Farewell to BBC 648 kHz

I have been cleaning up a video archive and came across video I shot in Ordfordness in 2003. It turns out to be topical because the BBC ceased using 648 kHz, which originated from a transmitter site there, as from Sunday March 27th 2011. I can confirm that my clock-radio needs retuning to something else to wake me up. In fact I ended up buying an excellent app for the iPad called Radio Alarm HD and mixing the output with another app called Retro-Fi.
This video safari will never be shown on mainstream TV - it is designed for those of us in radio who enjoy the details of high-frequency engineering. This edition, therefore, assumes you're interested in what makes these places tick. I particularly like Ordfordness because of the history of the place - it is where radar experiments started during the Second World War. That bit comes towards the end of this video (around 14 minutes in) after Andy explains the antenna system.
There are frequent references to a BBC transmitter site in Crowborough, Sussex. This was the home of the most powerful transmitter in the world during the 2nd World War, nicknamed Aspidistra after the song by Gracie Fields. On my audio vault at www.jonathanmar... you can listen again to both these episodes.
My thanks to Andy Matheson for the hospitality so many years ago. What passionate people they are!
I have been amazed at the popularity of this video and thank you for all the private correspondence it has generated. Note to myself: must find a way to revive Media Network in a new and fresh form.

[@jfv65]

This brings back so many memories! I used to listen to BBC-worldservice all the time! 648kHz was one of the clearest stations that i could receive in the Netherlands. I clearly remember the stationcall music and the Big Ben chimes before each news broadcast. Good times, happier days!

[@arcticradio]

Radio Caroline’s signal reaches Northern Finland in Winter with just their 4kW transmitter. Orfordness is a great transmitter site.

[@halesworth01]

Thanks for "finding" this video and not deleting it from your archive, but publishing it on KZbin Jonathan!! I spend several months at Orfordness in the early 90s as a labourer re-roofing the main building, we couldn't use "torch-on" felt as they obviously didn't want any flames, we had to use a special sticky backed felt which would only stick in temperatures over 18 degrees celcius...so you can guess there was a lot of sitting about drinking tea and reading the paper!!! But didn't matter because the BBC always paid you as long as you were on site ready to work when the weather allowed!! But to add even in the early 90s the building was still a VERY SECRETIVE place, if we had to enter (which wasn't very often and it had to be a VERY good reason) you ALWAYS had a security guard by your side, and you were briefed that if any doors to side rooms were opened "YOU WERE NOT TO LOOK INTO THE ROOM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, AND IF YOU DID SEE ANYTHING YOU WERE NOT TO REPEAT WHAT YOU HAD SEEN OFF THE ISLAND!" So all I can say is even in the 90s there must have been more than just the BBC on site!!

[@tomwaller6893]

GM4 HIG calling. Wonderful, and from my retired perch in Malta, I can hear Radio Caroline on MW from time to time from your wonderful site.

[@Sheffield_Steve]

Who would have thought that after all those years, that Radio Caroline would take the establishment's frequency off em' for legal broadcasting. No wonder Caroline made their publicity on that fact. Ronan O' Rahilly would chuckle if he knew.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I was in England when the Racio Changes took place in the late 1970s. I was about 30 miles from Daventry, and the Radio 3 signal on 647 kHz would peg the meter on my MW radio. Then the BBC world Service took over 648 kHz, and I was a regular listener. In the 1980s, I found myself in Germany and would listen to the World Service just about any time I wanted, Sad to see it go. I did not know you have a KZbin channel, and have subscribed. I was fond of your work on Radio Netherlands, and knew if you put something out, it would be interesting and informative. Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@brine1955]

Great video and good to Andy again! I left the FCO in 1985 and worked on high power RF systems for science for the next 20-years. Orfordness, Cyprus and Masirah were great places to be stationed.

[@timmotel5804]

Fascinating. I could watch a couple of hours just on the antennas alone. Great work and thanks for presenting this. More please. from Tim in Mobile Alabama.

[@adambirchenall]

This only covered Northwestern Europe and South East of England. Back in 1991 while i was living in Leicester, every so often the transmitter power was boosted as i could pick this up very clear and local. some hours later it turned very weak and back to the usual area it covered. Also on 1296 KHz had some BBC WS programmes which served the same area, again that too is now gone. Great Memories

[@blacksmock445]

Perhaps your improved reception was when Orfordness was using the omnidirectional antenna mast while maintenance was carried out on the main antenna system.

[@AdrianBull-h9g]

Radio Caroline now emit 4kw on 648khz and have applied for an increase to 16kw. Let's hope they get it, there's life in AM yet. However, back in the day, they had 50kw on a big red trawler, Ross Revenge. Would love to see that fired up again.

