 on the S-meter, with only slight fading occurring, a testament to the perfect conditions for a memorable reception.

A few minutes later, at 7:33, Maurizio was transported back in time as he listened to the tale of Roland Schmidt, the first receiver of Radio Delta in Germany. The nostalgia of radio history washed over him, creating a deep connection with the waves carrying the stories of distant lands. As the broadcast continued, the sounds of various jingles flowed into his space, the announcements in Spanish, Dutch, German, and French highlighting the cosmopolitan spirit of Radio Delta.

By 7:37, the tunes shifted once again, this time featuring “Tomorrow is Another Day” by The Buffoons and “Morning Sunbird” by A la Carte. The music enveloped him, turning his quaint study into a bridge across Europe. At 7:44, a heartfelt tribute to The Cranberries began, a band that had defined a generation. On cue, “Dreams” drifted into the airwaves, followed closely by “In the Dutch Mountains” by Nits, almost echoing the memories Maurizio held dear.

As the programme continued with announcements like “Good Morning Europe” at 7:54, Maurizio savored each shared note and story. Time seemed to collapse in on itself, the solid morning fading into a beautiful haze of sound and memory. The final moments of the broadcast featured “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith, and by 8:00, the programme dedicated itself to The Cranberries, wrapping up their incredible journey from Limerick, accompanied by a gentle reminder of the antenna updates and a brief weather update.

Maurizio sat back, reflecting on the connection he had forged through the airwaves. In that moment, with his recording safely stored and the echoes of music still ringing in his ears, he felt a profound appreciation for the world of radio – a world that connected people across distances, cultures, and generations.

Radio Delta AM

Dieter’s DX Adventure

My name is Dieter, and I was born near the picturesque shores of the North Sea. During my youth in the early 1980s, I found myself captivated by the world of electronics through a construction kit from Franzis. This fascination sparked my interest in my father’s beloved hobby: amateur radio. I would often sit beside him as he engaged in QSOs (conversations among amateur radio operators). I was always in awe when someone from far away responded to his calls from the north of Germany, exchanging pleasantries and expressing delight over the connection.

Curiosity piqued, I once asked my father if there was a way to listen to radio broadcasts from abroad. In a heartbeat, he repaired an old Grundig Satellit 2000 for me, ushering me into the realm of shortwave radio. With my newfound equipment, I eagerly scanned the HF bands, soaking in the diverse array of international stations. To gather information on various broadcasters and their frequencies, I had purchased a guide from Wolf Siebel. My very first confirmed reception was from the BBC in London, broadcasting on the 49-meter band. Surprisingly, my antenna was nothing fancy; I simply stretched a few meters of wire along the heating pipes in my home, which extended to the upper floors—a makeshift solution that worked wonderfully.

As the months went by, I verified reception from over 50 stations across Europe, Asia, and America. Through the “Happy Station Listeners Club” of Radio Nederland, I quickly made pen pals around the globe, each letter a tiny window into another world. However, the late 1980s brought professional changes that led to a hiatus in my listening adventures. It wasn’t until the 1990s that I set up a long wire antenna in the garden of my apartment near Hamburg, reigniting my passion for shortwave listening.

Fast forward to the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I rediscovered the joys of SWLing. I would tune in to stations like Radio Casanova and Radio Delta on the 49-meter band every weekend using my trusted JRC NRD 525 G. From the moment I tuned into Radio Delta, its vibe felt like a warm embrace—it was like being part of a family. Both stations boasted licenses and delivered professional-quality programming, but Radio Delta stood out for its crystal-clear sound and engaging content. The show “Aart goes DX” became a weekly highlight that I eagerly anticipated.

Inspired, I started crafting loop antennas, following advice from various forums online. I modified an MLA-30+ to use with my ATS25X and SDRplay RSP2pro, diving deep into the technical side of the hobby. It was incredible to think that 40 years ago, I had listened to my first radio station, and now, with the changing landscape of broadcasts, only a few remained that aired in German. Radio Casanova, now using the old frequencies of Radio Delta, along with Radio Delta itself, became essential weekend programming for me.

Radio Delta, under the expert leadership of Aart, has thrived, showcasing technical prowess and a dedicated team. Over the past three years, I’ve keenly followed their journey, noting how their sound quality rivals that of local stations. Yet, there’s always a tinge of disappointment knowing they only broadcast on Sundays, but those hours, filled with varied formats and a rich spectrum of music, are treasured.

I’ve also expanded my equipment collection in recent years, acquiring receivers like the Kenwood R-5000 and JRC NRD 535 DG, which I could never have afforded previously. My almost-perfect, homemade rotatable loop antenna, constructed mainly from scrap wood from the hardware store, is my pride and joy, covering frequencies from 40m to 20m.

In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to Aart for his exceptional listener engagement and commitment to continually advancing the station’s technology and programming. The motto “Keep the shortwave alive” has never felt more appropriate. What once was the “Happy Station Show” of the 1980s and 90s at Radio Nederland has now found a worthy successor in Radio Delta.

