The Weymouth relay is located in Wyke Regis, Weymouth, on the South Coast of Dorset.
To reduce interference across the channel, the transmitter transmits very little signal towards Portland. The UHF cylinder contains a north (350°) facing cardioid. As a result, Portlanders mostly receive their signal from Stockland Hill, or from Rowridge (different region). As you can see, the two trough receiving aerials are mounted very low down on the tower to reduce the effects of tidal fading on the incoming signals from Stockland Hill.
Originally a BBC landlord site, 405-line BBC 1 on VHF channel 1 entered service during July 1969 and closed on the 4th January 1983.
UHF TV transmissions commenced with BBC 1 & 2 during August 1973, followed by ITV from the 14th September 1973. Channel 4 was added in October 1984. The housing estate surrounding it was build a couple of years ago. The site was previously allotments.
Parts of the north of Weymouth are shielded from the transmitter at Wyke Regis by intervening hills. These areas were poorly served until the opening of Bincombe Hill in 1992. |
