VLF Transmitter Woodside facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodside Omega Mast |
|
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Status | Demolished |
| Type | Guyed grounded mast equipped with umbrella antenna |
| Location | Woodside, Australia |
| Coordinates | 38°28′52″S 146°56′7″E / 38.48111°S 146.93528°E |
| Destroyed | 22 April 2015 |
| Height | 432 m (1,417 ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | US Coast Guard/Australian Department of Transport |
| Main contractor | Electric Power Transmission Pty Ltd |
The Woodside Omega Mast was a very tall radio tower located near Woodside, Victoria, Australia. It was also known as the Woodside VLF transmitter. This huge mast was built in 1982 and was taken down in 2015. For a time, it was the tallest structure in the southern part of the world! It helped ships and planes find their way using a special navigation system.
Contents
History of the Woodside Mast
In 1977, the governments of the United States and Australia decided to build an OMEGA navigation system in Australia. This system helped ships and planes figure out exactly where they were in the world. It used radio signals sent from several towers around the globe.
The Woodside tower was part of this important global network. The agreement to use the system was planned to last until September 1997.
How the Tower Worked
The Woodside Omega tower was a special type of radio mast. It was a 432 metres (1,417 ft) (about 1,417 feet) tall steel structure. It used an umbrella antenna to send out its signals. This antenna was made of wires that sloped downwards from the top of the mast, like the ribs of an open umbrella.
These wires were the active parts that sent the radio signals. The main mast itself was not "hot" (electrically charged). Instead, it supported the wires that did the transmitting. These same wires also helped hold the giant tower steady.
Location and Construction
Building this station was first planned for New Zealand. However, some people protested against it there. So, the location was changed to Australia. Even then, there was some debate about building it.
The tower took about 3.5 years to complete. The tower structure itself was built very quickly, in just 30 days. It officially opened in October 1982, but it had already started sending signals in August of that year.
Life After OMEGA
The OMEGA navigation system was shut down on September 30, 1997. After that, the Woodside station found new uses. It became a transmitter for talking to submarines. It sent one-way messages on a very low frequency (13 kHz). This continued until 2004.
Later, until December 2008, it sent a different type of signal. This signal was used for other communication purposes.
The Tower's Final Years
Decommissioning and Lights
The Woodside station was officially taken out of service in November 2008. Even after it stopped transmitting, the Aircraft warning lights on the tower continued to operate. These lights were important to warn aircraft of the very tall structure, especially at night. There were 10 platforms on the tower, each with lights.
Demolition of the Mast
The Woodside Omega Mast was eventually taken down. It was demolished using explosives on April 22, 2015. This marked the end of its long history as a major landmark and communication tool.
Where to See Its History
Some of the equipment from the OMEGA navigation system is now on display. You can see it at the Port Albert Maritime Museum. This allows people to learn about the tower and its role in navigation history.
