[RFI] 1 of 31 re: Using an SDR to locate RFI

[Don Moman VE6JY]

The display of the 756PRO series is excellent, I think because its sweep is
close to 60 hz so the interference is almost synced so it stands out well.
I will often use it if I'm looking at a fairly narrow band noise issue.

I use a Winradio G31DDC sdr mainly because it has a great 0-30 (or 50mhz)
spectrum display in addition to all the more narrow band stuff.  I'm not
aware of many - if any - others that can display the HF spectrum that
wide..  My biggest complaint is that I need a better brighter almost
sunlight viewable display for it.  It can do all the spectrum recording
that may be very valuable to analyze or for a presentation.

But overall, I still prefer my ancient Texscan very much analogue 0-400
megs spectrum display.  Not my video, just an example of the unit I have -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1dYq_JyNvw  Because of the analogue
display it displays the arcing better than any device I've used. As you
drive up you see the spectrum "bloom" (as I call it) at HF then proceed up
thru 2m and up into the upper regions of the Texscan and then drop off,
you've driven by the pole.   Then get out the Icom R-10 with a few
directional yagis if the pole isn't obvious already, then it's time for the
hotstick ultrasonic sniffer.  That combo suffices for everything I need.

73 Don
VE6JY



On Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 6:06 PM, Frank N. Haas KB4T <
utility.rfi.pro at gmail.com> wrote:

> It's time for some additional detail:
>
> 1.  The IC-7000 does not have a spectrum scope that is useful. The picture
> on my QRZ page is the screen of an IC-756ProIII showing AC Power Line
> interference spitting out peaks at 120 Hz from a pole across the street
> from my house.
>
> 2.   I don't count the frequency of the interference peaks. Instead I'm
> more concerned with the frequencies affected by the interference. Power
> line interference tends to be 120 Hz rich in harmonics detectable to VHF
> frequencies or higher. Switching power supply interference and other
> sources can have a fundamental that varies widely and may be detectable up
> to HF only or well into VHF and UHF depending on the "power" or signal
> strength produced by the source.
>
> 3.   The IC-7000 solution I use is convenient. The control head is attached
> to the dash in front of my steering wheel. The 7000 has a good and usable
> signal strength indicator that works at every frequency the receiver hears.
> I've been using that signal strength indicator to zero in on the source
> pole or structure efficiently. I have a notebook PC mounted on a computer
> dock and stand in my company van. SDR receivers provide much more
> information than a signal strength meter. I'd like to enjoy that display in
> my work going forward.
>
> 4.   The IC-7000 is beginning to fail. It has already filed a grievance
> with the radio union alleging that I am keeping it in service despite small
> problems that are beginning to consume my time (problems with the audio
> chain in the radio, intermittent issues with the display.) It is time to
> retire Olde Faithful! The question is, "What solution exists today that
> offers the convenience and efficiency that I have enjoyed for so many years
> with the 7000??"
>
> 5.   I own a Flex 5000a which I love but I wouldn't want to put that box in
> my truck. The Flex 6000 series radios are a huge improvement over the
> original Flex radios but they are expensive. I don't need to TRANSMIT. A
> receiver is all I need. Receivers tend to be far less expensive. Finding
> one that allows me to enjoy the convenience I have now is what I seek.
>
> 6.   So let's think more practically. What SDR RECEIVER can be used MOBILE
> that offers all of the convenience but much more information than what I
> enjoy with the elderly and ailing 7000??
>
> 73,
>
> Frank N. Haas KB4T
> Utility Interference Investigator
> Florida
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