[@normanhill535]

Remember you from Media Network. Still dabbling in radio and electronics at 65! Wishing you and your family all the best in life. Stay safe and healthy and God Bless.

[@robertmeyer4744]

When the grid goes down or internet goes out. how are we going to get world news? sad day for radio. I love listing to short wave radio. it still works!! from USA we love BBC .

[@wattage2007]

News? From BBC? Are you kidding?

[@Rickwardful]

How do you explain this? I farm near Moreton-in-Marsh, on the Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire border. One of my ‘Working Classic’ tractors is a 1992 Ford with its original Ford AM Long wave radios. It’ll pick up 648 metres as clear as a bell, yet any more modern type car radio that still has an AM receiver can hardly pick the 648 signal up. Why does that ancient radio work so well on 648, but nothing else does? I love listening to Radio Caroline and to listen to it on anything other than that tractor have to use ‘Tune In’ via Bluetooth to the vehicle radios. Or on ‘Alexa’ when indoors.

[@jeromevanderlinden5388]

Access to this site reminded me of the several occasions I visited what was Radio Australia Darwin, or more correctly Cox Peninsula. This involved a 20 minute fast boat ride across Darwin Harbour to Mandorah, and then about a 15 minute bus ride from the southern end to the northern end of Cox Peninsula. As the shift period for the staff started and finished at the Darwin end of each shift, and the place was 'manned' from about 7am to 12 midnight local time, the cost of labour (with 3 men on each shift) was quite considerable!

[@markmalasics8413]

14:39 Those "OPTIMOD" processor are ancient, yet still work very well. We used one at my former station.

[@linesync]

There's an Optimod still in use on the Ross Revenge. Only appropriate, as Caroline was one of the first, if not THE first, station 'in' the UK to use an Optimod for their processing

[@Sheffield_Steve]

It's high time that Radio Caroline was allowed to be a national network, nevermind 648 just in the SW, seeing as they showed the UK how to do commercial radio & would show the modern day stations how they should do it & would wipe them off the map. Radio Caroline should be allowed a free licence for DAB+ nationally as far as I'm concerned.

[@mikebanks4935]

You really hit the target with the history and what makes the place tick. Thanks!

[@cuedotfilms4427]

I have often walked past this building on the other side of the river and wondered what it looked like inside, now I know. Thanks 🙂

[@robster773]

I spent many years listening to 648 Khz from Orfordness for BBC WS when I used to live in East Norfolk until 1991.

[@iseeolly9959]

Amazing stuff mate.....My dad, who worked for BT laid out a cable about 6m long and got a voltage of 1. I have just got divorced and now live back at Orford.

[@beverpix]

Thanks for posting this Jonathan, from an old colleague at RNW.

[@iancoverdale998]

Wow Jonathan, many thanks. Digital age pretty ended much of the technical world Andy and his colleagues (myself included) created and maintained. I seem to have followed Andy several decades on closing his systems down. The FCO 'Crowborough' transmitters Andy installed at BBC Ladies Miles in Cyprus, I started removal in 2001 after three decades of dutiful service to be replaced by American made solid-state transmitters and the BBC Masirah (Sultanate of Oman) services closed in ~2003 replaced by a new transmission site 150km away at A'Seela, the construction of which I project managed. I did meet Andy; our organisation was full of wonderfully talented people; he was one. Andy also mentions BBC Zygi in Cyprus. I passed by there the other week, it closed in 2013, has been demolished and partly returned to farmland. It is amazing how quickly the BBC HF & MF services disappeared replaced by the global super highway and GSM technologies. Technologies in which UK led much of the world are now pretty much redundant. Thank you for capturing a important part of it.

[@JonathanMarks]

Hi Ian. Thanks so much for these insightful comments. Are you in Cyprus?

[@iancoverdale998]

Not ay the moment Jonathan; occasional visitor.

[@exa11762]

Probably we are the last generation to have operated those huge Medium Wave Transmitters & BBC has been great support to our National Radio Station ( in the Maldives).

[@andyledger2307]

I did wonder why I got such a good signal on Radio Caroline and then I looked at a map - it’s virtually a straight line from here in Rainham (Kent), over the pan-flat Hoo Peninsula and up the coast to Orfordness.

[@RGC198]

From what I know, this particular station was even heard here in Australia (not by me unfortunately) years ago.

[@jsnowdendavies]

Thoroughly excellent video and an interesting story well told.

[@miked7718]

I guess I'm a true radio geek. Even though I haven't listened to shortwave in years it saddens me to watch videos like this. BBC, RCI Radio Netherlands. All disappearing.

