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TopBand: Relatively narrowband QRN

To: <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: TopBand: Relatively narrowband QRN
From: ni6t@scruznet.com (Garry Shapiro)
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 1996 17:51:38 -0800
Eric Gustafson wrote:
>
> Gary,
> 
> You are absolutely correct about the normal pot controlled dimmers.
> However, in the above statement I was specifically referring to _touch_
> controlled dimmers.  The touch control circuitry for these dimmers is the
> culprit in the "off but still powered" state.  For some reason even the
> touch controller source is somewhat reduced when the load is receiving full
> power.  But when the load is unpowered, the touch controlled dimmers either
> produce more noise or radiate it more effeciently than at any other
> setting.  The touch controller is also the source of the 20 KHz patches
> of noise spaced every 200 KHz.  The ordinary dimmers don't have this
> characteristic.  They are simply wideband noise sources.
> 
> Thanks for the good information on a source for (relatively) quiet
> dimmers.  I won't allow any dimmer in my house that can't be turned off
> with an integral mechanical switch.  At least I can silence those without
> pulling the plug.
> 
> 73, Eric N7CL

Thanks for the clarification! I had forgotten about THOSE inventions
from Hell.

I think I only have one dimmer in this house, on a headboard reading
lamp---and I am considering getting rid of it.

I really appreciate the info on touchlamps.

-- 
Garry Shapiro, NI6T
Editor, The DXer
newsletter of the Northern California DX Club

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