First HamTV Transmission from ISS Since 2018

/

The first HamTV transmission from the International Space Station (ISS) since 2018 occurred on 18th October 2025. As part of an ISS contact with the 1st Radford Semele Scout Group in the United Kingdom, HamTV was utilised in addition to FM voice over onboard amateur radio equipment.

ARISS has uploaded a compilation of video feeds received from ground stations in Europe.

The HamTV setup on ISS has been out of commission for repairs since 2018, but was just recently brought back online in July.

ARISS HamTV Live - https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/

SAQ Grimeton to Transmit CW Message

/

On 1st December 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 electromechanical transmitter from this era and is still in running condition. On Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday 24th December 2025, the transmitter is scheduled* to spread the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, on 17.2 kHz CW.

Transmission Schedule

  • 08:20 CET (07:20 UTC): Live stream on YouTube begins.

  • 08:30 CET (07:30 UTC): Startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ.

  • 09:00 CET (08:00 UTC): Transmission of a Christmas message from SAQ.

  • 08:00 CET (07:00 UTC): The transmitter hall at World Heritage Grimeton is opened for visitors.

E-QSL reports may be submitted online - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKqX1aVtxLn9Ua44UKTsc6hD5ArhnOtprJ7HGQGazTC8ucng/viewform

Pirate Radio Broadcaster Agrees To $7,200 Payment

/

The US Federal Communications Commission has announced that the government will be collecting a payment from an unlicensed radio operator in Massachusetts, settling an enforcement case from last year. The operator of a pirate radio station in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay $7,200 to the US Treasury as part of a consent decree with the FCC.

The FCC said that the radio operator, Robert Bellinger, had been broadcasting on 93.1 FM without a license. The payment, which is part of his consent decree, was substantially reduced from the agency's original proposed forfeiture of $40,000 which it sought in 2024 in a notice of apparent liability. Bellinger responded to the notice at the time and told the FCC he was not able to pay the amount.

An FCC review of his finances resulted in an alternative solution -- a consent decree in which Bellinger admitted to his illegal broadcasts and a commitment to make the voluntary contribution specified.