Hillsborough
Sheffield
S6 2LL
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Sheffield / Crosspool transmitter.
Apparently it`s also known
as Tapton Hill transmitter,
but I`ve never heard anyone in the aerial trade refer to it by this moniker.
Incidentally the TX isn`t really in someone`s back garden,
not quite anyway !
“That`s a tight fit missus”.
What`s particularly
interesting about this shot
is that a house right next
to the transmitter is
actually on Emley Moor !
Nothing could give a more
perfect demonstration that
distance to the TX is often
a relatively unimportant
consideration !
View of Crosspool transmitter looking NE from Ringinglow. The television TX is one the right
of the two masts on Tapton Hill. Close examination of the picture will reveal Drax power station on the horizon (to the left of the TX) and that`s nearly forty miles away !
Sheffield`s channels* in relation to the UHF TV band and the gain curves of the aerials
we recommend for it. DM Log Log40 Yagi18K XB10K XB16K
Note that the “original A group curve” is that for post 1995 aerials, when the A group was extended up to CH37 from CH34. Thus the response curve for aerials fitted prior to this
date would be about 3 channels down. It can be seen from the graph that the three PSB MUXES can still be received on an A group aerial.
Also see other relevant K group curves.
* There are a few retune events (temporary MUX reallocations) just before and after DSO which are not shown on this graph.
For Sheffield/Crosspool we recommend the DM log for strong signal areas,
the Log40 for medium signal areas, the DY14WB for poor signal areas,
and the XB22WB for those with the most marginal signals.
The dimensions and test performance of the aerials can be found on the relevant tables.
If requiring a “high gain aerial” in the loft we recommend the DY14WB over the XB22 because of the former aerial`s smaller size.
Crosspool is vertically polarised and is a repeater (or relay) off Emley Moor, that is to say it receives its signal from the latter then rebroadcasts it. The TX was originally an A group but went wideband in 1997 when analogue Channel Five started up, and, later, for digital.
Post DSO those in weak signal areas will have the opportunity to use a K group aerial (e.g. our XB10K) which will work better than a wideband, see Sheffield`s graph.
DSO at Sheffield occurred between the 10 and the 24 of Aug 2011 and the transmitter stayed a wideband (or K group). However, the main 1st three PSB MUXES are receivable on an A group aerial.
There was a further retune event at Sheffield on the 27th September 2011.
(MUX6 moved from CH63 to CH39, the latter vacated by Emley Moor`s switchover)
Sheffield`s digital power output increased at switchover from the pre DSO level of 50 to 100W * output up to the post DSO level of 1kW (for all 6 MUXES).
* Apart from MUX1 which had been transmitted at 1kW since March 2010.
There is one interleaved spectrum channel allocated to Sheffield (CH26) which is within the previously announced post DSO group. In addition there is a possibility of 2 or 3 more MUXES being transmitted between CHs 31 and 37, all of these possible channels will be receivable on a K group aerial (or wideband).
Sheffield`s Pre DSO Channel Allocations* (above)
The frequencies given are for (most) digital MUXES, for analogue channels deduct 3MHz.
* There are a few retune events (temporary MUX reallocations) just before and after DSO which may not be shown on these tables.
Sheffield`s Post DSO Channel Allocations* (below), apart from its other uses this guide shows clearly that Sheffield will remain a wideband / K group after DSO.
Note the gaps in the table below for channels 31 to 35, 37 and 61 to 68, they`re reserved for “other uses”........
Sheffield television transmitter (sometimes known as Crosspool) was opened in 1967
and is possibly the one used by most customers around Sheffield. Unsurprisingly the tower can be seen from much of the City as it was erected where it could (re)broadcast to the
greatest area on "line of sight". Its exact location is off Lydgate lane and it is next to a Police TX mast. The height is 52m and the RSJ spaceframe construction it is similar to many others all over the country, which is unsurprising because it was a standardised design, a BICC type 152 to be precise. It was built by British Insulated Callender`s Cables (or B.I.C.C) who were responsible for much of the infrastructure built in this country from
1945 up to the 1980s. The company is still going but now but called Balfour Beatty.
The plans for the mast, with post DSO additions are here, with the side elevation here.
Ofcom quote Sheffield`s maximum population coverage as being nearly three quarters of a million, but that includes households which may well be on another transmitter with overlapping coverage.
We are more than willing to give advice to those actually purchasing from us.
Could those only seeking information please just find the answer somewhere on this site,
or ring an aerial installer local to them, or call the reception advice phone numbers.
Sheffield / Crosspool Transmitter OS Grid Ref SK 324 870
Note, as work takes place on various digital transmitters (to prepare for the DSO) you may
experience problems, e.g. with certain MUXES disappearing. First try rescanning your
TV / set top box (do it manually if possible), but if this fails to work check on Transmitter work
or call the reception advice phone numbers. Also see basic digital fault finding.
Sheffield switched over between the 10 and the 24 of Aug 2011.
But there was a further retune event on the 27th September 2011.
Sheffield transmitter`s
post DSO radiation pattern.
Note how the transmitter puts out more power to the East, and how the pre DSO restriction to the SSW is no longer present.
Radiation pattern graphic courtesy of Mike Dimmick.
For Sheffield`s frequencies see its Channel Allocations Guides at the foot of the page
for before and after the (full) DSO. These also include the same information for other transmitters receivable within Sheffield`s coverage area and this can be very useful for identifying alternative transmitters.
The Channel Allocation Guides can be very useful in the diagnosis of co-
interference problems and 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-
External Links
Sheffield / Crosspool Transmitter Page on Wikipedia
Sheffield / Crosspool Transmitter Page on MB21
Digital UK details of Yorkshire transmitters
Spectrum = Interleaved Spectrum Channels
Some post switchover MUX allocations (particularly CHs 61/62 and 49/50) may well be changed due to the 800MHz clearance.
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