Rediffusion Cable Television - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

peter_scott · 20th Nov 2010, 10:37 am

http://www.rediffusion.info/

EF80TVVALVE · 20th Nov 2010, 2:02 pm

very interesting. i have some rediffusion things here including the wire that has been cut and hangs right across the back window, now useful for a radio aerial!
thanks for posting it!

twocvbloke · 21st Nov 2010, 11:46 am

I remember reading somewhere about the old Rediffusion cables still being energised in some places, for whatever reason, I don't know if that's entirely true or not, but it has been a while since I read that...

G0MEM Michael · 5th Dec 2010, 6:12 am

^^^^^^^^^

Last time I came across Rediffusion cable which was still 'live' was around 1994 in Bristol. It wasn't Rediffusion running the service, I think it was something called Diamond Cable carrying a few Sky channels, which provided service to council properties. Since then much of the Bristol Rediffusion plant has been removed, or is lying and hanging around decaying.

When I was young, I thought it was magic that my grandma's TV (a Rediffusion Dover) could still have sound when it was turned off.

AC/HL · 5th Dec 2010, 4:32 pm

Parts of the duct system have been used for modern telecommunications I believe, as well as old steam power ducts.

markhardy · 10th Dec 2010, 10:48 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by EF80TVVALVE

very interesting. i have some rediffusion things here including the wire that has been cut and hangs right across the back window, now useful for a radio aerial!
thanks for posting it!

just stumbled upon this. and has given me an idea.

we still have the remnants of rediffusion cable in the village here. the top of the fell, about a mile or so above us had a mast which fell down donkeys years ago, but the cable to the village is still in situ and runs right through the bit of land at the back I own where my wee hideyhole/shed is

might have to try the cable as an antenna!

davegsm82 · 18th Dec 2010, 8:27 pm

I have about 4 old rediffusion cables running past the rear windows of my house, nailed to the soffets. They definately wont be connected to anything live any more, as I beleive they have been chopped at the ends.

They probably have a run of about 30-40 meters from end to end of the terrace, what could they be used for radio-wise?

Dave.

19th Dec 2010, 10:41 am

Picking up interference from all the SMPS PLT etc. down your street and re radiating it to your (electrically) quiet house.

20th Nov 2010, 10:37 am	#1
peter_scott Dekatron Join Date: May 2003 Location: Edinburgh, UK. Posts: 3,274	Rediffusion Cable Television http://www.rediffusion.info/ __________________ http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/c/PeterScott/videos

20th Nov 2010, 2:02 pm	#2
EF80TVVALVE Octode Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Leicester, UK. Posts: 1,433	Re: Rediffusion Cable Television very interesting. i have some rediffusion things here including the wire that has been cut and hangs right across the back window, now useful for a radio aerial! thanks for posting it!

21st Nov 2010, 11:46 am	#3
twocvbloke Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colne, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 527	Re: Rediffusion Cable Television I remember reading somewhere about the old Rediffusion cables still being energised in some places, for whatever reason, I don't know if that's entirely true or not, but it has been a while since I read that...

5th Dec 2010, 6:12 am	#4
G0MEM Michael Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Posts: 102	Re: Rediffusion Cable Television ^^^^^^^^^ Last time I came across Rediffusion cable which was still 'live' was around 1994 in Bristol. It wasn't Rediffusion running the service, I think it was something called Diamond Cable carrying a few Sky channels, which provided service to council properties. Since then much of the Bristol Rediffusion plant has been removed, or is lying and hanging around decaying. When I was young, I thought it was magic that my grandma's TV (a Rediffusion Dover) could still have sound when it was turned off.

5th Dec 2010, 4:32 pm	#5
AC/HL Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 9,642	Re: Rediffusion Cable Television Parts of the duct system have been used for modern telecommunications I believe, as well as old steam power ducts.

18th Dec 2010, 8:27 pm	#7
davegsm82 Heptode Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Blyth, Northumberland, UK. Posts: 858	Re: Rediffusion Cable Television I have about 4 old rediffusion cables running past the rear windows of my house, nailed to the soffets. They definately wont be connected to anything live any more, as I beleive they have been chopped at the ends. They probably have a run of about 30-40 meters from end to end of the terrace, what could they be used for radio-wise? Dave.

19th Dec 2010, 10:41 am	#8
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Rediffusion Cable Television Picking up interference from all the SMPS PLT etc. down your street and re radiating it to your (electrically) quiet house.