Grimeton Radio Station in southern Sweden, close to Varberg in Halland, is an early longwave transatlantic wireless telegraphy station built in 1922–1924, that has been preserved as a historical site. From the 1920s through the 1940s it was used to transmit telegram traffic by Morse code to North America and other countries, and during World War II was Sweden's only telecommunication link with the rest of the world. It is the only remaining example of an early pre-electronic radio transmitter technology called an Alexanderson alternator. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, with the statement: "Grimeton Radio Station, Varberg is an exceptionally well preserved example of a type of telecommunication centre, representing the technological achievements by the early 1920s, as well as documenting the further development over some three decades." The radio station is also an anchor site for the European Route of Industrial Heritage. The transmitter is still in operational condition, and each year on a day called Alexanderson Day is started up and transmits brief Morse code test transmissions, which can be received all over Europe.
The main building with a log-periodic antenna from the 1960s in the background.
Alexanderson alternator in the Grimeton VLF transmitter. The drive motor is at the extreme right; the speed-increaser gearbox is just to its left. Note the bronze-colored shaft coupling.
Principle diagram of information transmission
Resonant circuit consisting of antenna (I), transformer (D) and magnetic amplifier (G)
Very low frequency or VLF is the ITU designation for radio frequencies (RF) in the range of 3–30 kHz, corresponding to wavelengths from 100 to 10 km, respectively. The band is also known as the myriameter band or myriameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten myriameters. Due to its limited bandwidth, audio (voice) transmission is highly impractical in this band, and therefore only low data rate coded signals are used. The VLF band is used for a few radio navigation services, government time radio stations and for secure military communication. Since VLF waves can penetrate at least 40 meters (131 ft) into saltwater, they are used for military communication with submarines.
A VLF receiving antenna at Palmer Station, Antarctica, operated by Stanford University
Central mast of a similar "trideco" antenna of the NATO VLF transmitter at Anthorn radio station, UK, showing 6 insulator strings attaching the toploads to the 6 vertical radiator wires
Umbrella antenna of the Omega navigation system beacon on Tsushima Island, Japan, which transmitted at 10-14 kHz; 389 meters high, it was dismantled in 1998.
Flattop antenna towers of the Grimeton VLF transmitter, Varberg, Sweden