A Visit to the Shortwave Station, Pals

My visit, in October 2000, to the US Government/s high-security shortwave radio station at Pals, Spain.

BACKGROUND. The US Government owns and operates several overseas shortwave relays, one of which is located at Playa-de-Pals, in Spain. These high-powered stations are part of the global radio transmission network, managed by the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), in Washington. Playa-de-Pals is known locally as *Pals*.

WHERE IS PALS? Pals is a coastal resort, on the extreme north-easterly part of the country ... (more)

Me at the control desk
The main control desk, Pals transmiter station, Spain

Outside the station
This is a shot of some of the European DX Council participants at the...

Antenna Feeders
This shows the feeders from the transmitters into the antenna towers

Master Control Room
This is the desk from which all operations are monitored and managed.

Transmitter Hall
This shows some of the older (1959) transmitters and their associated control...

Antenna arrays
This shows some of the curtain arrays and supporting towers.

Antennas on the beach
This shows the antenna towers adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, with rocky...

More Transmitters
Another shot of the main transmitter hall, showing 250 kW units.

article published 11/27/2000

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Rex
Rex, we'll take down the antennas when you you stop sucking up our foreign aid and are willing to do without our participation in NATO. Until you are willing to fight islamic terror on your own, let those towers remind you we are fighting your wars for you.

A BC Engineer from the U.S.A.
— Paul Wampum, August 8, 2009

I know the station ceased operating in 2001 but when is the American government going to pay and remove these unsightly aerials? They were put up by America and America should pay and take them down.
— Rex Hemmings, June 20, 2005

I worked there
Hi all, folks who enjoy the radios, i worked in Pals radio station, and have made a little memory, yoo can see my work here, hope you'll like it. http://perso.wanadoo.es/effect2000
— Antoni Bernabe, April 21, 2003

I enjoy the "TECHNO" very much, especially the transmitters. Nice pictures ! Continoue in the same way....will be looking for more !
— Geroge Ivanov, June 28, 2002

Where are the pictures of Spain? All I see is TECHNO!
— Beth, March 2, 2001