What location would the TX be?
Radio Caroline am Suffolk
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The application detailshave not been published yet. Presumbably will be using the Ross Revenge is currently moored on the River Blackwater near Bradwell, Essex remoored near Suffolk?
This crazy nostalgic anorak thinks it would be nice if the Ross Revenge was anchored somewhere around Felixstowe. That being the original anchorage in 1964, therefore turning events full-circle.
However, who says Radio Caroline will be broadcasting from her?
However, who says Radio Caroline will be broadcasting from her?
Originally Posted by hanssolo:
“The application detailshave not been published yet. Presumbably will be using the Ross Revenge is currently moored on the River Blackwater near Bradwell, Essex remoored near Suffolk?”
“The application detailshave not been published yet. Presumbably will be using the Ross Revenge is currently moored on the River Blackwater near Bradwell, Essex remoored near Suffolk?”
As the crow flies, it's little over 10 miles to the Suffolk border. Should be OK where they are, given a little bit of power. A lot less than they used after the mast first came down would do the job. Enough power to cover all of Suffolk would put most of Essex and North Kent in range, unless it's very directional.
Costs and planning issues would make a land based tx seem very unlikely but...... you never know with Radio Caroline.
Often the least expected outcome has materialised.
Whatever the outcome of the OFCOM licence application I don't think they'll be moving the ship! It was hard enough to find a new mooring for the Ross Revenge last time when she left Tilbury Docks. Can't see them wanting to go through all that again.
I would imagine they will either transmit from their present location or, perhaps, use a 4G link to a different transmitter site located somewhere in Suffolk. A bit like the arrangements which are used for the Radio Caroline North broadcasts, but over a much shorter link distance.
I would imagine they will either transmit from their present location or, perhaps, use a 4G link to a different transmitter site located somewhere in Suffolk. A bit like the arrangements which are used for the Radio Caroline North broadcasts, but over a much shorter link distance.
I think a mains power supply would be preferred rather than diesel generators ----- if it is from the Ross Revenge then I would think she would be in a dock somewhere and hooked up to the mains.
Remember what Peter Moore said at the week end ,the Ross Revenge needs to be dry docked at some stage.
It was also mentioned that the rudder,drive shaft ,motor etc would be nice to have in working order so that she was under her own steam so to speak .
Regards
Remember what Peter Moore said at the week end ,the Ross Revenge needs to be dry docked at some stage.
It was also mentioned that the rudder,drive shaft ,motor etc would be nice to have in working order so that she was under her own steam so to speak .
Regards
I think it may be a case of bringing inside the law, something that is occasionally happening "outside the law"
it is a 648 to one chance
it is a 648 to one chance
looks like Caroline's licence could be for Essex and Suffolk that's if they get it i jest hope they do
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-38154152
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-38154152
Quote:
“Pirate radio station Radio Caroline could soon be rocking the waves once again after applying for an AM licence from Ofcom.
The ship-based station is hoping to be back broadcasting on the River Blackwater by next year, 50 years after the 1967 Marine Broadcasting Offence Act was introduced.
The proposed AM signal would serve Essex and Suffolk in addition to its current internet and digital radio operation.
Peter Moore, who runs Radio Caroline, said: "We think it would be very fitting that, 50 years after the law intended to silence us once and for all, we show that it didn't work."
The station, immortalised in Richard Curtis's film The Boat That Rocked, was founded in 1964 to play pop music all day in a time where broadcasting was dominated by the BBC and pop was played for an hour a week.”
“Pirate radio station Radio Caroline could soon be rocking the waves once again after applying for an AM licence from Ofcom.
The ship-based station is hoping to be back broadcasting on the River Blackwater by next year, 50 years after the 1967 Marine Broadcasting Offence Act was introduced.
The proposed AM signal would serve Essex and Suffolk in addition to its current internet and digital radio operation.
Peter Moore, who runs Radio Caroline, said: "We think it would be very fitting that, 50 years after the law intended to silence us once and for all, we show that it didn't work."
The station, immortalised in Richard Curtis's film The Boat That Rocked, was founded in 1964 to play pop music all day in a time where broadcasting was dominated by the BBC and pop was played for an hour a week.”
There is a big IF this happens. but if this Suffolk one gets off the ground, with MW being abandoned by other broadcasters - there might be some more low power "Caroline" relays, gradually appearing all over the UK (A bit like DAB, only better).
Remember, Caroline is not there to make a profit for it's shareholders, but simply to be a Free voice, perhaps "The sound of the nation" & to try to just cover it's costs. Almost, a BBC model - but without the BBC bloat.....
Time will tell.
Remember, Caroline is not there to make a profit for it's shareholders, but simply to be a Free voice, perhaps "The sound of the nation" & to try to just cover it's costs. Almost, a BBC model - but without the BBC bloat.....
Time will tell.
Originally Posted by Galaxy266:
“Whatever the outcome of the OFCOM licence application I don't think they'll be moving the ship! It was hard enough to find a new mooring for the Ross Revenge last time when she left Tilbury Docks. Can't see them wanting to go through all that again.
