pikkuskraadi

Pikkuskraadi is an Estonian term that translates to “long radio” and is used to refer to longwave radio transmissions and the equipment designed to operate on long wavelengths. The term appears in early 20th‑century Estonian technical literature and in discussions of radio infrastructure, distinguishing longwave systems from medium- and shortwave networks.

Technically, longwave encompasses transmissions in roughly the 30 to 300 kilohertz range. Pikkuskraadi systems typically employ large, low‑frequency transmitters and antennas optimized for ground‑wave and night‑time sky‑wave propagation, allowing signals to reach regional or interregional distances with limited atmospheric loss.

Historically, Pikkuskraadi served roles in national broadcasting, timekeeping signals, and maritime communications, where its extended reach could compensate for limited infrastructure. In Estonia and neighboring regions, longwave networks contributed to periodic mass messaging and public service broadcasts before the expansion of higher‑frequency services.

Since the mid‑ to late‑20th century, longwave usage has declined in many parts of the world as FM, digital radio, and satellite links became more practical. Some services remain for niche applications, experimental research, or hobbyist activity, and the concept of longwave continues to be studied in radio engineering.

See also Longwave radio; Shortwave radio; Radio broadcasting history; Estonia.