Topband: Smart meter interference

[Jim Brown]

Yes, and this IS the sort of issue that ought to be posted to the RFI 
reflector, and addressed to ARRL. Be prepared to provide the info 
Charlie has noted.

73, Jim K9YC

On Thu,9/25/2014 7:37 AM, Charlie wrote:
> Gee that's a really bad one, Jim!
>
> I've spent many years of my life getting electricity meters compliant with
> FCC rules!  Sound like that on is non-compliant with either the radiated or
> perhaps more likely, line-conducted, emissions! Can you tell me who is the
> manufacturer of the manufacturer of the meter? Sadly, you may  have to take
> the issue up with the utility and the FCC.
>
> Regards,
> Charlie, K4OTV
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim
> Monahan
> Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2014 8:10 AM
> To: topband
> Subject: Topband: Smart meter interference
>
> All:
>
> While this might best be addressed to the RFI reflector, I'm wondering if
> among the learned subscribers here on the Topband reflector, some of you
> might have some knowledge or experience with this issue.
>
> Recently, a smart meter was installed here and immediately I heard a buzzing
> sound on all of the lower bands including 160 but it was loudest on 30
> meters followed by 40 meters.
>
> On 30 meters, it was 10 over S9!
>
> Using the NB-Wide mode eliminates most of it but causes the usual distortion
> associated with the NB being turned on.
>
> It is there most of the time during the day and sometimes during the night.
>
> After considerable effort including shutting down all power throughout my
> house and checking the power system ground, a battery operated AM/FM/SW
> radio confirmed it was loudest behind the back of the meter.
>
> This is the digital electronics analyzing data that is causing the problem
> and not the RF signal that is around 902 MHz.
>
> Sweeping the band, the levels peaks about every 3 MHz including at 7 and
> 10 MHz.
>
> ARRL says they have had no complaints about these meters!
>
> A maintenance engineer from the utility confirmed the problem and says his
> expressed concerns were not addressed.
>
> He further indicated that at business, condo and apartment complexes where
> large number of these meters are installed, the interference was
> particularly noticed.
>
> I suspect that some appropriate filter at the back of the meter would at
> least reduce the level but I wonder if anyone has addressed this problem.
>
> It looks like moving my antennas farther from the house is the most
> expeditious route in reducing the levels detected.
>
> Perhaps a direct reply would be best to avoid excessive bandwidth here.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Jim, K1PX
>
> K1PX at msn.com
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