Because of COVID-related travel restrictions, Santa Claus is required this year to follow a very strict flight plan.  To view his progress, we recommend visiting the official NORAD Santa Tracking website.  (We previously wrote about the history of this project here.)

To assist him with precision navigation, Santa Claus has asked OneTubeRadio.com to activate a non-directional beacon (NDB).  We will, of course, be complying with this request, and we have activated a beacon on 1610 kHz.  Santa will use the automatic direction finding equipment (ADF) installed in his sleigh to home in on the beacon.  (He is currently employing equipment more modern than shown above in a picture from the December 9, 1922, issue of Radio World.)  We expect that while aloft, Santa will be able to pull in the signal from the North Pole.

At ground level, the signal will have a range of about one mile.  If you are located close to the OneTubeRadio.com world headquarters, you can tune in to this special broadcast.  If you are further away, you can listen online:

We are transmitting with our  InfOspot Talking House transmitter, which I previously reviewed at this link.  It is an FCC-certified transmitter for the AM band and operates with 100 milliwatts to a 3-meter antenna.   It has fairly solid coverage for about two blocks, and in a few spots, can be heard over a mile away.  During COVID-19, I have used this transmitter for drive-in educational programs for my continuing legal education business.  It is also suitable for other socially distanced activities, such as church services and meetings of community organizations.  It could potentially be an important community resource in emergencies.  And tonight, it is assisting Santa Claus in performing his duties.

Reception reports are welcome.  You can contact us at como-radio@usa.net.