Question about AM frequencies of BBC Radio 5?

tinytobe

I have a question regarding the AM frequencies of BBC Radio 5:

I understand that the AM frequencies of BBC Radio 5 were at some stage BBC Radio 2 back in the days.

The network is using either 693 kHz as well as 909 kHz. Just wondering why both of these frequencies? They could easily have covered the whole of the UK either with 693 or 909, but not both?

Is there a reason for this? Most likely the answer is historic and can only be answered by an older radio enthusiast?

Burghead, Stagshaw, Postwick as well as Droitwich would have made up the 693 network, while Brookman's Park, Mooreside Edge, Clevedon as well as Westerglen the 909 network.

Is it possible that they've planned two networks at some stage, and later on used it for one?

Glaceon

Interference from other transmitters. BBC Radio 1 used a single frequency (1214) from 1967 to 1978 and the interference at night was a significant problem. Even Virgin/Absolute (who took over what was then 1215) needed fillers on other frequencies to get around it. Using the two frequencies allows for better planning.

tinytobe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123342084#Comment_123342084

Makes sense. I remember the echo on Virgin 1215. Apparently synchronization was never possible.

So they've chosen 693 and 909 simply for better coverage reasons.

The 1215 also had the 1197 as well as the 1240something I recall.

Infoanon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123342084#Comment_123342084

Using two frequencies for high power transmissions greatly reduced the phasing issues, other frequencies eg 990,1107,1260 were used for lower powered fill ins.

Radio 5s best frequency in Dublin is 990 which is a low (relatively) power TX from Wales.

Now the super 'pirates ' in Dublin using 2 AM frequencies was for a very different reason!

ford fiesta

Remember BBC Radio 1 used to be heard from Ireland on 1053 AND 1089 medium wave, and the original Talk Radio UK from 1995 and currently used by TalkSport UK since 2000.

tinytobe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123342522#Comment_123342522

It's possible that BBC Radio 5 will be history on MW soon as well, possibly around the same time as BBC Radio 4 on LW would go off air? ( Most likely BBC Radio 4 on LW will be first to go?). This are just guesses on my part.

Glaceon

I'd imagine that Radio 4 will go first. The signal it carries for the teleswitch service for Economy 7 electric meters is ending on 30th June and the transmitter is 40 years old at this stage. It's already on reduced power.

TheBMG

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123342988#Comment_123342988

wonder if we’ll see some British Navy subs pop up from under the water and launch the torpedos?!

The urban legend was that they used to occasionally monitor 198khz (previously 200khz) to make sure all was okay back in Blighty. If it was inaudible they’d prepare for launch!

Rain from the West

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123342653#Comment_123342653

5 Live will leave AM no later than the end of 2027 according to a speech by the BBC DG back in 2022.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/speeches/2022/digital-first-bbc-director-general-tim-davie

ford fiesta

I wonder what is the most listened to MW / LW station in the UK at the moment where listeners use MW or LW ? Would it be Radio 4 or Radio 5, Talksport or some of the surviving MW BBC locals ?

tinytobe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123343705#Comment_123343705

it's either Radio 5 or Talksport on MW. The reason for this would be if one owned an older car which doesn't have DAB yet.

BBC Radio 4 on LW isn't really listened to at all, - unless you're a radio enthusiast as or an older electricity meter for economy 7 trariffs.

There are also very few LW radios around. Older French cars do have the strongest likelyhood of having a LW radio built in.

Rain from the West

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123342084#Comment_123342084

"Interference from other transmitters."

5 Live here in Dundalk has distortion from time to time on 909. I'd say it's the Lisnagarvey and Moorside Edge signals clashing with each other. Talksport on 1089 is now very good here from Moorside Edge since Lisnagarvey closed last week.