owner-rfi@contesting.com wrote:
> >From k3lr Mon Mar 2 11:54:55 1998
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> Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 10:53:21 -0600
> From: "k0il@qsl.net" <EEDWARDS@oppd.com>
> To: thomas@cybrzn.com
> Subject: Re: [RFI] Line Noise
> Cc: rfi@contesting.com
> X-Orcl-Application: In-Reply-To:
> UNIX.OPPD.COM:owner-rfi@contesting.com's message of 28-Feb-98 08:23
> Message-Id: <98Mar2.105240cst.31366@oppdns.oppd.com>
>
> "Tearing my hair out", Tom Hellem- K0SN wrote:
> >Wondering if anybody has experience locating noise generated by power
>
> >lines?
> >The power company has been out here at least 5 times, and they claim
> they
> >have checked out a 10 mile radius. As far as they are concerned, the
> case is
> >closed and they have refused to do anything further.
>
> You've discovered another impact of the FCC's non-enforcement of
> interference
> rules, but this time it is us hams who are experiencing the
> interference. So
> now how do we determine which pole is causing your specific
> interference
> problem?
> Below is a copy of a message I sent to the DX reflector a while back.
> Maybe
> it will be some help.
>
> Well, I'm no guru in this area, but I have gained some experience over
> the
> last few years working in my Power Company's Communications Dept.
> where we are
> assigned the task of resolving RFI complaints. The key is having the
> proper
> equipment to conduct the search. In some cases it takes more than one
> type of
> location device to complete the search correctly. And it also takes
> an
> experienced locator to determine the source of your interference
> amoung the
> many sources he will find out there. Hopefully your power company
> has these
> resources! If not, gently suggest that they get them ASAP to solve
> your
> problem.
>
> First, the equipment. A radio receiver(s) capable of multi-band
> operation
> from HF & VHF thru UHF. This can be two or three different radios if
> needed.
> Many companies use a locator on just one frequency (like 200MHz). But
> to
> properly track down the source, multi-band operation is a must.
>
> Another device that can help determine which pole is the source and
> which are
> just re-radiating the RF noise is a ultrasonic probe. UE Systems in
> Elmsford,
> NY sells one fitted with a parabolic dish concentrator (UWC-2000). I
> have
> used this unit at work, and was able not only to determine which pole
> was the
> source of noise but also determined from the base of the pole what
> piece of
> hardware was the specific source! (e.g. squirrel guard) BTW: This
> solved the
> noise problem near my ham shack ;^) UE Systems' phone number is
> 800-223-1325. (Std disclaimer: Not associated in any way. Just a
> satisfied
> customer).
>
> Another interesting device I haven't used yet is a combination
> broadband
> receiver, spectrum analyzer and storage scope made by Radar Engineers
> in
> Portland, Oregon (503)256-3417). What is interesting about this unit
> is the
> storage scope function. Its receiver is tunable from 1.8 - 1000 MHz.
> The
> operation is to hook it up to the customer's antenna and tune to the
> problem
> frequency. The waveform of the noise can then be viewed and saved in
> memory
> for comparison while searching in the field for that specific noise.
> It comes
> with a 10 element VHF/UHF log periodic antenna. This sounds like the
> ideal
> RFI locator to me! I wish we had one 8^(
>
> There are also a couple books to recommend to your utuility if they
> don't
> already have them. I recommend them both to any ham who has a line
> noise
> problem. Both were written by hams who worked for utilities as RFI
> Investigators. The first one I recommend is *Interference Handbook*
> by
> William R. Nelson, WA6FQG & edited by Bill Orr, W6SAI. It sells in
> both CQ
> magazine & ARRL bookstores. This is the "Bible" of power line noise
> location.
> I've read it cover to cover and refer to it often.
>
> Another one is *AC Power Interference Manual* by Marv Loftness,
> KB7KK. Marv
> is big on the Radar Engineers line of equipment. As a matter of fact,
> they
> even sell his book! It is published by Percival Publishing in
> Tumwater, WA. I
> haven't made it through this book yet, but it looks pretty good.
>
> One thing to remember: Ultrasonics can only be detected line of sight
> at close
> range. That's how they work. It will help to eliminate poles that
> are not
> noisy. But it will not identify the source of YOUR specific noisy
> pole
> without an experienced investigator or additional equipment. If you
> get them
> to start fixing noisy poles that are NOT causing your specific
> problem, they
> may get tired of doing this before getting to your problem source. It
> can get
> very frustrating! Hang in there!
>
> If your power company refuses to respond to any further requests,
> contact your
> state's public service commission (PSC) in writing concerning your
> problem and
> lack of response. Sometimes just mentioning this to the utility will
> get them
> off their duff! If they've sent the same technician out all five
> times, then
> they have not made an honest effort to solve the problem. You can
> find info
> on your state's PSC on the ARRL web I think under the Technical
> Information
> Services. Good Luck Tom!
>
> 73,
> de ed -- K0iL
> k0il@qsl.net
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