The I1ER Radio Station: Mario Santangeli's Pioneering Legacy in Italian Amateur Radio

Introduction

The amateur radio station I1ER (initially 1ER, later ei1ER and i1ER), operated by Ing. Mario Santangeli from Milan, Italy, was a cornerstone of early shortwave experimentation in the 1920s. Frequently highlighted in Il Radio Giornale and recognized as a pioneer in Ernesto Montù's seminal works like Come Funziona e Come si Costruisce una... Radio... (1932 edition), Santangeli's station exemplified innovation, achieving remarkable transcontinental contacts with modest setups. A lifelong experimenter, self-constructor, and enthusiast of electrical technology history, Santangeli's contributions extended from spark-gap beginnings to VHF/UHF advancements, leaving an indelible mark on Italy's radio heritage.

Technical Achievements and Experiments

Santangeli's radio journey began in 1919 with a rotary spark-gap transmitter on 200 meters, evolving rapidly into valve-based systems. By 1922, he conducted phone tests with ei1ACD (Adriano Ducati in Bologna) on 200 meters. His breakthroughs in shortwave included:

• 1924: First bilateral CW contact with New Zealand on 80 meters.
• 1925: Bilateral with New Zealand on 40 meters.
• 1926: Contacts with the USA on 10 meters.
• 1927: Pioneered operations on 4.5 meters (66.6 MHz), marking one of Italy's earliest forays into higher frequencies.

These feats aligned with I1ER's logs in Il Radio Giornale, where the station utilized wavelengths around 30-100 meters for reliable DX. Post-World War II, Santangeli continued innovating: CW and phone on 2 meters (1946), 70 cm (1950), transistor-based RX/TX on 24 cm (1960), and even receiving U.S. signals on 6 meters (1957). Professionally a technical manager at STELIT (STandard ELettronica ITaliana), he was known for his didactic approach, mentoring novices with clear explanations and humor-infused QSL cards inspired by contemporaries like i1RG and i1ABB.

International Receptions and Recognition

I1ER's signals were among the most consistently reported in the "Le vie dello spazio" sections of Il Radio Giornale, showcasing its global footprint:

• New Zealand: Logged up to 15 times in early 1926, reflecting Santangeli's 1924-1925 bilateral successes.
• United States: Heard by operators like u3QT, u7BB, u2AER, and u9AKF at R4-R8 strengths across states.
• South America: Receptions in Brazil (bz2AJ), Uruguay (y1AM, v2AK), Argentina, and Chile (ch2LD).
• Europe: Strong signals in Sweden (R6-R9), Finland, Netherlands, Spain, and Great Britain (e.g., R8 in Chatham).
• Asia and Pacific: Detected in the Philippines (pi3AA), Australia (a3LP, a3SR), and India.
• Other: Bilateral exchanges in Austria and beyond.

Santangeli's work earned mentions in international outlets like QST, and he collaborated at the ARI stand during the 1927 Volta Exhibition in Como, joining ARI that year.

Organizational Role and Legacy

As a vivid experimenter with a humorous self-deprecating style, Santangeli fostered community ties, engaging "novices" (including the author of Tesori... in Cantina) and tracking their progress. His documented setups—complete with photos—served as museum-worthy artifacts. Featured in the 1947 Call-Book of RADIO Schemi, his legacy bridged pre-war shortwave triumphs to post-war VHF innovations, inspiring Italian hams. Santangeli's openness to human connections and technical pedagogy embodied the amateur spirit, influencing ARI's cultural and educational ethos.

Key Specifications of I1ER