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Heathfield television transmitter

Heathfield TV transmitter

Heathfield transmitter “Up Close”

We recommend the DM log for strong signal areas, the Log 40 for medium signal areas,

the XB10WB for poor signal areas and the XB16WB for those with the most marginal signals. The dimensions and test performance of the antennas can be found on the

relevant tables. The prices of the aerials are on the Sales page.

All the digital output is attenuated to the South so as not to cause co-channel interference with transmitters in that direction, including those in France ! Eastbourne, being due South of Heathfield, has particular problems with Digital reception and will probably continue to have until the Digital Switch Over (DSO) occurs in June 2012.

It has been confirmed by Ofcom that when DSO occurs Heathfield will become a B group, however those still on C/D group aerials may well still get reception OK.

Our own tests prove that a C/D work`s just as well as a wideband in the B group, though obviously a B will give more gain than either.

In any event the main 3 PSB MUXES will almost certainly be receivable on a C/D.

For Heathfield`s channels/frequencies see its Channel Allocation Guides for before and after DSO, these also include the frequencies for Crystal Palace, Bluebell Hill, Tunbridge Wells, Dover, Hastings, Whitehawk Hill (Brighton), Midhurst, Guildford and Reigate. This data can be very useful for identifying causes of co-channel or other transmitter options, importance of "line of sight". The Channel Allocation Guide can also be invaluable if you are trying to find a spare channel for a modulated output (e.g. for a Sky box or CCTV system) to be added to your TV setup/distribution system without suffering from co-channel.

Just under a mile to the East is the trackbed of the ex London, Brighton and South Coast railway which was opened in 1880 from Redgate Mill down to Hailsham. Unfortunately the station at Heathfield, and line North of it, closed in 1965, the line South to Hailsham lasted until 1968. More positively the trackbed down to Hailsham is now a walking and cycling route. Two preserved railways are located near to Heathfield, The Lavender Line is 7 miles

to the SW whilst The Rother Valley Line is about 10 miles to the ENE.

I apologise for the poor quality of the pictures, I didn`t have my usual camera, the lighting conditions were against me and my wife was waiting impatiently in the car !

Heathfield`s channels in relation to the UHF TV band and the gain curves of the aerials

we recommend for it.   DM Log    Log40     XB10WB     XB16WB

Note the channels out of the original C/D group of the transmitter, MUXES 1 & 2 being particularly badly affected. That said, even these two MUXES would be receivable to those

in decent signal areas. After DSO in 2112 Heathfield will officially be a B group and four of the six MUXES will still be technically out of the original C/D group.

But the graph shows quite clearly that the “cut off” for C/D group aerials is not precipitous and that most people in reasonable signal areas will get all the Digital OK off their “old” C/D group aerial, particularly as the power is going to be increased at DSO by a large margin.

For Heathfield`s frequencies see its Channel Allocation Guides for before, and for

after, the DSO