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Re: [TowerTalk] [Bulk] How far does RFI travel?

To: Ray Benny <rayn6vr@cableone.net>, rfi@contesting.com, towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] [Bulk] How far does RFI travel?
From: Grant Saviers <grants2@pacbell.net>
Date: Mon, 9 May 2016 07:32:24 -0700
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
One thing I noticed when driving around with a PC+ USB spectrum analyzer to find a new QTH, was how much quieter neighborhoods with in ground utilities were from those with the old "poles and pigs" distribution systems. Another observation was that big HV transmission systems were quieter than expected when a few hundred yards from them. My conclusion is the buried systems shield and choke the rf, just as happens with buried coax. IMO, much of the rf trash we hear is generated by bad devices and then radiated from pole systems. 60 acres NW of me were recently developed, 20 homes on 2 acre lots plus open space and underground utilities and so far so good. A plasma TV SW from me is an S4 problem, but I haven't tracked it down. Hopefully, the new subdivison near you will be all buried.

Several local hams here are seriously affected S9+ all bands by large grow lights for recreational substances that are clearly not FCC compliant re radiated and conducted emissions. The distance can be significant - 1/4 mile or more. Most are probably illegal but of no interest to law enforcement given trends of the new laws. The FCC either "doesn't have the resources" or "won't investigate where illegal activity may be happening without law enforcement present". A perfect Catch22. In the past, when growing was clearly illegal, law enforcement used AM radios to find the grow sites.

Grant KZ1W
Redmond, WA

On 5/9/2016 0:21 AM, Ray Benny wrote:
  body {height: 100%; color:#000000; font-size:12pt; font-family:arial, 
helvetica, sans-serif;}This may seem a strange question to ask and there maybe 
many answers, so I will try to be specific as to what I am looking for.
A new subdivision is being built about 1/4 mile away, east and north east, 
towards EU. The homes are custom build on 1 acre parcels. What I am trying to 
find out: can I expect my noise level to go up as more homes are built?
I spend a lot of time on 160m. I have a RX 4SQ and 2 wire beverage, and I do 
hear a number of small RFI noises in a number of directions from nearby homes 
in my rural area. Most of the time they do not cause any long term problems. My 
thought is that when new housing comes in, new and more electronic gadgets will 
be inside that can generate more RFI.
I have done some RFI tracking, mostly electric fences and leaking/defective power line 
hardware, but these sources are usually very distinctive and usually easy to fine. 
Finding wall wart, LED, etc RFI is harder to find, especially on someone else's property. 
Another way to ask my questions: "Does this type of RFI noise typically radiate more 
than several hundred feet"?
Any thoughts or experiences are welcome.
Tnx & 73,
Ray, N6VR
Chino Valley, AZ


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