At 58 years old, shortwave listening brings me more joy than it did 40 years ago. SWLing is a hobby that continues to forge friendships and connect people across the globe.

Best regards from Hamburg,

Dieter

 

Ich heiße Dieter und wurde nahe der malerischen Küsten der Nordsee geboren. In meiner Jugend Anfang der 1980er Jahre begeisterte ich mich für die Welt der Elektronik durch einen Bausatz von Franzis. Diese Faszination entfachte mein Interesse für das Hobby meines Vaters: den Amateurfunk. Oft saß ich neben ihm, während er QSOs (Gespräche unter Amateurfunkern) führte. Es war beeindruckend, wenn jemand aus der Ferne auf seine Rufe antwortete, die aus dem Norden Deutschlands kamen, und Freude über die Verbindung ausdrückte.

Neugierig fragte ich einmal meinen Vater, ob es eine Möglichkeit gäbe, Radiosendungen aus dem Ausland zu empfangen. In Windeseile reparierte er mir einen alten Grundig Satellit 2000, der mich in die Welt des Kurzwellenradios einführte. Mit meinem neuen Equipment begann ich, die KW-Bänder abzusuchen und die vielfältigen internationalen Stationen aufzusaugen. Um Informationen über verschiedene Sender und deren Frequenzen zu sammeln, hatte ich einen Ratgeber von Wolf Siebel gekauft. Mein allererster bestätigter Empfang war die BBC aus London, die auf dem 49-Meter-Band sendete. Überraschenderweise war meine Antenne nichts Aufwendiges; ich spannte ein paar Meter Draht entlang der Heizungsrohre in meinem Zuhause, die bis in die oberen Stockwerke verliefen — eine improvisierte Lösung, die wunderbar funktionierte.

Im Laufe der Monate überprüfte ich den Empfang von über 50 Stationen aus Europa, Asien und Amerika. Durch den „Happy Station Listeners Club“ von Radio Nederland machte ich schnell Brieffreunde auf der ganzen Welt, jeder Brief war ein kleiner Blick in eine andere Welt. Doch in den späten 1980er Jahren brachten berufliche Veränderungen eine Pause in meinen Hörabenteuern. Erst in den 1990er Jahren baute ich in dem Garten meiner Wohnung in der Nähe von Hamburg eine Langdrahtantenne auf, die meine Leidenschaft für das Kurzwellenhören neu entzündete.

Die herausfordernden Zeiten der COVID-19-Pandemie führten dazu, dass ich das SWL-Hobby erneut entdeckte. Jedes Wochenende hörte ich auf Stationen wie Radio Casanova und Radio Delta auf dem 49-Meter-Band mit meinem treuen JRC NRD 525 G. Vom ersten Moment an fühlte sich Radio Delta wie eine warme Umarmung an—es war, als wäre ich Teil einer Familie. Beide Sender hatten Lizenzen und lieferten professionelle Programme, aber Radio Delta stach durch seinen kristallklaren Sound und ansprechende Inhalte hervor. Die Sendung „Aart goes DX“ wurde zu einem wöchentlichen Höhepunkt, auf den ich freudig wartete.

Inspiriert begann ich, Loopantennen zu bauen und holte mir Ratschläge aus verschiedenen Online-Foren. Ich modifizierte eine MLA-30+ für den Einsatz mit meinem ATS25X und SDRplay RSP2pro und tauchte tief in die technische Seite des Hobbys ein. Es war unglaublich zu denken, dass ich vor 40 Jahren meine erste Radiostation gehört hatte und nun, mit der sich verändernden Landschaft der Sendungen, nur noch wenige Sender übrig waren, die in Deutsch sendeten. Radio Casanova, das nun die alten Frequenzen von Radio Delta nutzt, sowie Radio Delta selbst wurden zu unverzichtbaren Programmen am Wochenende für mich.

Radio Delta, unter der fachkundigen Leitung von Aart, hat sich prächtig entwickelt und technische Kompetenz sowie ein engagiertes Team gezeigt. In den letzten drei Jahren habe ich ihren Weg aufmerksam verfolgt und bemerkt, wie die Klangqualität mittlerweile der von lokalen Sendern entspricht. Dennoch gibt es immer einen Hauch von Enttäuschung zu wissen, dass sie nur sonntags auf Sendung sind, aber diese Stunden, gefüllt mit abwechslungsreichen Formaten und einem breiten Spektrum an Musik, sind kostbar.

In den letzten Jahren habe ich auch meine Gerätesammlung erweitert und Receiver wie den Kenwood R-5000 und JRC NRD 535 DG angeschafft, die ich mir zuvor nie hätte leisten können. Meine fast perfekte, drehbare Loopantenne, die hauptsächlich aus Restholz vom Baumarkt besteht, ist mein Stolz und Freude und deckt Frequenzen von 40 m bis 20 m ab.