I would imagine they will either transmit from their present location or, perhaps, use a 4G link to a different transmitter site located somewhere in Suffolk. A bit like the arrangements which are used for the Radio Caroline North broadcasts, but over a much shorter link distance.”
“Whatever the outcome of the OFCOM licence application I don't think they'll be moving the ship! It was hard enough to find a new mooring for the Ross Revenge last time when she left Tilbury Docks. Can't see them wanting to go through all that again.
I would imagine they will either transmit from their present location or, perhaps, use a 4G link to a different transmitter site located somewhere in Suffolk. A bit like the arrangements which are used for the Radio Caroline North broadcasts, but over a much shorter link distance.”
Are Caroline on Sky? I seem to remember they are, if so decent satellite receiver at tx site and they are on. A cheap way to get Signal to tx.
Originally Posted by Galaxy266:
“I would imagine they will either transmit from their present location or, perhaps, use a 4G link to a different transmitter site located somewhere in Suffolk. A bit like the arrangements which are used for the Radio Caroline North broadcasts, but over a much shorter link distance.”
“I would imagine they will either transmit from their present location or, perhaps, use a 4G link to a different transmitter site located somewhere in Suffolk. A bit like the arrangements which are used for the Radio Caroline North broadcasts, but over a much shorter link distance.”
Daily Mirror article yesterday
"The proposed AM signal would serve Essex and Suffolk, an area served by the station in its early years, with the transmitter based on land and connected to the studio on the ship and presenters' homes."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...roline-9365659
Also articles in The Times, Yorkshire Post and East Anglian Daily Times, The Times report being picked up by Radio 4 Today's review of the papers. Peter Moore also interviewed on BBC Essex and BBC Radio Suffolk.
Does look like it will be using the ship's new mast, but will be restricted to 1000 to 1600khz unless the mast is extended, but will be better for Skywave at night if they can get a clear channel.
For AM will have to wait till round 4 and local Caroline support groups being setup to own sites and local inserts as there are restrictions on one support group owning more than one community station.
There are no restrictions on small scale DAB+ and hopefully more minimuxes will be setup later in 2017.
Originally Posted by Projectionist:
“There is a big IF this happens. but if this Suffolk one gets off the ground, with MW being abandoned by other broadcasters - there might be some more low power "Caroline" relays, gradually appearing all over the UK (A bit like DAB, only better).
Remember, Caroline is not there to make a profit for it's shareholders, but simply to be a Free voice, perhaps "The sound of the nation" & to try to just cover it's costs. Almost, a BBC model - but without the BBC bloat.....
Time will tell.”
“There is a big IF this happens. but if this Suffolk one gets off the ground, with MW being abandoned by other broadcasters - there might be some more low power "Caroline" relays, gradually appearing all over the UK (A bit like DAB, only better).
Remember, Caroline is not there to make a profit for it's shareholders, but simply to be a Free voice, perhaps "The sound of the nation" & to try to just cover it's costs. Almost, a BBC model - but without the BBC bloat.....
Time will tell.”
For AM will have to wait till round 4 and local Caroline support groups being setup to own sites and local inserts as there are restrictions on one support group owning more than one community station.
There are no restrictions on small scale DAB+ and hopefully more minimuxes will be setup later in 2017.
Originally Posted by hanssolo:
“Does look like it will be using the ship's new mast, but will be restricted to 1000 to 1600khz unless the mast is extended, but will be better for Skywave at night if they can get a clear channel..”
“Does look like it will be using the ship's new mast, but will be restricted to 1000 to 1600khz unless the mast is extended, but will be better for Skywave at night if they can get a clear channel..”
Not according to Peter Moore the station manager on BBC Radio Essex when interviewed or the newspaper reports.
Originally Posted by MikeBr:
“Not according to Peter Moore the station manager on BBC Radio Essex when interviewed or the newspaper reports.”
“Not according to Peter Moore the station manager on BBC Radio Essex when interviewed or the newspaper reports.”
Can you recall the time and date of his interview? I'd be interested to listen on iplayer. Thabks!
Originally Posted by gardensleeper:
“Can you recall the time and date of his interview? I'd be interested to listen on iplayer. Thabks!”
“Can you recall the time and date of his interview? I'd be interested to listen on iplayer. Thabks!”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04fkrm1#play
1:24:15 ish..
Regards
Can't remember whether he mentioned the transmission arrangements on the BBC Suffolk interview where Stephen Foster says he listened to 70s Caroline and is a Barclay James Harvest fan.
The BBC Essex interview I listened to where I first heard about the transmission arrangements starts just after 36 minutes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04fks7t
The BBC Essex interview I listened to where I first heard about the transmission arrangements starts just after 36 minutes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04fks7t
Originally Posted by MikeBr:
“Daily Mirror article yesterday
"The proposed AM signal would serve Essex and Suffolk, an area served by the station in its early years, with the transmitter based on land and connected to the studio on the ship and presenters' homes."”
“Daily Mirror article yesterday
"The proposed AM signal would serve Essex and Suffolk, an area served by the station in its early years, with the transmitter based on land and connected to the studio on the ship and presenters' homes."”
Would have been good to have had the transmitter on ship, but guess a land based mast is more practical and presumably have a site with a large mast for MW in mind?
