Dronfield OS Grid Ref SK 362 791 Dronfield television transmitter is a 3W (C/D group) Horizontally polarised relay off Emley via Chesterfield. The latter is a 2kW repeater which is Vertically. The fact that Dronfield is Horizontal is the opposite of usual practice for a repeater and the only reason I can think of for this is possible co-channel with Nottingham transmitter, or even Stanton Moor ? This use of differing polarities is to take advantage of “cross polar rejection” to minimise co-channel interference. Only the basic 4 television channels are broadcast, i.e. no C5 or Digital TV though this is due to change in September 2011when the DSO occurs. Note that only the three basic PSB MUXES will be transmitted from Dronfield, not all six. This particular mast is quite difficult to find as it is hidden from Falcon Rd (which runs behind it) by trees. The area around here can be problematic for Digital reception. This is partly because Chesterfield doesn`t seem to put out much power in this direction but also because 5 of the 6 MUX`s are on exactly the same channels as Emley Moor (seeTransmitter Channel Allocations) which gives rise to co-channel interference. Those who live in areas which can pick up both transmitters may have to be careful where they site their aerial in order to try and “shield” it from the unwanted transmissions. Dronfield is probably the dividing point between The Midlands and The North. The difference in accents between Sheffield (just North of Dronfield) and Chesterfield (which is just South) is probably as big as anywhere else in the country over such a short distance.
Close up of the Dronfield repeater`s array of receiving and transmitting aerials. Note the use of Log periodic aerials as sold and installed by ourselves. The four antennas at the bottom are in a phased array to receive the best possible signal from Chesterfield transmitter. The latter originally gets it`s signal from Emley Moor. After being remodulated onto four different frequencies (see the Transmitter Channel Allocations guide) It is amplified and retransmitted from the top two Log antennas. Picture Justin Smith ATV