All posts by Michael Rogers
Below are all of Michael Rogers's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Rather than the above unrelated garbage, it would be timely and helpful to have
updated information on the situation of the Winter Hill with approaching moor fires.
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Many low-lying rural areas do not get a reliable FM or DAB signal, but *can* receive AM because at lower frequencies propagation allows the "bendy" signal to reach areas other modes do not... A bit of snap-crackl-pop is far preferable to no signal or swishy FM or warbly DAB reception. On Radio5 and local radio, the BBC merrily announces the digital outreach, but neglects to mention AM. Doeth the bell toll? Listening on Freeview ties
one to the TV and aerial socket - not exactly technological progress compared to the trusty transistor radio...
In the event of a major national emergency, power cuts could severly affect FM and DAB public service networks, whereas Radio 5 would cover most of the country (using generators where necessary). Most would have an
AM radio at home or in the car.
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It will be interesting to know if, and how many, listerners are lost to Gold.
But even if they know, will they tell us?
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A very welcome Assessment of Radio 5, which will doubtless be brushed aside by the BBC (and Ofcom?).
With the exception of a very few slots, it has degenerated into a wishy-washy chat station with screaming jingles and poor diction. We enjoy a plethora of regional and music networks. We should have one radio network for sport (maybe joint with the commercial MW offering) and another for news and information (minmal phone-ins...), something like the best of Sky News and the BBC News Channel. These could be on AM and possibly FM, in addition to digital options. On air, Radio Five lists its multiple platforms - with the notable omission of Medium Wave. Digital reception can be wonderful for those who can receive a stable signal. Medium Wave needs few transmitters to cover most of the UK and is adequate for speech. In the event of a major "event" disabling digital networks, Radio 5 on Medium Wave would be the information medium of choice. There is much to nurture discomfort with the current BBC, but Radio 5 could be reformed with lateral vision and little additional investment, and signpost the future of the BBC.
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Where there is a stable DAB signal, it has proved itself. BUT there are many areas where it is not reliably received, especially on rural roads and in hilly terrain. Such areas have a low de facto priority, both for digital radio and for smart phone reception. More densely populated areas will soon have 5G, others will continue to get between zero and 3G coverage. Broadband services are similarly affected. Initial FTTC download speeds have steadily dropped, apparently due to increasing subscriber numbers and increasing data throughput, video in particular. Broadband subscribers pay flatrate fees, irrespective of local data throughput. Government and Ofcom uphold interests which do not match those of the public.
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I assume recent weak signal issues are linked to preparations for June when HX multiplexes will move down to the 600MHz band, where they will doubtless compete with other "refugee" multiplexes. At these lower frequencies signals might (sic) get punchier, but more co-channel interference is likely. At present, on a wideband log periodic antenna, two Caradon multiplexes come through well on the north coast, others fall prey to co-channel mush. The 600MHz multiplexes should be happy with the log, but if I have woes, I might try a Band-A yagi or a grid or a diy parabolic... Fun times ahead ?
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Ilfracombe today switched to channels 33, 36 and 48. Viewers using the Ilfracombe relay should note that on
17th July 2019 the transmitter at Carmel in South Wales is scheduled to switch to channels 23,26,29,33,36
and 48. These last three will be on the same frequencies as Ilfracombe. Despite opposite polarity, due to the effect of the Bristol Channel tidal rise and fall, at a previous switchover there were significant co-channel interference problems when Ilfracombe channels were adopted by Carmel. Deja vu???
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Thursday 5 April 2018 10:58AM
Give the Board Members a big fat bonus - and continue to ignore the 10%
who can't receive FM and/or DAB without a roof aerial, which tethers
the listener to a wall socket...