I have always wanted to visit the Marconi Centre in Poldhu in Cornwall, mainly because my CB handle “spark transmitter” was a nod to Marconi, and the experiments he successfully achieved at the dawn of modern radio, so today I finally achieved my dream of visiting the centre and museum.

Marconi Centre Poldhu

The Marconi Centre was built as a joint venture between the National Trust, Marconi PLC and the Poldhu Amateur Radio Club.  The club meet on a Wednesday and Sunday afternoon and operate a station as GB2GM.

The club show a short video showing the history of the first ever transatlantic transmissions of the letter “S” or “…” in Morse Code.  The letter S was chosen because a dot (or dit in morse) had less burning of the electrode on an early spark gap transmitter due to the voltage having to be increased to cross the Atlantic.

What you have to comprehend, is that in the early 1900’s, it was considered that early spark gap transmitters could only transmit in a straight line, and over the horizon communication was not possible, however, Marconi thought otherwise, and with previous trials from Queen Victoria’s Royal Yacht to the Isle of Wight being successful, two sites either side of the Atlantic were chosen to trial the technology. Poldhu being one. The trial being successful.

Marconi Morse Demonstrations

At the centre, they can offer the ability to have a go at practising some Morse Code.  There are even early Marconi straight keys that you can look at and use.

I certainly didn’t have a go, as my morse is extremely ropey and embarrassing despite having a lovely Kent straight key at home in the shack.

Early AM Valve Radios

The Poldhu club have a number of early AM valve radios in their collection in very good condition. This really pre-dates some of my knowledge, however, my friend Peter G4WLI would love these military radios.

Club DMR Radio

The Poldhu Amateur Radio Club operate a DMR repeater (GB7PC) onsite, although, as you all know, I stay away from digital modes, as it is too near my day job.

They do also operate a conventional transceiver with an amplifier as well should you perhaps want to make a “transatlantic” contact or two.

Visiting Poldhu

Please remember to check the Poldhu clubs website before travelling as even though the museum is open most Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, there maybe times when a volunteer is not available.

The volunteers are very knowledgeable radio amateurs, having worked in radio for considerable time with a wealth of knowledge, and made me very welcome during my stay. Thank you, I enjoyed my visit.

If you have an interest in radio and are in the Cornwall area, it is well worth a visit.

Photos taken