1988 Station Closed For Refit
January 1988 Radio Heatherwood Closed
On the 9th January Radio Heatherwood closed down. It was then a race against time to rip out the old partridge mixer and dismantle the old console. lt was also the time to put in the suspended ceiling for studio one. The change to a new design of console to accommodate the Chilton mixer was at the right time, because the old Telecom frame which had plagued us for many years was also ripped out the month before, this gave us that much needed space.
We had become quite proficient at changing things around, as in the previous year we were completing the library re-design and before that numerous other changes as we tried to maximize the space we were allocated.
The major building work was completed on the 31st of <p class="indent"> January: painting and wiring commenced immediately. The majority of work was carried out by the engineer three nights a week, all day Saturdays and Sunday mornings. The manager with assistance from a couple of presenters added the finish to the studio, with a spot of paint.
On the 1st of February the installation company ;Wireless Workshop arrived; to fit the new AM broadcast system. The test tone was heard throughout the day on Monday the 8th of February. In the evening at 7pm the unit was switched to sustaining service tuner'. Radio 210 could be heard on 999KHz for the first time in the hospital.
" A new station was born."
Note:- I wrote in my diary for that day " I'm glad it's all over " P. J.
It was a weight off my mind that day, we had waited such a long time to achieve this and we had come through untold hassles, but we came through.
On the 20th February, we re-laid the carpet which was the last job to be done. The wiring was complete, so in the afternoon at 5:35 till 5:45 the first test transmission was made with the new I'D and the voice of the manager.
On the 3rd of March the staff training commenced with the new terms & conditions, some presenters didn't return after the closedown and some felt they could not commit themselves to the station. it was also the time to start full training on equipment and use of the faci1ities; which in the past had been neglected. A month of intensive training for staff; lead us to the on-air day.
2PM Saturday 2nd April 1988
Grand Draw/Charity Night Raised:-£1347.20
AM Year Story Unfolds
1988 was a very busy year for the station management and as the year unfolded there was much to do and organise
For further information:- Follow the links
Chilton Mixer
The Chilton broadcast mixer was chosen as the replacement for the Partridge mixer.
Having visited Kings college hospital as part of the preparation for the AM service we found they were already using this mixer in their studio's.
At the time it was well recommended and was also used by the BBC. It was hand made and we visited their works to collect. A family run business with an eye on quality.
Staff Joining This Year 14 Staff Leaving 16
Studio One Picture Gallery
Studio one gained it's new look and a new broadcast console. The new AM transmitter and rack was also located in studio one.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer.
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Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer.
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Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer.
Click to enlarge:-
Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer. PJ Tries A Test Run.
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Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer. PJ Tries A Test Run.
Click to enlarge:-
Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer. Manager Dave Gives It A Try.
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Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
The New Look Broadcast Console Complete With Chilton Mixer. Manager Dave Gives It A Try.
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Studio One
New Look Broadcast Console.
Our New Transmission System with Sony Tuner Which Provided the Sustaining Service.
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AM Transmitter
New Transmission System
1988 The Story Continues
