I assume that the reason some prefer the Tecsun PL-380 is COST. That's
unfortunate because for $60 more (based on current Amazon.com prices) the
Tecsun PL-660SLV is a MUCH better choice for all around RFI hunting.
I have been using the TECSUN PL660SLV for over a year now and it has helped
me tremendously in locating low frequency RFI sources. The Tecsun receiver
is one tool in my arsenal. As a professional utility interference
investigator I am called upon to search for all manner of peculiar forms of
interference ranging from the AM broadcast band all the way up to UHF and
Microwave sources. I have several good tools, most of which are quite
expensive. The expensive tools are primarily designed for locating power
line interference, UHF, 800/900 MHz and Microwave sources. For most sources
that affect hams I find the cheaper tools are very effective.
When I say "cheaper" I'm still talking $100 to $300 but since I do this for
a living, good tools are a necessity. Harris makes a nice $6000 low
frequency DFer but it isn't really necessary to spend that kind of green. I
achieve excellent results with the NATIONAL RF Model HFDF Vector Gun kit
and the Tecsun PL-660SLV. I also use an ICOM IC-7000 installed in my work
van with a (now 10 year old) Hi-Q 4/80 screwdriver antenna.
With the IC-7000 I can drive up to most sources following a sensible
expanding circle scan (drive). The AM Broadcast and 160 Meter sources can
be sniffed out with the Tecsun while the National RF active loop kit finds
everything else.
I don't post here often but I have posted this advice in the past.
Searching the archives can save a lot of time and bandwidth. Ultimately, a
battery operated receiver capable of listening to the affected frequencies
coupled with a sensible search plan will yield good results in relatively
short order. The job is made easier by using good tools. Consider the
equipment mentioned here and see if any of it fits your budget.
As I tell every ham for whom I resolve an interference problem originally
blamed on power distribution facilities but often found to be caused by
consumer electronics, having a receiver like the Tecsun PL-660SLV is going
to be a requirement for timely location of what has become an epidemic of
interference generators masquerading as popular electronic conveniences.
73,
Frank N. Haas KB4T
Utility Interference Investigator
Florida
On Mon, Dec 29, 2014 at 2:50 PM, Jim Miller <jim@jtmiller.com> wrote:
> I'm trying to track down some RFI on 160 and eventually 80, 40, etc.
>
> 160 is my focus right now and I'm finding my little VR-500 to be pretty
> useless and will soon sell it.
>
> I recently purchased a Tecsun -PL380 but overlooked the detail that it
> doesn't cover 1710-2300 at all so it will also soon be sold.
>
> So now I'm looking at the TH-F6a which has a ferrite bar for 10Mhz and
> down. Based on my childhood experience with similarly sized 3 transistor
> radios on the AM band it would seem likely that this should be pretty
> directional which would greatly help tracking down sources.
>
> Does anyone have the TH-F6a that could comment on the directionality of
> reception on the AM BCB or 160m?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jim
> _______________________________________________
> RFI mailing list
> RFI@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
>
--
Frank N. Haas KB4T
Utility Interference Investigator
Florida
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