Abschließend möchte ich Aart für sein außergewöhnliches Engagement gegenüber den Zuhörern und seinen unermüdlichen Einsatz zur ständigen Verbesserung der technischen Ausstattung und des Programms danken. Der Slogan „Keep the shortwave alive“ passt hier wirklich gut. Was in den 1980er und 1990er Jahren die „Happy Station Show“ bei Radio Nederland war, hat nun bei Radio Delta einen ebenbürtigen Nachfolger gefunden.

Mit mittlerweile 58 Jahren bereitet mir das Kurzwellenhören mehr Freude denn je. SWL: Ein Hobby, das viele nette Kontakte und Freundschaften mit sich bringt.

Mit besten Grüßen aus Hamburg,

Dieter

Radio Delta AM

Waves of Nostalgia: Alfonso’s Connection to The Cranberries on Shortwave Radio

Welcome to another special edition of Radio Delta, where we celebrate the art of shortwave radio listening and the unique stories that come from it. Today, we bring you an intriguing reception report from one of our esteemed listeners, Alfonso Sampedro Prada, located in the charming coastal town of Santoña, Cantabria, Spain.

On the 1st of December, 2025, at precisely 13:45 UTC, Alfonso tuned into our frequency of 12.085 kHz using the RETEKESS V115 receiver. In this age of digital broadcasting, it’s fascinating to hear from someone who embraces the traditional methods of radio listening. Alfonso utilized a basic receiver antenna, but his passion for radio shines through, proving that great reception is possible without high-end equipment.

Alfonso reported a SINPO score of 43343, indicating a clear signal with a bit of fading. But what truly made this moment memorable for him was hearing the song ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries playing through our station. The Cranberries hold a special place in Alfonso’s heart; their music encapsulates nostalgia and emotion for him. ‘Dreams’ is more than just a song—it’s a reminder of cherished memories, perhaps of love, friendships, or even moments of solitude. The ethereal voice of Dolores O’Riordan resonates deeply with him, echoing feelings of hope and longing that we often seek through music.

He noted, ‘Very good radio station!’ Despite the limitations of technology and the inability to share audio directly, his words reflect the joy of encountering a beloved song on the air—a shared connection across distances.

He concluded his report by expressing his hope for confirmation and a QSL card from us. Such requests remind us of the community spirit of radio listening. Alfonso takes a moment to send his compliments our way, and we, in turn, thank him for reaching out. 

Radio Delta AM

Connection from the Heights: Marco Hommel’s Unique Radio Experience on Radio Delta

Today, we have a remarkable reception report that truly stands out. The sender is Marco Hommel from Bretnig, Germany, and he experienced something unique while tuning into our frequency.

It was a crisp morning on January 5th, 2025, at 08:10 UTC. Marco was using an ATS25 Max Decoder, coupled with a 5.6-meter Groundplane antenna. The setup, although not the latest technology, proved to be exceptional due to the unique location.

Picture this: the snow lightly falling on the slopes of the Waaserberg, where Marco has set up his receiver. At 600 meters (1,969 feet) above sea level, this elevated position offers a perfect vantage point, allowing for superior signal reception that would otherwise be hindered in lower terrains. The breathtaking views and serene atmosphere of the Waaserberg create a wonderful backdrop for this radio adventure.

Initially, Marco received us on 6.170 kHz with a SINPO rating of 35443. He described the reception as good, providing him with a delightful mix of instrumental and Polka music, accented with the lively talks that Radio Delta is known for. Later, at 12:10 UTC, he tuned into our frequency on 12.085 kHz. This time, the signal was even stronger, boasting a SINPO of 45544, and the audio quality was exceptionally clear.

Thank you, Marco, for sharing your experience with us! Your connection from the beautiful heights of Bretnig serves as a reminder of the power of radio to connect people across distances, transcending geography and technology.

Radio Delta AM

Reception report from the heart of Lapland

We have a captivating reception report from the breathtaking landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Picture this: In the remote serenity of Inari, nestled deep within the Arctic wilderness, two AM radio enthusiasts, Jari and Timo, have dedicated their evening to the pursuit of distant radio waves. With a sense of adventure and a passion for the airwaves, they have crafted an impressive, 1,250-meter-long Beverage antenna directed toward the eastern United States.

They huddle inside their cabin, surrounded by the gentle glow of a wood stove, creating a cozy atmosphere amid the snow-laden pines outside. Equipped with their trusty Microtelecom Perseus receiver, their anticipation grows as they adjust dials, momentarily breaking the solitude with whispers of excitement. On December 29, 2024, at 15:06 UTC, the feed crackles and suddenly morphs into clarity. The unmistakable tones of Radio Delta International reach their eager ears. A moment of pure delight as they confirm the identification—it’s us! Their excitement is palpable, even in the cold, untouched expanse of Lapland.

Jari and Timo extend their warm greetings, expressing gratitude for our transmission. They share their love for AM DXing—the art of detecting and identifying distant AM stations across the globe. Their remote listening spot, free from the inescapable hum of human interference, allows them to revel in the thrill of discovery, gathering signals from the ether. With this heartfelt reception report, Jari and Timo wish us all the best. They affirm that AM DX is thriving warmly in the heart of Finland—an encouraging thought as we navigate the unseen waves of communication around the world.