[@maryrafuse3851]

Now the government of Canada should feel the shame. At one time RCI had content in Ukrainian. Shame on Steven Harper.

[@NOWThatsRichy]

Now used by the revived Radio Caroline, I can sometimes just about hear the signal here in Portsmouth, UK on a good day, but often listen on a local DAB relay.

[@DoktorLorenz]

Using a cheap indoor loop antenna I can get Caroline up here in Scotland on a decent signal about 70% of the time

[@mfbfreak]

Any idea which of the towers Caroline uses? I'd expect the backup one. The 5 mast array would be way too expensive to maintain for them.

[@adriancressy8363]

When our technology fails there will be regrets to all of these shortwave stations going off the air and destroyed. Radio will always be received in your home. The internet and cell phones will fail if there's a major world wide hiccup

[@sharegreats2157]

Besides, the good old waves can cross all borders, the internet not, see China, Iran, Turkey. The internet can be switched off by authorities, waves can't.

[@NOWThatsRichy]

@@sharegreats2157 Although Russia was pretty good at jamming them during the cold war years!

[@cpcattin]

Nah......

[@rwalker9644]

@@NOWThatsRichy so was the post office i seem to think cheers Rob

[@marcuskeulertz5852]

@@sharegreats2157 there's one country called Myanmar where the authorities take away the people's radios,because they can listen to clandestine on shortwave.

[@boweandrew3]

I loved 648 kHz when in France at my French cousins house in Versailles I will miss 648 kHz

[@robertstephens5163]

Enjoyed the tour and history. Thanx!

[@gb5uq]

Wonderful thank you very much. Sad to see the demise of these facilities, particularly here in Daventry. The place just isn't the same somehow.

[@albertodillon]

I used to listen to BBC World Service on MW it's pity it has finished to broadcast on this frequency

[@Catswhiskerdetector]

Excellent video Jonathan. Still miss the BBC ws on 648. Hope to hear some more Media Network episodes soon, my podcast reader is still checking daily ;)

[@JonathanMarks]

Still collecting material. But making time to do some editing over Christmas

[@toypupanbai5960]

I inquired about 'Aspidistra', at the War Museum. I couldn't remember the name of the transmitter. The museum was no help at all, which I found surprising. They only offered Elect. Counter Measures. Sefton Delmer, wanted to use it to broadcast false Surrender Orders, but that was thought to be unsporting!

[@JonathanMarks]

Here you go. This is what you are looking for. jonathanmarks.libsyn.com/media_network_wartime_deception_part_1

[@andyb7813]

Enjoyed this thank you

[@pierrelaret5698]

In UK, you have BBC4, 219khz lw. I can listen this station in Belgium.

[@NOWThatsRichy]

198khz actually.

[@gb5uq]

@@NOWThatsRichy Yes indeed. I had the good fortune of being shown around the Droitwich transmitter some years ago. Fascinating.

[@acidphaze]

Yes you get the BBC World Service when BBC Radio 4 closes, until 0520 GMT when Radio 4 goes back on air. You can also still get BBC World Service on Shortwave Radio too.

[@prabhakarv4193]

Very nice and informative.

[@waverider6kj32]

only good thing Radio Caroline will be keeping the frequency warm

[@VickyGeagan]

not just the frequency mate that is their facility still using the same equipment getting into Amsterdam and coastal Europe on just 1kw erp they had to change out the valves in the transmitter and Jonathon Marks can be heard on Caroline weekendays at 9:00 am for Carolines top 15 and on Thursday evenings for Carolines UK top 40 album countdown Andy is smiling almost laughing in the video knowing that will be turning the transmitters back on for Caroline in the near future it you look carefully you will see Carolines Mike Brill working on the transmitter

[@jonathaneastwood2927]

@@VickyGeagan different transmitter same masts

[@andrewmackenna568]

Documentary gem that stands out from the 'click-bait', informed, considerate and straight forward. Fascinating gentleman Andy (reminds me of a family friend who was a big influence for me, worked at TVNZ in the video room). Glad the British taxpayer had some use of this latest example of American corporate $90+ million swindle. OHR really was flawed and an attempt at primitive Remote Sensing. I'm sure what really ended OHR was the Apollo program, reliable launch-to-orbit and satellites. -Christchurch, New Zealand 1/22

[@barrydevonshire9749]

Goodby world service welcome radio Caroline at last . Should have had a licence years ago

[@MichaelMarko]

This was great. Thanx!

[@oml81mm]

Any connection with the Jonathan Marks of Radio Netherlands I wonder...

[@JonathanMarks]

yes indeed. You can find more of the Media Network here. jonathanmarks.libsyn.com/

[@christopherhulse8385]

Radio Caroline now keeping 648 and the Orfordness history going.

