[RFI] How to approach a neighbor?

[Dave (NK7Z)]

Hi Dave (K6LL),

Several years ago, I was literally surrounded by grow operations, making 
low band operation impossible on any band.  Myself and my local club 
formed an RFI committee to assist in solving some of these issues.

Because "First Contact", is so important, we developed a set of tools to 
help in making first contact events a good experience, for both parties 
involved.  First Contact is one of the important events in RFI 
solutions, and you are on the right track asking about how to do it!

If you go in guns blazing, it will normally not go well for you, if you 
go in reasonably, and not aggressively, it normally does go well for 
you...  I have solved dozens of RFI issues here in the 
Eugene/Springfield area over the years, and in only two cases did things 
go badly.  The first contact approach sets the tone for the rest of your 
interaction with the possible RFI creator.

One of the tools we developed for first contact was a handout that could 
be mailed, handed to, or left on a door step of the suspected offenders 
location.  It outlines what RFI is, what can cause it, the dangers 
involved, who is responsible, etc.  The ARRL liked it enough to make 
some mods to it, and to put it on their web page at:

https://www.arrl.org/information-for-the-neighbors-of-hams

as a fillable/printable PDF.

As a bit of history on the creation of the handout-- at one point I 
informally asked a lawyer friend to look over the hand out and make 
suggestions for reducing any liability I might incur in handing it out, 
he did, and our club incorporated those changes...

None of the above is to say you do not incur liability by handing this 
out, or in dealing with your possible offender, it is to just say a 
lawyer looked at it, nothing more...  Remember, you incur liability by 
simply breathing, so consider this in everything you do, and say in 
relation to any RFI actions you take...

To reduce liability issues, I always go with someone else.  I dress 
well, I am kind, and I NEVER threaten anyone with the FCC...  If the 
person seems obstinate, I say thank you, and leave.  I also keep very 
good notes on every interaction I have with anyone regarding RFI issues, 
the person, the power company, etc...  I have a rather too long missive 
on how I deal with RFI at:

https://www.nk7z.net/rfi-now-house-cleaning/

covering all the things I do...

Disclaimer:
I am not a lawyer, and you are responsible for your actions.  All of 
this is just what I do, and I am passing it on to you for information 
only.  You need to consider your liability in all actions you take.

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 9/26/23 13:58, David Hachadorian wrote:
> I live in a tract neighborhood.  Everybody pretty much goes about their 
> own business, and neighbors typically don't know each other or interact 
> much.
> 
> Several months ago, a loud 24/7 RFI source started up in my immediate 
> neighbor's house.  I set up a noise sensing loop and preamp on my side 
> of the wall, and my MFJ Noise Cancelling**boxes are fairly effective at 
> doing at least a partial null.  This past weekend, the noise disappeared 
> from Friday until late Sunday afternoon, and it was wonderful seeing my 
> Panadapters displaying bright waterfall signals on a dark blue 
> background!  It made me realize how much I have been missing.
> 
> My real question is how can I tactfully approach the neighbors to see if 
> they will cooperate on solving the problem?  I am willing to pay for 
> fixing or replacing the device, but I am not a master of diplomacy, and 
> I afraid to have the door slammed in my face.  I am open to suggestions 
> on the best way to approach this.
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Yuma, AZ
> 
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