I1RE: Mario Castellani's Radio Amateur Activities in Milano

Introduction

Mario Castellani, operating the station I1RE from Milano in the late 1930s, was a dedicated Italian radio amateur and innovator in radio technology. Son of renowned photographer Livio Castellani, Mario pursued diverse interests including radio equipment design (Irradio) and amateur radio, later using callsigns I1RU and I5RU. His 1939 QSL card exemplifies pre-WWII shortwave operations amid rising technical sophistication.

Technical Achievements and Experiments

I1RE utilized a Super 9 tubes superheterodyne receiver for superior performance. The confirmed QSO on October 2, 1939, at 23:10 on 20m highlights reliable CW communications. Castellani's later publications on antennas like APTA (artificial ground plane) and LPDA translations reflect his expertise in propagation and design.

International Receptions and Recognition

20m signals from I1RE were confirmed internationally via QSL, demonstrating effective DX from urban Milano despite potential QRM.

Organizational Role and Legacy

As a radio amateur, Castellani contributed articles to Revista Telegrafica and Radio Rivista, advancing antenna technology. His work bridged amateur experimentation with commercial radio innovations, leaving a legacy in Italian radiocommunications history.

Key Specifications of I1RE