to mark the
closing of the
UK Coast
Radio Stations
Last updated
24 March 1999
THE DX EVENT - GKA and the AREA SCHEME |
| One thrust of this special event will once again bring together Portishead Radio and stations of the Area Scheme of the old British Empire. The Area Scheme was established in 1946 and lasted through to 1972 (at which time the naval presence at Portishead was also terminated). The scheme gave British and Colonial registered shipping a leading edge in communications by providing them with a sophisticated chain of radio relay stations covering all areas of the world with Portishead Radio acting as the control station. |
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CLICK HERE for details of the stations taking part in the DX event.
Special Awards available during Maritime Radio Month
Like so much in the story of the UK maritime service, the Area Scheme laid down a pattern which has proven a valuable template for modern day communication:-
The Maritex automatic radio telex system provides worldwide coverage by linking a number of stations strategically placed around the world
The Globe Wireless system functions in a very similar way
and even in the world of satellites, BT's worldwide maritime coverage is achieved through links with Norway, Singapore and New Zealand.
People may want to dismiss old fashioned "steam radio" - but lets remind them that we did it first.