20-09-2023, 11:49 PM
I'm reminded of an anecdote from a former Granada transmission controller called Paddy Owen that features in a book of recollections about the 'first generation' at Granada (well worth if a read if you can look it out)
At the behest of the TCs, they installed an early form of automation (a bit like how Anglia launched with their 'Topsie' system) - and had horrendous problems with it.
IIRC, it came to a head at closedown one night when the clock repeatedly came up on screen, and for whatever reason, they found they couldn't go off air.
The off-duty controllers duly converged at one of their homes to watch the output as they attempted time and again to close (lots of drink consumed...)
Finally, they got through to management, who promptly 'blew their top' and ended up decommissioning the automated equipment at a huge cost.
At the behest of the TCs, they installed an early form of automation (a bit like how Anglia launched with their 'Topsie' system) - and had horrendous problems with it.
IIRC, it came to a head at closedown one night when the clock repeatedly came up on screen, and for whatever reason, they found they couldn't go off air.
The off-duty controllers duly converged at one of their homes to watch the output as they attempted time and again to close (lots of drink consumed...)
Finally, they got through to management, who promptly 'blew their top' and ended up decommissioning the automated equipment at a huge cost.