[RFI] Re: [TowerTalk] Comment on Radar Engineers Model 240

[Alan Robinson]

Hi Jim, K4OJ,

I am sorry that I can not help you. I am in Oregon. You might consider
contacting Fred Horning of Radar Engineers and see if any utility in your area
has purchased these units. He may not say who his customers are, but he might be
able to ask them to contact you. You can get Radar Engineers number from their
Web page at http://www.radarengineers.com (503)-256-3417, and, no I do NOT work
for them. I just think they have great equipment.

Another excellent resource would be Mike Martin, K3RFI, at
http://www.rfiservices.com and, of course, the ARRL Web site.

Note to Tod, K0TO: I forgot to suggest that if you buy the Radar Engineers Model
240, you might consider requesting the optional log periodic antenna instead of
their standard log periodic. The optional antenna has a frequency range of 150
to 450 MHz. The standard antenna, which comes with the unit, covers 270 MHz to 1
GHz, if my memory is working. I find the lower frequency range to be a better
range for locating. You can use the low end, around 150 MHz, for hunting for the
most likely suspect pole, then use the high end, say 450 MHz, for verification
and getting the approximate source on the pole. Then the Model 250 Ultrasonic
for pinpointing the hardware (assuming you can get "line of sight" on the
hardware).

I believe that Radar Engineers will allow for the exchange at no cost, if you
request it at the time of your order. Naturally, I can NOT speak for them.

Well I guess this is long enough....   Good Luck to all of you hunting for noise
sources.

73s,

Alan, W4LKE





Jim White, K4OJ wrote:
> 
> If there is anyone in Florida who has these units, please contact me -
> thanks
> 
> 73,
> 
> Jim, K4OJ
> 
> near Tampa
> 
> Alan Robinson wrote:
> > Hi Tod, K0TO,
> >
> > I have a Radar Engineers Model 240 which I use for locating noise sources on
> > power lines. I highly recommend it. I also have a Radar Engineers Model 250
> > Ultrasonic Locator. The combination can not only find the offending pole, but
> > usually I can pick out the noise making hardware while remaining on the ground.
> >
> > I like to use my Tektronix Model TDS-210 Oscilloscope with the 240, larger
> > display and easier to see. I run the scope off of an Astron Model Pi-250W power
> > inverter. It has a remarkably accurate crystal controlled frequency. This allows
> > synchronization with the power line frequency.
> >
> > Normally I use a two or three element beam on 144 MHz to locate the "suspect"
> > pole with the 240, then I use a 440 MHz 6 element yagi to verify the pole, and
> > finally I use the 250 to pick out the hardware item on the pole. The Model 240
> > really is an outstanding piece of equipment, as is the 250.
> >
> > You can read a story I wrote about my locating experience in Marv Loftness' new
> > edition of his AC Power Interference Handbook, available from the ARRL. Marv's
> > book is a "must read" for information on how to locate power line noise sources.
> >
> > I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, but email me.
> >
> > Sincerely, and 73s,
> >
> > Alan, W4LKE
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> >
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