November 1990

ZNS in the Bahamas is still a regular catch on MW, but I bet you didn't know they once used shortwave. They were on 6090 kHz., as shown on these two veries, the 1939 letter at top and the 1944 card they used later. Looks like they were 200 watts at first, and then 600.

Observations from issues of RADEX ("Radio Index") magazine of the day . . . "ZNF on 6090 kcs., a new one at Nassau, relays ZNS on 790 kcs. They were heard at 9 p.m. on sign off with God Save the King! Severe QRM from XEBF" [May 1939] . . . "ZNF is a new experimental station being operated on 6090 kcs. relaying ZNS. Reports requested from all over the states if they reach out that far. Heard in Saskatchewan relaying London from 6-8 p.m. with R6 signal" [Midsummer 1939] . . . "ZNS on 6090 kcs. is heard fine from 7:30 p.m. when they relay B.B.C. They announce "This is Nassau Calling" just before 8 p.m." [May-June 1940] . . . "ZNS verified recently. They stated that they have a shortwave station on 6090 kcs. using 200 watts power" [Jan-Feb 1940] . . . "ZNS on 6090 kcs. usually signs off at 10:20 p.m. on Sundays. Veri is a printed letter-folder" [July-August 1940].

But by the mid-40's they were off the air. In the July 1946 edition of Radio News, Editor Ken Boord noted optimistically: "ZNS2 will most likely return soon to 6.090 after ZNS has completed tests for its frequency change. ZNS has been testing on 1540 kcs. in parallel with the regular MW outlet on 640 kcs. to 10 p.m., this probably being the reason the shortwave transmitter has 'temporarily' disappeared."

But I have found no mention of them in the months and years thereafter.