Tucked away in the serene town of Königs Wusterhausen in Brandenburg, Germany, lies a hidden gem of technological and historical significance: the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter, locally known as Sender Königs Wusterhausen. This remarkable site, nestled on the Funkerberg hill, stands as a testament to the pioneering days of radio broadcasting in Germany and offers a captivating journey through the annals of communication history.
The story of the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter begins in 1908 when the first radio experiments were conducted using mobile radio stations on what was then known as Windmühlenberg, later renamed Funkerberg. By 1916, the site had evolved into a military radio station, equipped with four arc transmitters and operating under the call sign LP. This early phase marked the transmitter's crucial role during World War I, serving the German Army until the war's end.
In 1919, the Deutsche Reichspost acquired the facility, transforming it into a hub for wireless telegraphy. The site became the main radio station for telegram services, both domestically and internationally, reaching countries such as Italy, Austria, and various states in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. The transmitter's call signs, AFL to AFT, and AFV, AFW, and AFY, became well-known in the burgeoning world of wireless communication.
December 22, 1920, marked a milestone in broadcasting history. On this day, the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter hosted the first public radio broadcast in Germany. The event was a Christmas concert, featuring postal workers who played instruments, sang songs, and recited poems. This broadcast heralded the birth of public radio in Germany, establishing the Funkerberg as a historic site in the world of broadcasting.
The 1920s and 1930s were a period of rapid expansion and innovation for the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter. The site saw the construction of numerous transmitters, including the iconic 243-meter-high steel lattice tower, affectionately known as der Dicke (the Fat One). This era also witnessed the introduction of regular Sunday concerts, where postal workers continued to entertain audiences with their musical talents.
The transmitter's capabilities grew significantly during this time. By 1925, it housed 20 transmitters of various types, ranging from arc transmitters to tube transmitters, with power outputs from 0.2 kW to 50 kW. The facility's reach extended further with the construction of new installations in nearby Zeesen, including the powerful Deutschlandsender II with 60 kW and the first shortwave transmitter.
World War II brought significant changes to the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter. Many installations were dismantled, but the site saw new life in the post-war years. In 1946, a 100 kW longwave transmitter was installed, serving as a reserve for the Zehlendorf transmitter until 1992. The site also became a broadcasting center for the Soviet military program Wolga until 1985.
Despite the challenges, the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter continued to innovate. The 1959 construction of a longwave transmitter, completed in 1963 with a power output of 70 kW, exemplified the site's enduring importance in the world of broadcasting. However, the infamous Quimburga storm of 1972 brought the collapse of the iconic 243-meter tower, marking the end of an era.
With the reunification of Germany, the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter saw a gradual reduction in its broadcasting activities. By the summer of 1995, regular transmissions had ceased, except for a 67-meter-high mobile phone tower erected in 1994 and a few remaining broadcasts on medium wave and FM frequencies.
Today, the site has been transformed into the Sendermuseum Königs Wusterhausen, a museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of radio broadcasting. Visitors can explore the remaining technical installations, including the 210-meter-high mast, which was renovated in 2009, and the three 29-meter-high steel lattice towers known as the Kontertürme. These towers, once essential for supporting antenna cables, now stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era.
The Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter gained international recognition in July 2016 when the IEEE honored the site with a plaque commemorating the historic 1920 Christmas broadcast. This accolade has cemented the transmitter's status as a landmark of global significance in the field of communication technology.
In conclusion, the Königs Wusterhausen radio transmitter is more than just a collection of steel towers and transmitters; it is a living museum that tells the story of the birth and evolution of radio broadcasting in Germany. A visit to this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into the technological advancements that have shaped our modern world, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and technology buffs alike.
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