The RSGB has just published the following as part of next Sunday's GB2RS
bulletin (published to non-members next Friday at http://www.rsgb.org/news):
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BT Looking to 'Redevelop' its Rugby Radio Site
It has been announced that the 1700-acre Rugby radio station site is to be
'redeveloped' by BT. It was brought into service, originally by the Post
Office, as a wireless telegraphy station in 1926. A year later it started
carrying Royal Observatory time signals and over the next 70 years the
station, using the callsigns GBR on 16kHz and MSF on 60kHz, was used for
sending radio telegrams to ships. The 16kHz transmissions can also be
received by submarines when submerged. The MSF 60kHz transmitter now carries
time signals from the National Physical Laboratory. Its effective radiated
power is estimated at 10 to 15 kilowatts, using a T-shaped antenna 180
metres high and 500 metres across the top. Now, with the arrival of
satellite communications, much of the Rugby site is becoming redundant, and
BT is searching for a partner to redevelop it. Their property agents have
estimated its land value alone at nearly £400 million. The current contract
for the MSF 60kHz service extends until 2007.
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Mike, G3XDV
http://www.lf.thersgb.net
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