SAQ scheduled to send a Christmas message on Dec 24th 2025.
On December 1st 1924, the 200kW Alexanderson alternator with the call sign “SAQ” was put into commercial operation with telegram traffic from Sweden to the United States. 101 years later, the transmitter is the only remaining electro-mechanical transmitter from this era and is still in running condition. On Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday December 24th 2025, the transmitter is scheduled* to spread the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, on 17.2 kHz CW.
Program and transmission schedule:
07:00 CET (06:00 UTC): The visitor center is opened for visitors with coffee, Christmas buns and ginger snaps.
08:00 CET (07:00 UTC): The transmitter hall at World Heritage Grimeton is opened for visitors.
Transmission & YouTube Live stream:
08:20 CET (07:20 UTC): Live stream on YouTube begins.
08:30 CET (07:30 UTC): Startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ.
09:00 CET (08:00 UTC): Transmission of a Christmas message from SAQ.
08:00 CET (07:00 UTC): The transmitter hall at World Heritage Grimeton is opened for visitors.
The transmission event can be seen live on our YouTube Channel.
We are planning to carry our some test transmissions on Friday, December 19th, 13:00 – 16:00 CET (12:00 -15:00 UTC). SAQ will be on the air shorter periods of time during this interval, when we will be carrying out tuning, tests and measurements. Your comments are welcome to info@alexander.n.se.
For guaranteed E-QSL from us, please report using our ONLINE QSL FORM. We can not guarantee that reports by Email / mail / bureau will be confirmed. The online form will be open from December 24th, 2024 until January 10th, 2025.
This Christmas Eve morning the Amateur Radio Station with the call “SK6SAQ” will not be open.
Alexander SAQ Grimeton, Grimeton Friendship Association (2025-12-06)