Dr Bob Whelan, G3PJT - Silent Key

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It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr Bob Whelan, G3PJT became a Silent Key on 4 December 2025.

Bob’s contribution to amateur radio was extensive. First licensed in 1961, his main interest was in HF/LF CW operation. In this he soon became a strong supporter of the Commonwealth Contest, operating from a number of DX locations for the contest over many years. He wrote the book “Reflections in a Rosebowl” which covers the history of the Commonwealth Contest, and he put much effort into building an online Commonwealth Contest community.

Bob also played very significant roles in the RSGB, IARU and FOC (First Class Operators Club). For the RSGB, he started his volunteering as a member of the RSGB HF Committee and Management Committees and later was President from 2002-2003 and again from 2013-2014.

First HamTV Transmission from ISS Since 2018

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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

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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