It doesn't run for free. It has power lines that someone pays the bills for the power usage. No doubt Russia has an FCC equivalent that all radio broadcasters must be licensed with. If it isn't officially licensed, then the government is allowing it, meaning the government is ultimately running it.
The 4625 kHz freq only requires less than 100 watts to effectively reach the entire earth. A 100 watt amp that runs off a 12 volt automotive battery is easily available at any short wave radio store. A simple solar charger and a 12V battery could power the station.
It's been broadcasting since the early 80's. If it was solar powered back then the panels or the place where the panels were placed would be visible on Google maps. It is possible that they have switched to solar since it was first setup, but without any longer interruption of the signal we can assume that it is the same operator now as it was back then. If it isn't connected to the grid it is more likely that it is running from a gas/diesel generator. (And it probably have one as a backup anyway.)
Follow the money (Score:5, Insightful)
It doesn't run for free. It has power lines that someone pays the bills for the power usage. No doubt Russia has an FCC equivalent that all radio broadcasters must be licensed with. If it isn't officially licensed, then the government is allowing it, meaning the government is ultimately running it.
Re: (Score:0)
The 4625 kHz freq only requires less than 100 watts to effectively reach the entire earth. A 100 watt amp that runs off a 12 volt automotive battery is easily available at any short wave radio store. A simple solar charger and a 12V battery could power the station.
Re: (Score:0)
It's been broadcasting since the early 80's. If it was solar powered back then the panels or the place where the panels were placed would be visible on Google maps.
It is possible that they have switched to solar since it was first setup, but without any longer interruption of the signal we can assume that it is the same operator now as it was back then.
If it isn't connected to the grid it is more likely that it is running from a gas/diesel generator. (And it probably have one as a backup anyway.)
You don't e
Re:Follow the money (Score:3)
Improbable but not impossible: the first lightbulb is still running