RFI
[Top] [All Lists]

[RFI] Power line noise question for the experts

To: RFI@contesting.com
Subject: [RFI] Power line noise question for the experts
From: N1BUG <paul@n1bug.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:26:40 -0500
List-post: <rfi@contesting.com">mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
I have successfully located multiple sources of power line noise and the power company has kindly fixed them. At this point 90% of the noise has been eliminated but what remains is still quite bothersome. I am having considerable difficulty getting positive identification of the remaining source pole(s).

The noise is present from at least 1 to 60 MHz on the home station receiver (no equipment for higher frequencies). Looking at it with a scope there appear to be two intermittent sources of noise, one each on two different phases. The pulse count on each is highly variable, usually just one or two pulses per positive and negative peak on calm day, rapidly varying from none to many on a windy day.

At 135 MHz (3 element yagi) I cannot resolve the source pole. Noise is strong and nearly constant along a stretch of 7 poles but drops quickly beyond either end of that area never to be heard again (I have checked the line 2 miles in both directions from there).

At 445 MHz (7 element yagi) I cannot detect it at all.

Given that the noise is quite strong at 135 MHz but not detectable at 445 MHz, is it likely some frequency in between might help in resolving the source pole(s)?

The poles have a 13 kV distribution line with a 46 kV transmission line overbuild. I have reasons to believe all remaining noise is from the 46 kV.

On windy days I have been able to hear ultrasonics from two 46 kV insulators on one pole about in the middle of the 7 pole stretch. The highly variable ultrasonics partially correlated with variable noise from the station receiver (listening to both at the same time). The correlation left something to be desired and I was having great difficulty holding the dish steady in the wind. On calm days I cannot hear ultrasonics from the suspect insulators. I would like more/stronger evidence this is the source before asking the power company to look at this pole for the third time.

Any tips or suggestions?

Paul N1BUG


_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>