Originally Posted by hanssolo:
“Would have been good to have had the transmitter on ship, but guess a land based mast is more practical and presumably have a site with a large mast for MW in mind?”
“Would have been good to have had the transmitter on ship, but guess a land based mast is more practical and presumably have a site with a large mast for MW in mind?”
Wouldn't it be cheaper to have the transmitter on the ship using their existing aerial, rather than having to pay for new facilities? Or is this an Ofcom stipulation?
Thanks both for the links.
I would think that once a land based site has been established, the ongoing maintenance would be much cheaper and logistically easier than having to supply and maintain the Ross. A small AM site can be built and left.
Whilst the idea of Caroline transmitting from a ship again has a certain magic to it, I can't see a single practical benefit, and I would have thought that ofcom would find it difficult from a legislative point of view to license a site which essentially isn't at a fixed point. Happy to be proven wrong though!
Surely the brightest hope for the Ross is as a tourist attraction/museum and studio base, generating money for the Caroline organisation.
I would think that once a land based site has been established, the ongoing maintenance would be much cheaper and logistically easier than having to supply and maintain the Ross. A small AM site can be built and left.
Whilst the idea of Caroline transmitting from a ship again has a certain magic to it, I can't see a single practical benefit, and I would have thought that ofcom would find it difficult from a legislative point of view to license a site which essentially isn't at a fixed point. Happy to be proven wrong though!
Surely the brightest hope for the Ross is as a tourist attraction/museum and studio base, generating money for the Caroline organisation.
Wonder if the Orfordness site is being decommioned Caroline could bid for one of the ex 648 large masts if still in reasonable condition if they have a Suffolk site in mind?
The land based site probably will not be as well ground plained as a ship on the sea?
The land based site probably will not be as well ground plained as a ship on the sea?
Originally Posted by hanssolo:
“Would have been good to have had the transmitter on ship, but guess a land based mast is more practical and presumably have a site with a large mast for MW in mind?”
“Would have been good to have had the transmitter on ship, but guess a land based mast is more practical and presumably have a site with a large mast for MW in mind?”
There is a lovely tall, little used mast at Mendlesham by the A140 just about in the perfect place - it could easily cope with a 648 aerial....... It currently only has a bit of DAB & VHF on the mast.
http://www.thebigtower.com/live/Mendlesham/Index.htm
This used to be the VHF ITV Anglia mast for eastern England.
Caroline's little TX, optimod & Laptop would fit in the broom cupboard of the TX hall.....
Originally Posted by Projectionist:
“There is a lovely tall, little used mast at Mendlesham by the A140 just about in the perfect place - it could easily cope with a 648 aerial....... It currently only has a bit of DAB & VHF on the mast.
http://www.thebigtower.com/live/Mendlesham/Index.htm
This used to be the VHF ITV Anglia mast for eastern England.
Caroline's little TX, optimod & Laptop would fit in the broom cupboard of the TX hall.....”
“There is a lovely tall, little used mast at Mendlesham by the A140 just about in the perfect place - it could easily cope with a 648 aerial....... It currently only has a bit of DAB & VHF on the mast.
http://www.thebigtower.com/live/Mendlesham/Index.htm
This used to be the VHF ITV Anglia mast for eastern England.
Caroline's little TX, optimod & Laptop would fit in the broom cupboard of the TX hall.....”
They could add an AM wire down the side as at Crystal Palace, but the problem is the low cost AM licence is restricted to a 10km radius in daytime. More than other community licences, but will not reach the coastal towns. There was an option to ask for coverage for more than 10km radius., but we dont know if they asked for it?
Originally Posted by hanssolo:
“They could add an AM wire down the side as at Crystal Palace, but the problem is the low cost AM licence is restricted to a 10km radius in daytime. More than other community licences, but will not reach the coastal towns. There was an option to ask for coverage for more than 10km radius., but we dont know if they asked for it?”
“They could add an AM wire down the side as at Crystal Palace, but the problem is the low cost AM licence is restricted to a 10km radius in daytime. More than other community licences, but will not reach the coastal towns. There was an option to ask for coverage for more than 10km radius., but we dont know if they asked for it?”
Peter asked for Suffolk & Essex coverage - that is a lot more than 10km radius
A lot will depend on the frequency used & the power permitted - the Low frequency end of the band, tends to be better for mobile listening, but is now prone to overhead wire broadband mush - perhaps a bit more power can be permitted to help overcome this? The Great Barton TX near Bury St Edmunds that "smooth" use, runs 750w, Caroline will need a similar or greater power to cover the two counties - part of Norfolk is bound to be covered as well
After all, Medium wave is being abandoned by the "Big boys" with fewer using the band, & intelligent allocation of frequencies - an unfettered bit of bandspread to allow better audio quality, could be allowed - at least in daytime.
Unlike the muffled sounds, emanating from Global & other UK MW TX sites. The sort of audio quality achieved by Caroline on 963 in 1983, should be acceptable in the far less crowded MW of 2017
I hope if only rubbish power & frequency is offered to Caroline by Ofcom, money will not be thrown away on this scheme. But, I don't believe this will be the case.
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