cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49066728

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.

  • tasankovasara@sopuli.xyz
    2·
    1 day ago

    I watched a livestream of one run and that was such an awesome thing to see. Though I’d heard some local hams call it ‘the steam engine’ - bit of a disappointment that it ran with an electric motor after all 😁

    • redlemace@lemmy.worldOP
      1·
      14 hours ago

      I know what you mean, but …each key-press releases 200Kw into the antenna. A steam engine will never maintain a constant speed with such pulsating load. The tricks Alexander came up with to solve it with the electric drive is truly impressive, I don’t see that happening with steam.