Transmitter station

A transmitter station or transmission facility is an installation used for transmitting radio frequency signals for wireless communication, broadcasting, microwave link, mobile telephone or other purposes.

The location may be chosen to fit the coverage area [1] and for VHF-UHF-applications line of sight considerations.

(see Earth bulge) Computer programmes for the terrain profile and abacs are used in addition to on site observations.

Another parameter may be the government regulations concerning public health requiring a minimum distance to human habitation.

But in low frequency stations (such as AM radio), the mast itself may be the active antenna element.

Most stations use mains electricity, but they also have standby generators or solar energy panels in case of failure.

Like all industrial sites, the buildings, the antenna masts, the generators, and the transmitting equipment of the stations should be grounded for personal safety against electrical shocks.

In such cases, accommodation, catering and health problems also play a part in station management.

(The sequence of antenna systems on a typical TV-FM station may be from bottom to top; VHF-2, VHF-3 and UHF.)