Mills on the Air @ Mühle Vortlage 9/10 Mai 2026 (EN)

(Deutsche Version hier)

From my home QTH (which happens to be a watermill), we will be participating in “Mills on the Air 2026” on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. We will be on the air under the call sign “DC2W.” I would be delighted if you would contact us or join us.

Water Mill Haus Vortlage – Mills on the Air 2026

The Haus Vortlage watermill is a historic, listed building—a former overshot watermill—that once belonged to the historic Vortlage estate.

The mill was first mentioned in 1580. After the original building was destroyed by fire, the current mill was rebuilt in 1787. An inscription beam still bears witness to this rebirth today: “From my ashes I have risen again – November 14, 1787.”

Until 1906, the mill had a grinding capacity of about one ton of grain per day and remained in operation until shortly after World War II. 

In 1979, the half-timbered building was converted into a residence. The weir and parts of the original milling machinery were preserved, and some of the historic machines are now integrated into the interior design. Today, the mill is a listed historic building. Efforts are currently underway to restore the waterwheel for the generation of renewable energy.

In 2019, the mill was acquired by its current owner, amateur radio operator Ingomar DL9ET. The radio station is located on the mill grounds in a converted construction trailer.

During “Mills on the Air 2026,” we will be operating under the call sign “DC2W.”
The list of other participating mills can be found here.
Saturday will be the main day of the event, when several amateur radio operators from the region will visit the station.  

You’re also more than welcome to stop by and chat with us or use the radio from Europe's loudest green construction trailer. Or maybe we fire up the BBQ—but please let me know in advance so I have an idea of how many people are coming (Email: aether.stream_22 at icloud.com)