For some years now, I've had good results chasing down interference with
an Icom R-7000/7100,etc' , handheld wideband scanners, and even a
Kenwood HT with wideband coverage. A remarkably simple – considering the
effort and primitive construction – loop antenna made of coax (semi
rigid or even RG-58) with the end of the center conductor terminated on
the shield near the BNC, simply plugged into the scanner's or HT's input
connection, let me track down the infamous 3.52 MHz AT&T "wireless"
signals; and that configuration even let me find some 2m powerline
interference N0rth of Petaluma. Its location, next to the local
airports control tower, got *immediate* attention.
I even got a laugh out of tracking down the AT&T stuff. I'll begin by
explaining that I junked my television set in 1997.
I had an EMCO-6511 loop antenna mag-mounted on the car roof and would
drive around until I heard more 80m noise, and then I would go from
house to house with my AR-8000 and the little loop, sometimes
pinpointing the room where the "powerline modem" was plugged in.
The laugh? I noticed, as I drove around, people running out of front
doors into back yards, which – if steak on a barbecue needed looking at
– might have been the reason. However, I realized it was people who
thought it was from AT&T, tracking down unauthorized cable sharing
during the Super Bowl.
Cortland Richmond
KA5S
On 11/24/2019 13:00 PM, N8GLS wrote:
First and foremost, thanks to all who have (and still are) offering
comments, ideas, and suggestions.
I will look at an SDR dongle to aide in what appears will be a long and
daily pursuit of local interference causing devices. Still looking at
spectrum analyzers as they apparently have come way down in price since I
last looked (too many years ago). Surprising less than or equal to some of
the SDR defined radios I own, so can't say one wouldn't be a worthy
addition.
I have to go back and read the listing standards for these lighting devices
to see just what the requirements are. I think those devices fall under a
category allowing self-certification. There were no "FCC" markings on the
device anywhere, but again, the standard(s) may not require any marking at
all. They were an ETL listed device and I still know a few people there and
will get in touch them this week to see what tests were or were not
performed.
As for this whole process, it's a bit disheartening actually. I have no
blame for any agency or organization and really my only complaint is that of
my own impatience. I certainly will be advocating for better and easier to
acquire documentation explaining the process. I thank those that have
published articles and presentations as those provided insight, knowledge
and hope, if not just solace in knowing somebody else has been down this
road.
Thanks all and I'll post updates as they transpire,
73, Brad N8GLS
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