From FM to SW

After two decades serving a local audience on FM it was time to move on. Eventually I found FM, technically speaking, too easy. I could make everything I wished to make; PPL oscillators, crystal oscillators, drivers, low and high power (end-)stages, valve transmitters, stereo coders, antennas, power supplies etc etc. It was an interesting though that with less output power as FM you could work the world on shortwave. After surfing the net, I came across a classic design from the 40's; a 25 watt valve rig with a 6DQ6A, (conventional grid-plate crystal type power oscillator) not the type of diagram I was looking for. After reading trough old copies of the Free Radio Magazine (the Dutch version), including a diagram of Radio Boston (twice EL84), and books concerning valves in the end I met someone via a mutual friend. This guy knew what he was talking about, he provided me with all the information I needed. On Sunday November 17th 1996 at 20:30 UTC Radio Atlantis opened officially on shortwave by presenting my first show on the 43 meter band, 6.955 kHz.

First Three Records Played

Not Fade Away by the Rolling Stones
Atlantis by the Shadows
Close the Gate by the Loving Awareness Band

Eventually due to interference from Radio China a frequency change had to take place. After some modifications on the transmitter (and a different type of antenna) I switched frequency and started broadcasting on the 75 mtr Euroband (3.935 kHz.) better known as the 76 meter band. Besides the frequency change I also changed my station name and mailing address; four fellow Radio Atlantis stations... not very clear for listeners!

1st Rig

Transmitter: Valve (CV2179 & 6146B)
Frequency: 6.955 kHz and later 3.935 kHz
Modulation: AM
Amplifier: Internal 30 Watt RMS amplifier
Output Power: 40 Watts

Although it is 'just' a few megahertz down the scale the groundwork is a complete different ball game. On the 76 meter band it is almost an art to get a good counter-poise but after some RF burns I did! After several phone calls and letters from e.g. Germany, Sweden and Lithuania I was sure it matched. It is a big step from FM to shortwave, and an even bigger step to medium wave. Not only because of the design, hard to get parts and modulation differences but the groundwork on medium wave is even harder.

In spite of the quite reasonable reception in most parts of Western and Eastern Europe, in the winter of 1998 I decided on a temporarily closedown, this to carry out antenna modifications and, of course, to return with a newly build transmitter. The reason was not only to increase my range but mainly to gain a better broadcast quality.

2nd Rig

Transmitter: Valve (6BH6 & 6L6GT & EL84 & 4 x 807)
Voltage: 800 volt / 630 mA
Frequency: 3.930 kHz
Modulation: AM (High Level Modulation System)
Amplifier: Internal 215 Watt/4 Ohm MOSFET amplifier
Output Power: 200 Watts nominal

This rig was better known by friends as the 'big rig' because of its size and power! I never met an amateur who build such a rig for 76 mtr only. I got reception reports from as far as the Arctic Circle to the Sierra Nevada desert, from the Baltic Sea to the Firth of Forth.

After several QTH changes in a short time I had to reduce power, I live in a highly populated area in a city. Not because I was causing any interference but more to be sure I didn't, shortwave and AM don't mix with TV and telephone! Finally an amateur who does not construct is only a operator.. I took a break in 2002 and focused primarily on syndicate programming for other stations; both Radio Nova International (UK based) and Free Radio Service Holland. (NL based) I returned to the airwaves in 2004 with my third rig.

3rd Rig

I really liked this one. In comparison to the 'big rig' it's very comprehensive and its weight was no problem. I especially liked the mod part, truly 100% modulation guarded by limiter and filtering. I could use it on 48 and 76 meters.

4th Rig

This is my final rig. Because I only use it during holidays it is well rugged for field operations. In case you're wondering.. sorry.. not for sale!

Although I run a free radio station, at all times I endeavour to maintain standards of good taste and responsible technical operation. My current rig is tested to comply with Ofcom standards.

There are several publications Free Radio Nova' name came across, to name a few: the ACE, Free Radio Magazine (the German version by Klaus), Pirate Reflections and On the Lead. Also in Andrew Yoders book 'Pirate Radio Stations' I was not only mentioned but the book also contains an audio CD, checkout audio clip #3.