[RFI] Don't ask, "What is it?" Instead, ask, "Where is it?"

[Sam Morgan]

well.....

If I were a professional RFI chaser,
who's job it was to "just find it"
and
If I was knowledgeable enough to "just find it"
and
If I had all the proper equipment to "just find it"
and
If I was capable of being mobile enough to get out and "just find it"
then,
I might try to apply those words of wisdom and,
"just find it"

until then,
I thought I would have to satisfy myself,
by trying to document these quaint little noises,
with videos and sound files,
on the theory that....
if someone ever does go out and try to locate,
(I mean "just find it")
what 'may' be the source of my noise(s)
at least I maybe I will be able to id it,
and know for sure that was the 'it'
we were looking for.

I've already seen the local utility company
"just find it" so many times over the last 4 years,
and yet *"it"* was not my *"it"*

===
I guess I was also mislead by reading the advertisements
from Radar Engineers for their $5k plus 242 AM-UHF RFI Locator
http://www.radarengineers.com/rfitvi.htm#pole

When they make the following comments:
"The Model 242 is a state of the art power line
interference locator. It is continuously tunable
from 500 kHz to 1000 MHz and can store up
to six waveforms....."

"Spark gap noise characteristics can be
*OBSERVED* on the built-in LCD oscilloscope
display, seen on the signal strength meter, and
*HEARD* on the speaker. This unique combination
of features permits quick identification and
location of power line sparking that causes
ham radio, AM radio, BPL, and TV customer
complaints."
===

well never mind, I digress and
I certainly don't want to be bothering the list,
with any unprofessional babbling's now do I?

P.S.
I really do appreciate the comments though,
I now have a big sign above the desk that says:
"JUST FIND IT"
priceless

Thanks again guys.
;-)

GB & 73
K5OAI
Sam Morgan


On 5/2/2011 10:41 PM, RFI Services' Michael Martin wrote:
> Well said
>
> Michael C. Martin
> RFI Services
> 6469 Old Solomons Island Rd
> Tracys Landing, MD 20779
> www.rfiservices.com
> 240-508-3760
>

On 5/2/2011 10:39 PM, Frank N. Haas KB4T wrote:
 > Trying to identify what a certain sounding interference might be may
 > be entertaining but it's a waste of time. Perhaps some joy comes from
 > guessing what a sound might be and then finding the source and being
 > right. To me the more important question is, "Where is it coming
 > from?"
 >
 > If I'm experiencing interference on a particular frequency, the first
 > thing I want to do is to determine from what direction the
 > interference signal is coming. I don't care what it MIGHT be. I know
 > I'll find out what it is when I actually find it.
 >
 > If the interfering signal can only be heard on HF frequencies, then I
 > want to equip myself with something that will allow me to
 > direction-find (DF) such a signal. It doesn't matter to me if it's
 > humming, buzzing, spitting, burping or wheezing. If I can hear it, I
 > should be able to track it.
 >
 > If I can hear the interference on higher frequencies, then I can use a
 > smaller antenna. Thus I want to know the highest frequency at which I
 > can hear the interference. If I'm really lucky, I'll be able to hear
 > it at VHF. I'm only lucky on occasion.
 >
 > Real power line noise has a 120 Hz characteristic thanks to the arcing
 > occurring on both peaks of the sine wave. A nice fact but useless in
 > locating the source. I'm much more interested in finding the best way
 > to get a bearing and get closer.
 >
 > Nearly every week, a note pops up on this reflector asking for an
 > opinion or confirmation on what some sound might be. I never answer
 > these notes because I view such an exercise as pointless. Rather than
 > guess about what it might be, I'd rather DF it and know for sure.
 >
 > I admit that in my line of work, time is money. Find 'em fast and get
 > 'em fixed. Most of the sources I pursue are real power line
 > interference but sometimes I find a consumer electronic device.
 > Variety is the spice of life. One thing is certain: I waste no time
 > speculating about what it might be. I just find it so I can know for
 > sure.
 >
 > 73,
 >
 > Frank N. Haas KB4T
 > Utility Interference Investigator
 > Florida