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The transmitter in Grimeton -over a 100 years old now- transmitted today. They start it up many times a year, but it only transmits like twice a year and then only for a few minutes.

I've been there a number of times when they started it up, even once participated, but now I've finally tested the receiver-kit i assembled.

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[-] svdasein@lemmy.world 52 points 1 month ago

You sure that qualifies as "dull"? Does that mean they actually fired up and operated this gigantic thing? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimeton_Radio_Station

[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 31 points 1 month ago

No and Yes.

It's the only one remaining of the 20 that where build, and it's also fully functioning. They start it up multiple times a year (30 or so) just to keep it in a working condition. It runs usually like half an hour to avoid excessive wear. The actual transmissions (they transmit for 5 min.) happens only twice a year. The next transmission is most likely on Christmas, they stream the whole event -with explanations- live on YouTube too.

[-] HeartyOfGlass@piefed.social 7 points 1 month ago
[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 9 points 1 month ago

That's quite an understatement. The things Alexander came up with to make it work at the time are truly amazing (still are today)

[-] HeartyOfGlass@piefed.social 1 points 1 month ago

That's quite an understatement

It's really neat!

It's honestly incredible stuff. I'd love to make myself one of those receivers & enjoy the yearly test.

[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I paid sek 565:- (roughly Eur 51 / $59) for the kit on the photo (excl batt.) but shipment might cost you more, but you can ask them ;)

[-] grue@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago

A lot of the stuff posted here is too interesting, IMO.

[-] atomicbocks@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 month ago

I think it’s more about the things other people would find dull. That we find those kinds of things interesting is why we are here to begin with.

[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 10 points 1 month ago

Agreed! But I think that's on us then. Apparently dullness is a very enjoyable lifestyle.

I would not wanna trade with those who thought "So? You heard a few crackling beeps from a 100+ year old machine, did you not get the message? We have whatsapp and spotify now"

[-] chellomere@lemmy.world 12 points 1 month ago

Here's from the 100 year anniversary, it's a fascinating watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/JJb_RdKX4qc

[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

And imagine they had to run it without hearing protection for being able to hear problems in the machine asap.

[-] half_built_pyramids@lemmy.world 11 points 1 month ago
[-] hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 month ago

Thanks for this! I'm a ham, and I can't believe I've never heard of this before. I'm going to try to hear the next transmission!

[-] Curious_Canid@piefed.ca 6 points 1 month ago

Nice rig!

I live near WPR in Wisconsin. The equipment and changed and moved around, but it began broadcasting in 1922 and is still a major station.

[-] not@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 month ago

Can you share the circuit diagram for the receiver?

[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 9 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Sure can! (it's not mine though) it's here They even sell the kit to assemble yourself. That's how I did it, Easier and cheaper than collecting the part from everywhere (God, I miss having a store in town selling electronics parts and even could make your PCB)

[-] not@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 month ago
[-] HeyJoe@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

I knew nothing about any of this, but I love it. Super cool especially the youtube video.

[-] olof@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 month ago
[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

jo men abslolut ! Kan rekommendera att åka dit och upplever sändare start.

[-] AI_toothbrush@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 month ago

Swede spotted? I see the biltema battery

[-] redlemace@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I Sure am, but distance isn't a thing, they listen in all over the world (map of receiver reports, multiple years combined)

[-] prenatal_confusion@feddit.org 2 points 1 month ago
#EKTNNEAAMT J0###KKT#

something tells me this is not morse. Or I didn't do it right.

[-] vk6flab@lemmy.radio 1 points 1 month ago

How this beast works is a thing of beauty. I wrote an article about it in my weekly "Foundations of Amateur Radio" podcast.

https://archive.org/details/20260404.foundations-of-amateur-radio

[-] altphoto@lemmy.today 1 points 1 month ago

Dam! That's some crazy engineering.

this post was submitted on 05 Jul 2026
237 points (99.6% liked)

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