Washford transmitting station
![]() Washford transmitting station masts | |
Location | Washford, Somerset |
---|---|
Mast height | 152 metres (499 ft) (MW) 45.7 metres (150 ft) (UHF) |
Coordinates | 51°09′38″N 3°20′55″W / 51.1606°N 3.3486°W |
Grid reference | ST058410 |
Built | 1933 |
Relay of | Mendip |
BBC region | BBC West |
ITV region | ITV West Country |
Washford transmitting station is a medium wave broadcasting station and low-power digital terrestrial television relay near Washford, Somerset.
It was built in 1933[1] and uses as antenna a T-antenna between two 152 metres (499 ft) tall guyed masts separated by a distance of 159 metres. Originally the station used cage antennas around each mast. The station uses the frequencies 882 kHz with 100 kW, 1089 kHz with 50 kW and 1215 kHz with 50 kW.
A smaller 45.7 metres (150 ft) mast is used to relay digital terrestrial television services from the Mendip transmitting station. This mast carries the three public service multiplexes at an E.R.P. of 12.4 W.
The front portions of the old transmitter building,[2] are now part of the Tropiquaria wildlife park and house their tropical hall, aquarium, and nocturnal house.
Services available
Analogue radio (AM medium wave)
Frequency | kW | Service |
---|---|---|
882 kHz | 100 | BBC Radio Wales |
1089 kHz | 50 | Talksport |
1215 kHz | 50 | Absolute Radio |
Digital television
Digital television began transmitting from Washford during the digital switchover in 2010. As a low-power relay, it only carries the three public service multiplexes.
Frequency | UHF | kW | Operator | System |
---|---|---|---|---|
546.000 MHz | 30 | 0.0124 | BBC A | DVB-T |
554.000 MHz | 31 | 0.0124 | Digital 3&4 | DVB-T |
602.000 MHz | 37 | 0.0124 | BBC B | DVB-T2 |
Analogue television
Analogue television was transmitted from Washford until the digital switchover of the Mendip transmitter group between 24 March - 7 April 2010.
Frequency | UHF | kW | Service |
---|---|---|---|
615.25 MHz | 39 | 0.062 | ITV1 |
695.25 MHz | 49 | 0.062 | BBC One |
831.25 MHz | 66 | 0.062 | BBC Two |
847.25 MHz | 68 | 0.062 | Channel 4 |
References
- ^ "Washford". Radio Rewind. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
- ^ "1930s BBC radio station, Washford Cross, Williton". Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. Retrieved 23 March 2012.