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Monday, February 27, 2023

RUV Iceland longwave announces upcoming closure

 
The following is from Tom Kamp on the A-DX list (translated from German by TR using Google):

I'm shocked: "RUV 207 kHz is currently broadcasting a loop about the termination of transmissions on this frequency," writes Guido Schotmans in the Benelux DX Club Facebook group. And refers to the following report:


It reads that at 3:11 p.m. today, the RÚV long-wave transmitter on Eidar ended its mission. Now only the message is sent there that the RÚV broadcast on this frequency has been switched off. On Wednesday, the long-wave mast is scheduled to fall on Eidar, the country's third-tallest structure, 218 meters high.

For the time being, it will continue to be broadcast on long wave from Gufuskálar, but VHF will also completely take over the role of security broadcasting there.

RÚV's announcement states that the equipment required to maintain existing masts is very expensive and radios that receive LW are rare.

The change is made in cooperation with the rescue services and civil protection. The development of the VHF transmitter chain at less frequented locations started in 2017 and is progressing well. Transmitters were placed in the highlands, as well as large transmitters in key locations for seafarers. Backup power systems reduce the risk of radio interruptions due to weather and power outages. Over the next two years, the VHF system will be further focused on the longwave transmitter service area in Gufuskálar, which is expected to be decommissioned next year.
(posted by Tom Kamp to A-DX list, 27 February 2023)

Tom later added: VHF certainly means VHF marine radio here.
(BDXC)