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Re: [RFI] Noise - where do I start?

To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [RFI] Noise - where do I start?
From: Dave Cole <dave@nk7z.net>
Reply-to: dave@nk7z.net
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2016 10:59:02 -0700
List-post: <rfi@contesting.com">mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
On Sun, 2016-09-25 at 11:03 -0400, Frank N. Haas KB4T wrote:
> All this speculation just muddies the water. Keep an open mind. Don't
> assume anything yet because you simply don't know yet if the problem
> is in a privately owned structure or a utility problem.
> 
> Until you do some searching you don't know enough yet.
> 
> I'm on the road and can't type beyond my phone's keyboard.
> 
> For now, keep a log of episodes. Try to figure out when the
> interference occurs. If it has a pattern, equip yourself with a
> battery operated receiver with a signal strength indicator. At a time
> when an episode is likely, listen in AM MODE, not SSB on and above the
> affected frequencies.  Walk around your neighborhood noting increases
> in signal strength.
> 
> Don't hear it walking? Try driving a wider area.
> 
> Keep notes. Plot likely spots. Listen higher in frequency if you do
> hear it. If you can hear it in AM MODE at VHF get a yagi and try to
> pinpoint.  That will tell you if your problem is utility or private.
> 
> Wife giving me the "let's get driving" signal.
> 
> Ignore the speculation. Keep an open mind. Search with equipment not
> eyes or guesses.
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> 
While Frank and I don't always agree on how much one should speculate, I
must agree with Frank in this case...  Too much speculation, to early.

Do your power off test of your home, walk the area, borrow someone's
mobile rig...  Collect some data, keep a log, etc...  Then after you
have a lot of info, start guessing, but never let it shade what you are
looking for...

Take a look at:

http://nk7z.net/category/info/mitigation-of-rf-interference/

This is a collection of what I think are helpful articles on dealing
with RFI.  Some of them outline the tools, some outline what to do, some
of them are preventative in nature.  Sort of an overview in several
articles.  It is sort of a multi year running blog of RFI adventures...

--
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

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