On December 1, 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 (very early Christmas Eve morning in the eastern USA), Wednesday December 24th 2025, the transmitter is scheduled to spread the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, on 17.2 kHz CW.
- 07:20 UTC (2:20 AM EST): Live stream on YouTube begins.
- 07:30 UTC (2:30 AM EST): Startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ.
- 08:00 UTC (3:00 AM EST): Transmission of a Christmas message from SAQ.
E-QSL reports may be submitted online.
SAQ Grimeton is a historic radio station located in Grimeton, Sweden. It is renowned for being the only remaining operational transmitter that uses the Alexanderson alternator technology, which was developed in the early 20th century.
The station utilizes a 200 kW Alexanderson alternator, a type of high-frequency alternator used for radio transmission. Built between 1922 and 1924, it was primarily used for longwave telegraphy to North America.
It is the last surviving example of pre-vacuum tube radio technology.
SAQ Grimeton was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. The station operates under the callsign SAQ and operates on 17.2 kHz using Continuous Wave (CW) modulation.
Special broadcasts are also scheduled for significant occasions, such as messages promoting peace.
The station serves as a vital link to the history of radio communication and continues to operate, showcasing early 20th-century technology.
The World Heritage Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden is no stranger to celebrations - certainly not this year, as it marks its 100th year as a treasured communicator. Before its Jubilee year activities conclude on the 31st of December, the radio station will once again engage in one of its most popular traditions, its Christmas Eve message, a longwave transmission in CW.
One hundred Christmas Eves will have come and gone when the callsign SAQ transmits the Christmas Eve message from the Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden on the morning of December 24th. The operator will again be using the much-loved transmitter, which utilizes an alternating-current generator developed by the pioneering Swedish engineer Ernst Alexanderson.
The Christmas Eve morning 17.2 kHz transmission will be sent about a half-hour after the transmitter has been started up. It is a festive occasion on the radio station site itself but for those who cannot be there personally, the message can be heard on the air and also seen on the YouTube channel of the Alexander SAQ Grimeton Friendship Association.
It is a Christmas gift to the world, as the association notes on its channel, pointing out that this is the "only remaining electromechanical radio transmitter."
One hundred Christmas Eves will have come and gone when the callsign SAQ transmits the Christmas Eve message from the Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden on the morning of December 24th. The operator will again be using the much-loved transmitter, which utilizes an alternating-current generator developed by the pioneering Swedish engineer Ernst Alexanderson.
The Christmas Eve morning 17.2 kHz transmission will be sent about a half-hour after the transmitter has been started up. It is a festive occasion on the radio station site itself but for those who cannot be there personally, the message can be heard on the air and also seen on the YouTube channel of the Alexander SAQ Grimeton Friendship Association.
It is a Christmas gift to the world, as the association notes on its channel, pointing out that this is the "only remaining electromechanical radio transmitter."
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