Ashton Moss transmitting stations

The Ashton Moss transmitting stations are two independent facilities for medium wave broadcasting near Ashton Moss, an area of Tameside in Greater Manchester. They are approximately 3/4 mile (1.28 km) apart.

Original BBC station

Ashton Moss (West)
Location Ashton Moss, Tameside, Greater Manchester
Grid reference SJ9146698517

Originally constructed by the BBC for its local radio service, BBC Radio Manchester, located at 53°28′59″N 2°7′43″W / 53.48306°N 2.12861°W / 53.48306; -2.12861 (Ashton Moss West MF station)

The facility has, since 1994, been used for transmitting Gold on 1458 kHz with a power of 5 kW. It consists of 3 free-standing lattice towers, arranged as a directional array, insulated against ground.

It is one of the few broadcasting stations in Europe using free-standing tower radiators.

It is designated "Ashton Moss (West) MF" by owners Arqiva

Original IBA station

Ashton Moss (East)
Location Ashton Moss, Tameside, Greater Manchester
Grid reference SJ9235299412
Built 1974

Originally constructed in 1974 for the IBA for its local radio contractor, Piccadilly Radio, located at 53°29′28″N 2°6′55″W / 53.49111°N 2.11528°W / 53.49111; -2.11528 (Ashton Moss East MF station)

This facility is still used for transmitting Piccadilly Magic 1152 on 1152 kHz. It uses a directional antenna consisting of 4 guyed masts, insulated against ground. This antenna has a maximum output toward 250°. In this direction the ERP is 1.5 kW, whereby the transmitter output is 350 Watts.

The antenna of this transmitter has therefore a highly directional pattern, in order not to interfere with other nearby transmitters on the same frequency.

Additionally, Asian Sound operates from this site on 1377 kHz

It is designated "Ashton Moss (East) MF" by owners Arqiva

Arqiva

The stations were constructed and owned by the BBC and IBA as indicated above. Over time, (1974-2007), by a series of asset sell offs, and mergers, both sites are now owned and operated by Arqiva

Analogue radio services available

Frequency kW[1] Service Site
1152 kHz 1.5 Piccadilly Magic 1152 East
1377 kHz 0.08 Asian Sound East
1458 kHz 5 Gold West

References

  1. Radio Listeners Guide 2010

External links

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