[RFI] KC2IEB’s RFI Journey

[James Gordon Beattie Jr]

Chris,
Many utilities including power, telecom and cable use the Radar Engineers model 251 in the course of their work looking for these arcing noise sources.
It would be interesting to compare their features and cost.
Another common device is the Radar Engineers model 245, which isvessentially a noise receiver with an S meter bar graph.  Most hams use an AM radio or portable SDR.

Good luck with getting a crew to address your noise issue.
73,
Gordon Beattie,  W2TTT
201.314.6964

Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/ghei36>

________________________________
From: RFI <rfi-bounces+w2ttt=att.net at contesting.com> on behalf of qrv at kd4e.com <qrv at kd4e.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 9:09:43 PM
To: rfi at contesting.com <rfi at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [RFI] KC2IEB’s RFI Journey

The original design is here:

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/PLN/Ultrasonic_Pinpointer.pdf


> Hi all! I ended up splurging on this doohickey -
> https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-5008 . It's an ultra-sonic receiver
> that purports "to pick up the noise generated by the corona discharge and
> arcing connections". For those who may not be following my saga, I
> determined using a portable SDR radio that the same noise that obliterates
> 40m up through 10m comes strongest from one of two electric poles near my
> house. No other poles exhibit the noise. Using the MFJ-5008, I immediately
> heard a very strong ringing from one of the two poles, which doesn't show
> up when I point it at other poles, houses, etc. There's a little sight hole
> you can use to pinpoint the noise, which I did - it seems near the top of
> the pole is where the sound is loudest. Very easy to use, and seemed to
> work as advertised. Totally understand why this is expensive, it's a very
> niche item. I'll need to find a lot of RFI to make up the price tag, but
> additional evidence helps!
>
> I called the power company, who initially said they'd have a crew out in 4
> hours. After days with no visit, and numerous calls to PSEG, they have no
> information to provide. I filed a complaint with the NJ Board of Public
> Utilities asking that they follow up with PSEG and compel them to consider
> my complaint. If anyone has a contact with PSEG, I'd really appreciate a
> connection off list.
>
> If folks are interested, I'll try to make a little video of using the
> device. Also, if you're in the Southern NJ area and need to borrow it, I
> accept beer! :)
>
> Thanks again for the help and moral support!
>
> 73 Chris KC2IEB
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi