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Re: [RFI] CO2 detectors and RFI

To: Anthony (N2KI) <n2ki.ham@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [RFI] CO2 detectors and RFI
From: dalej <dj2001x@comcast.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 08:34:56 -0500
List-post: <rfi@contesting.com">mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
Thanks Anthony, that's more info than I got.  Unfortunately those two links did 
not work.  I wonder what the snap-on he referred to, because it's pretty tight 
inside the detector.

Dale, k9vuj



On 27, Oct 2013, at 6:52, Anthony (N2KI) <n2ki.ham@gmail.com> wrote:

> I found the reply I received from Kidde.  Thank goodness for archiving.
> Maybe someone can have better response than I did.
> 
> 
> 
> *In response to your email, here are a few things we can try to fix this
> problem.
> 
> 
> Test 1
> 
> Have a QSO on the offending frequency and watch the unit for signs of
> interference.
> 
> This would be an indication of CO as shown on the LED display.
> 
> The indicated CO would likely increase over the period of your QSO till an
> alarm condition occurs.
> 
> It is possible that the CO indication may go very high even 999 which would
> result in an almost instantaneous CO alarm.
> 
> I’m trying to get a feel as to how long it takes the alarm to go into alarm
> after the QSO starts.
> 
> 
> 
> Test 2
> 
> Remove the unit from AC power this will allow the unit to operate on its
> internal 9V backup battery.
> 
> Perform Test 1 again and note the results.
> 
> It is possible that you will have greatly reduced level of interference .
> 
> 
> 
> Note;
> 
> Your unit has a ‘peak level’ memory make sure that you ‘clear’ the peak
> level memory before your QSO.
> 
> The peak level memory will store low level ‘<= 30ppm’ readings.
> 
> Readings of 30ppm or less are only shown on the display when the peak
> button is pressed and held.
> 
> 
> 
> Test3
> 
> If test 2 results in greatly reduced interference try plugging the unit
> into a different outlet, preferably on a different breaker, and perform
> Test 1 again.
> 
> Note the results.
> 
> 
> 
> The purpose of all of these tests is to try and determine if the
> interference is being conducted through the AC mains house wiring.
> 
> If it is we can try these type of ‘snap on ferrites’
> http://www.mouser.com/catalog/catalogUSD/638/952.pdf
> 
> You would install one or two of these on the wire from the plug-in
> transformer directly where it enters the alarm unit.
> 
> Also this should be a familiar site as well as a good reference.
> http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/rfigen.html
> 
> 
> 
> There are also other tests and solutions we can try if we do not solve this
> issue.
> 
> Feel free to email or call.
> 
> Please contact me at 1-919-563-5911 ext 8415 if there is anything else I
> can do for you.  Thank you for using Kidde and allowing us to protect your
> home.
> 
> Click here for 24 hour online support
> 
> Very Truly Yours,
> 
> Vaughn Greene
> Consumer Product Support
> Kidde Safety-UTC Fire & Safety
> 1016 Corporate Park Drive
> Mebane, NC  27302
> 1-800-880-6788 Ext 8415
> Fax: 800-547-2111
> 
> Need help at odd hours? Log onto
> http://portalgb.knowledgebase.net/?cid=12758&c=15121&cpc=i830o4bbvC82cRVePyldWo3I
> 
> The information contained in this message or any of its attachments may be
> privileged and confidential and intended for the exclusive use of the
> addressee. Any views or opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the
> individual and not necessarily of Kidde Safety/UTC Fire & Safety. If you
> are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, reproduction, distribution
> or other dissemination or use of this communications is strictly prohibited.
> *
> 
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Anthony (N2KI)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 10:09 PM, Roger (K8RI) <k8ri@rogerhalstead.com>wrote:
> 
>> On 10/26/2013 6:05 PM, Christopher Brown wrote:
>> 
>>> 
>>> Monox (CO) detectors are important if you have any potential CO sources.
>>> 
>>> Any combustion fired devices, vehicles, etc. are a potential source.
>>> 
>>> 
>> We have them in every room and the basement.  "First Alert CO400"
>> Expected life, 5 years, uses an electrochemical cell/detector
>> price $17 give or take.
>> Battery powered 2 AA, No AC connection.
>> Check weekly, battery life, 1 year plus.
>> No RFI yet and not bothered by QRO on 160, or 75. Distance to the 160 and
>> 75 antennas 40 feet, give or take a tad.    40 is wayyy out.  150 feet or
>> more.
>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 73
