Wanted to finally receive SAQ on christmas,
One presumes that's some Ho-ho-horrific Ha-ha-hamateur radio callsign that only goes on the air for Christmas? ![Smiley :)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
Actually not, it is an actual, real, working, once-commercial WT station. The only electromechanical Alexanderson transmitter that is operative (or even exists!); it's sited in Grimeton on the Swedish west coast, was built in the 1920s to assure WT connection to USA et al.
Rumour has it that it was spared because it was a convenient VLF TX backup for comms to submarines in Skagerak and Kattegat. Since it is unique it's been made an Unesco World Heritage Site, the most electrical World Heritage there is.
It is something of a chore to get working; it's a 200KW three-phase motor driving a 17,2KHz AC generator. The TX relay probably weighs 40 kilos. And it hammers away at best "former naval operator" WPM on the days they decide to try to get it alive, and actually succeed. The time we were there they'd fried a capacitor in the antenna tuner; a Ø 200mm ceramic disc that was cracked in two. Spares were available, and on second attempt they went on air.
Ear defenders are not optional in the transmitter room.
https://alexander.n.se/