Topband: RFI / Interfering Phenomenon...?

[donovanf at starpower.net]

Eddy,

The 21 kHz spaced between peak probably originates in a switching power supply and the loud "whir-whir-whir" noise may be generated by a motor.   The slow movement up and down the frequency may originate from a motor controller changing the motor speed.  The precise timing (1230Z on) sounds like its a timer turning on a high efficiency motor.

My guess:  one of your neighbors recently installed a high efficiency furnace.  I have exactly the same type of RFI originating from a high efficiency heat pump one mile southeast of me.  Thankfully its "only" S7 and the Beverages eliminate it except to the southeast.

Good luck!

73
Frank
W3LPL



---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:40:27 -0500
>From: Eddy Swynar <deswynar at xplornet.ca>  
>Subject: Topband: RFI / Interfering Phenomenon...?  
>To: topband at contesting.com
>
>Hi Guys,
>
>I wonder if what I've been experiencing here is strictly a local case of RFI, or if others are hearing it to, especially at stations near southern "VE3"-land...?
>
>Specifically, since roughly early December (when I first noticed it), at precisely 1230Z each day, & at around 1820-KHz, a loud "whir-whir-whir" noise suddenly starts up that is very raspy & broad...it can be heard at roughly 21-KHz spacings each way, up & down the band, and the entire "progression" very slowly moves down in frequency...
>
>It's hard to put into words: imagine the whirring police siren from the film "Smokey & The Bandit", only with a very raspy / rough tone, and very broad. It peaks here with my K9AY that's pointing due north, causing me to suspect that it may well be some automatically timed gizmo that my gadget-crazy neighbour several hundred feet north of me may have acquired & "...put into action."...but then again, it could be something else, emanating from who-knows-where...
>
>Is anyone else experiencing this right at 1230Z, or am I the sole lucky winner...?   :o)
>
>My operations on 160 are not especially affected by this, as I usually pack it in around 1230Z, anyway---still, it HAS piqued my curiosity...
>
>~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
>_________________
>Topband Reflector