>> 
>> Roger (K8RI)
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If you get really, really lucky you might notice a weak source, if you
>>> are awake and the levels are rising slowly by the fact you are getting
>>> sleepy and getting a headach...If you are already asleep, or the levels
>>> rise rapidly...GoodBye.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Other fun bits...
>>> 
>>> As I understand it, the sensors to not have a unlimited lifespan, good
>>> idea to replace every X years (check with maker docs on lifespan).
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> Location is important, CO pools in low places, these things need to be
>>> located _low_.  Normal outlet height is a good place, why most CO
>>> detectors are made to plug straight in to an outlet.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Now...Outlets are not always near the floor, often in furnace
>>> rooms/utility rooms garages, etc they are much higher.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Take a close look at the back of the CO detector...  While some of the
>>> smaller ones are one piece, many of the ones about the size of a
>>> paperback or larger have a removable wall-wart.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I just replaced a pair of Kiddie Nighthawks (10 years old) with newer
>>> Kiddie units.  In both the Nighthawks and the new units, power is from a
>>> wall-ward that is snapped into a section of the case.
>>> 
>>> If you have low outlets you can just plug in...
>>> 
>>> 
>>> If you have higher outlets you are supposed to unsocket the wart, and
>>> remote mount the CO detector (mounting provisions on back).
>>> 
>>> This is a std wart with a 6ft ish cable, and is perfect for wrapping
>>> around a toroid.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I always place CO detectors in potential sources and connected living
>>> areas.
>>> 
>>> My garage has one, both because it is a garage and because NatGas heater
>>> and water heater is there.  Outlets are at the 5ft level...  Detector is
>>> at 18" level on the wall with the wart up at the outlet.  There was
>>> enough to place a 2.4" type 31 toroid at the wart (with its own support
>>> so the weight is not pulling on the wart).
>>> 
>>> There is another in the living area, downstairs hallway where the living
>>> room, kitched, laundry and garage entrance meet.  Outlets are low there,
>>> but did the same thing with the remotable wart to put a toroid on it.
>>> CO detector is about 18" to the right of the outlet.
>>> 
>>> Key point is to make sure the AC connection is well protected from
>>> getting tugged/etc.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Far as RF trigger...  Both the old NighthHawks and the new ones are
>>> triggered by conducted RF.  Attic antenna w/ 100watts... 160 - 10 will
>>> trigger.  Remote antenna, still triggers 160 - 40 if running more than
>>> 400watts.
>>> 
>>> The toroids take care of that.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Looking at the datasheet for KN-COP-DP-LS, it is the smaller direct to
>>> outlet type without the removable wart, for use only where you have low
>>> outlets.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> You might look at
>>> 
>>> KN-COEG-3
>>> KN-COPP-3
>>> 
>>> These are both larger units with a remotable wart.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 10/23/13 1:10 PM, dalej wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Just a heads up.
>>>> 
>>>> I purchased a Kidde NightHawk CO2 detector model KN-COP-DP-LS, it is
>>>> designed to plug into a wall outlet plus it has a 9 v. battery backup
>>>> and LED readout.  While transmitting on 80 meters after a while it
>>>> starts audible warning, very loud.  I called the company tech support
>>>> line and they did not have any solution.  As an experiment I plugged
>>>> the detector into a two wire extension cord and wrapped the extension
>>>> around a #31 mix snap-on, then tested and it did not go off.  The
>>>> tech support said not to use an extension cable with the detector.
>>>> 
>>>> So if you are looking for a CO2 detector be aware of this problem
>>>> with 80 meter RFI tripping the detector.  I went to strictly battery
>>>> powered CO2 detector and that works fine.
>>>> 
>>>> Dale, k9vuj ______________________________**_________________ RFI
>>>> mailing list RFI@contesting.com
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>>>> 
>>>> ______________________________**_________________
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
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