Washford transmitting station

Washford transmitting station is a medium wave broadcasting station and low-power digital terrestrial television relay near Washford, Somerset.

Washford
Washford transmitting station masts
Washford
Mendip
LocationWashford, Somerset
Mast height152 metres (499 ft) (MW)
45.7 metres (150 ft) (UHF)
Coordinates51°09′38″N 3°20′55″W
Grid referenceST058410
Built1933
Relay ofMendip
BBC regionBBC West
ITV regionITV West

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
  1. "Washford". Radio Rewind. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  2. "1930s BBC radio station, Washford Cross, Williton". Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
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