I don't doubt for one second the RE equipment is worth the cost if
one can somehow manage it. I sincerely wish I could have that
equipment to work with. It would make my life simpler.
The situation may be different in areas with higher median income
but here I can assure you the vast majority of hams would have no
other choice but to get out of the hobby if it came to down to RE
equipment being necessary to get use of the bands back. I dare say
even several our clubs combined could not hope to raise a sum like
that in less than several years.
I've done pretty well with a combination of relatively inexpensive
equipment consisting of
135 MHz AM receiver with 3 element yagi
445 MHz AM receiver with 7 element yagi
40 kHz ultrasonic receiver with 12 inch dish
Total investment just under $800 which was still a challenge but it
*was* either that or give up *all* on air activity.
In many cases I have been able to identify a specific piece of
hardware causing noise. In all but one case I have been able to
identify the source structure. The more experience I get, the easier
it becomes, naturally.
I am having difficulty with one, possibly two sources and will ask
about it on the RFI forum shortly.
Paul Kelley, N1BUG
RFI Committee chair, Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club
On 12/26/2012 07:57 AM, RFI Services' Michael Martin wrote:
Wow, Ok Kurt, Cover those Cheerios next time!
RE Equipment isn't made for Hams, I think we all know that. However it is
most definitely better and more convenient for its purpose than anything
commercially available. Every Ham I know that owns RE equipment is glad they
have it. However, a ham with power line noise that's not getting along with
the power company (for whatever reason) will be looking for something better
than the average equipment. Then finding that specialized equipment is so
expensive would probably get him a little "excited".
It is true that a home brew combination, in most cases, is a sufficient
setup for locating the structure containing a power line noise source, if
used correctly, but if you do it every day you'll start looking for ways to
improve your methods and equipment. Eventually you'll end up with RE
Equipment. It's also a matter of expense and taste combined with the level
of success one demands. That level may be different for everyone.
The task of locating power line noise requires more than a UHF receiver and
yagi. It requires patience and training, whether OJT or taught, and a lot of
experience. Then more experience.
Watch out for the newest edition of the ARRL's RFI Handbook due in 2013.
Merry Christmas to you guys,
Michael C. Martin
RFI Services
6469 Old Solomons Island Rd
Tracys Landing, MD 20779
www.rfiservices.com
240-508-3760
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