[@SnabbKassa]

Cyprus?! Did he just admit to being an engineer on the Lincolnshire Poacher numbers station?

[@acidphaze]

It sounds that way.

[@CarolineFord1]

There's more than one transmitter in Cyprus!

[@gpo746]

Move over BBC ....Radio Caroline is here !

[@jayostrem6214]

When the internet fails, hopefully radio is still alive. Unfortunately, most stations rely on internet for content.

[@DavidEsp1]

Anyone know of an antenna definition (locations, dimensions, feeds etc.) or model for the antennas at this site?

[@prabhakarv4193]

Very informative

[@grahamestroud8271]

Thank god for radio caroline and sky tv

[@R.C.A.F.V.R.]

Did you know there is a disused broadcasting station under the clifton suspension bridge operated by the bbc it was built in a lift shaft

[@JonathanMarks]

Hi Andy. No, I didn't . How can we find out more? Thanks for reacting here.

[@R.C.A.F.V.R.]

@@JonathanMarks during ww2 the bbc had an iunusual broadcasting studioon the west elevation was a shaft under the bridge Possible people would be bbc Bristol the operators of the cage viewing platform under the bridge And operators of burnels historic boat in bristol and clifton historical society I myself found out about it from a veteran when i work at courage brewery in Bristol we were talking about a ew2 broadcast from bristol zoo during the bombing of bristol He took me to the bridge and showed me where the bbc hidden studio was

[@prabhakarv4193]

Very nice

[@roberthorwat6747]

OCD spoiler alert. (I can't help it!). Interesting how the Land Rover has TOYOTA written on the tailgate and has a Peugeot 406 interior. That's all I got, sorry about that.

[@ASMRCulture]

It also has a white body with a red bonnet, but only red when viewed from the inside. 😂

[@crazyjcdb]

He upgraded it.

[@Phil....]

Really interesting.

[@chrismccartney8668]

Great video also great view of this enigmatic part of the east coast and Orfords huge sand spit... Home of Radar Nuclear Bomb testing Pagoda like buildings Cobra mist A river which changes name midway.. A superb East Coast Tiwn Alderborough Lost port of Blyth inland from Walberswick

[@PirateRadioArchive]

Excellent, thanks

[@carlhadley891]

A big thanks to the contractors who cut up the dodford mast in the eighties colin and carl hadley

[@boweandrew3]

Why don't you make a video on the Skelton uk transmitter site and any other uk transmitter me or shortwave or meyerton south africa site on 3.255 MHz as well

[@garypritchard6070]

and now interesting ,as the 648 transmitter is being used by radio caroline

[@adelarsen9776]

Bloody internet !

[@bonusnudges]

Ade Larsen internet will be monitored and censored by the EU

[@maryrafuse3851]

Imagine building a new Short Wave Station with Nautel transmitters. Very little upkeep required.

[@myriaddsystems]

About time they started this service again for broadcasts to Russia....

[@anthonyperkins7556]

It's a shame that AM has largely disappeared from view, it was a reliable method that would work in any emergency getting to the people who needed it. I have a Gospell DRM radio and get regular transmissions via analogue SW as well as high quality DRM from different parts of the world, there are a (minority) of broadcasters who still believe in analogue SW and DRM digital radio via that method, shame Europe and the UK has given it the heave-ho.

[@johnsiders7819]

There will always be radio it’s pretty much impossible to put all stations off the air. The pirates will always be out there !

[@buffplums]

Oh these places are so rare now I worked on a few Radio transmitter stations but for the RAF loved working on transmitters receivers were ok but preferred transmitters I worked at Eddlesborough on the rip out prior to the last installation of Marconi 1140 and 1200s all HF sadly all gone now. Worked at Aird Uig on the 100kW LF that was a great site but didn’t spend a lot of time there and that’s all gone. Did a tour in the Falklands on the JCUFI Transmitter site at Bush Rincon and then at St Eval on MATELO, UKMACCS, bit of CROSSFIX a and then the replacement MATELO ... all handed over to Civilain contractor now... happy days

[@davidpoulton2860]

Wonderful radio Caroline on 648 khz/463 Mts

[@battlestarone]

radio Caroline now use the site at 1kw i think,,,must be good site as i can her it in Glasgow at night very strong.

[@TomStorey96]

Nothing says important technical information (valve life records) like Comic Sans!

[@rwalker9644]

Id say a VERY good thing lol cheers Rob

[@halesworth01]

See this video Jonathan, kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5_Hnp5sjt2Sock It features Andy switching off the transmitter for the final time

[@grahamestroud8271]

RADIO CAROLINE 648 AM

[@aalexjohna]

Why don't you fucking shove it