Unattended television and radio transmitters in the UK

The paper states that the dramatic growth in the number of UK broadcast transmitters during the last three decades has been made practicable by the almost universal adoption of unattended operation techniques. It discusses the philosophy of unattended operation and then considers the requirements for the transmitters, RF feeders, power supplies and programme inputs necessary to implement such a philosophy. Station security is also considered. Operation and maintenance aspects are mentioned, and it is stressed in this connection that some form of remote monitoring of system performance is essential. The processing of the data resulting from such monitoring, and its `interfacing¿¿ with the maintenance staff is described. Experience with unattended operation over several years is included and possible future developments are mentioned. The paper concludes that adoption within the UK of the unattended operation techniques described, has allowed an increase in distribution system efficiency, together with greater job-satisfaction for the staff involved, without depriving the programme makers of any of their freedom of action.