[RFI] What I use to find Interference Sources

[Frank N. Haas KB4T]

Paul:

Actually they don't rely on me to keep score. There are administrative
types, certified in bean counting who manage the statistical performance of
the collection of interference investigators within the utility. The number
of cases I get are smaller than my colleagues in the larger populated
areas. My region in NE Florida tends to be mostly rural. There are several
more heavily populated areas along the Atlantic Coast. The majority of my
region extends inland which is mostly farm land and small communities..

I work between 5 to 8 cases a month, 60 to 100 a year on average, give or
take, plus or minus. My busiest year saw 140 cases. My least busy year saw
about 63 cases. To be honest, I don't keep score.

73,

Frank N. Haas KB4T
Utility Interference Investigator
Florida

On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 4:54 PM, Paul Christensen <w9ac at arrl.net> wrote:

> Frank,
>
> As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with the group.
> Just curious:  I suspect that being a utility, your company wants you to
> keep statistical metrics of your work.  Roughly, how many noise sources do
> you find in a month or year?
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RFI [mailto:rfi-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Frank N. Haas
> KB4T
> Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2015 4:02 PM
> To: rfi at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [RFI] What I use to find Interference Sources
>
> David:
>
> The Radar Engineers receiver is optimized for pulse noise reception. The
> receiver features a small LCD "spectrum scope" that  allows the operator to
> see the pattern of the interference signal. With the push of one button a
> snapshot of the scope screen can be saved to memory (only one image can be
> stored at a time.) When searching, the saved image can be called up to
> compare it to what may be seen along the search route.
>
> The receiver also has an RF amplifier that can be turned on and off along
> with an adjustable RF Gain control that functions like an attenuator. The
> signal strength indicator reads 0 to 100. The RF Gain control is used (as
> I'm sure you are aware) to keep the signal strength reading about midscale
> to allow changes in level to be observed easily.
>
> The receiver comes with a 1000 Dernier nylon case with neck strap. The
> operator can hang the receiver in front adjust controls with one hand while
> swinging the directional antenna with the other.
>
> The receiver battery is pretty robust and will provide several hours of
> operation. Truthfully I have never used the receiver for more than one
> hour.
>
> Some of my colleagues will set their Radar Engineers receiver on the dash
> of
> their vehicle and use it much like I use the IC-7000. I haven't done that
> as
> I am very comfy with the 7000 and it does the job well.
>
> 73,
>
>
> Frank N. Haas KB4T
> Utility Interference Investigator
> Florida
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 2:40 PM, David Cole <dave at nk7z.net> wrote:
>
> > Thank you!!!!!
> >
> > Could you expand a bit on what the Radar 242 does that the 7000 does
> > not do...  I have been considering adding a small portable scope to my
> > FT-817ND, which I use on foot, and would like to know more about the
> > Radar unit.  I have seen it used, but never having used one, I lack
> > the feel for it...
> > --
> > Thanks and 73's,
> > For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
> > www.nk7z.net
> >
> > For MixW support see;
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
> > For Dopplergram information see:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
> > For MM-SSTV see:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
> >
> >
> > On Thu, 2015-07-30 at 12:11 -0400, Frank N. Haas KB4T wrote:
> > > Over the years I've been contributing to the RFI email list, I have
> > > mentioned nearly every tool I use to locate interference sources. I
> > > do
> > have
> > > a distinct advantage over the average ham because my employer, a
> > > large electric utility in Florida, does equip me with the very best
> > > tools available and has generously allowed me to buy and use
> > > additional
> > devices,
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > RFI mailing list
> > RFI at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Frank N. Haas KB4T
> Utility Interference Investigator
> Florida
> _______________________________________________
> RFI mailing list
> RFI at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
>
>


-- 
Frank N. Haas KB4T
Utility Interference Investigator
Florida