500 kHz in Europe, the Summer of 1974

Sorry for the tacky powerpoint slides but thought it was worth getting this remarkable audio document up on Youtube.

These are recordings made by Arthur Goodnow, W1DM (SK), of 500 kHz in the Summer of 1974. It is incredible to realise just how recently 500 kHz was a major artery of international maritime communication and morse code the lifeblood that pumped through it. When I was first studying to become a radio ham in 1991, the frequency was silent but there was still some HF CW left. Now all gone: "Appelait tous. C'est notre dernier cri avant notre silence éternel."

Category:

Education

Tags:

• morse code
• maritime radio
• maritime
• 500 kHz
• cw
• marine radio
• ham
• amateur radio

[NW7US]

Thank you for sharing this. This is a great snapshot of history. 73 de NW7US

[DavidL3430]

WOW, I found this searching for information on Arthur Goodnow (W1DM when I knew him)  He and his wife Fran baby sat me when I was a kid. I remember his basement of fantastic equipment, one being a cherished but long silent spark transmitter. I believe I actually recall the modified transistor radio that he used to receive these transmissions. Thank you for posting this, a great tribute to a wonderful silent key.

[dirkjbal]

Thanks for the nice recording. Good memories of good old 500 kHz !

[aazpf1]

you made my day with this recording.....how many hours spent with this music in my ears....

do you have any more?

[aazpf1]

FFL terrible operator

[aazpf1]

oh well...gale warning from Genoa radio around minute 7:00

[aazpf1]

thanks man. good old memories. i've been RO for years