Topband: Local Noise Environment

[Herb Schoenbohm]

Pete Smith wrote:

> I am trying to figure out my local noise environment and understand 
> what (if anything) I can do to correct it.
>
> Pete,  It is easier if you can find the source.  Use an inexpensive 
> battery operated multi-band AM short-wave radio and begin with the AM 
> loop to get some idea of directivity.  Then switch to higher bands.  
> (The antenna is generally then the telescopic whip on the radio.) As 
> you go higher in frequency on the radio and still hear the noise you 
> are getting closer to the source.  Reducing the length of the whip 
> while sort of act like an attenuator.  As you get up to the 20 to 30 
> Mhz range and still hear the noise you can then walk a pattern.  When 
> the noise is the strongest you are most likely within 50 to 75 feet 
> from the source where a visual inspection can isolate possible 
> sources.  The power company can be called to check pole hardware, 
> cutouts, reclosures etc, with their hot stick.  Sometimes banging the 
> pole with a sledge hammer will make the noise come and go or increase 
> or decrease the amount.  This is normally a sign of loose pole 
> hardware. (If a neighbor sees you do it they may call 911!) Shaking 
> pole guys can also reveal some interesting things but this could be 
> dangerous without hot glove in some case is is not recommended. (Lines 
> and even pole pigs are known to fall in some bad installs, so be very 
> careful.)  


I hope this may help you locate the problem.

73

Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