Topband: New Noise

[Herbert Schoenbohm]

Bob,  I had a horrendous noise which peaked at about 2mHz but covered 
the band even down to the AM radio portion. The noise sounded like a 
buzz saw with distinct peaks and valley across 160 meters. So I cut the 
main breaker in the house (rig still works with big UPS system) a the 
noise was gone. (This essentially eliminated all the devices in the ham 
shack two routers and a half dozen wall warts.)  Turned the breaker back 
on and then started taking down individual breakers down one by one 
until I found the circuit that corresponded with the noise.  I found the 
noise to be emitted for one of those new  "Energy saver" Led lights in 
one of the ceiling socket.  I inspected the LED lamp and saw a small 
burned spot.  This one little device putting out a lot of noise  was 
capable of obliterating the entire band even with a substantial pick up 
on a Beverage which originates 500 feet way and runs in a opposite 
direction.  Fortunately the problem originated at home and was thus 
easier to deal with.


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ

On 1/3/2016 9:06 AM, Bob Garrett wrote:
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>
>
> Greetings,
>
>   
>
> Approximately ten days ago, I experienced increased noise primarily on 160
> meters.  After troubleshooting my HI-Z 4 square, I found that the noise was
> coming from the NW and is being introduced in to the 4 el array making it
> useless to hear weak signals.  I also have a 100 meter DXE bi-directional
> beverage.  The noise level on that antenna is up too but still functioning.
> My RBOG antennas remain quiet.  One more interesting observation before I
> pose a few questions to the collective wisdom of this group.  On 80 meters,
> the 4 square and beverage are still working FB.  Since I haven't spent as
> much time on 80, I'm not sure if there has been an increase in the noise
> floor on that band however, they certainly don't have the increased noise
> I'm seeing on Topband.
>
>   
>
> Yes, I have checked every component of the 4 square array and everything
> checks out FB.
>
>   
>
> So, my thought is someone in the neighborhood got a new electronic gismo for
> Christmas.  When I listen on the 400 KHZ band, I hear some huge signals
> anytime day or night.  Comparing sounds from the ARRL site, I'm thinking a
> light dimmer, phone charger or a dirty wall wort.
>
>   
>
> My friend Scott, K2CUB will be here in approximately a week and he has some
> good noise sniffing equipment.  Now, for the questions:
>
>   
>
> 1.        If I find a noisy wall wort, will clip on torrids help suppress
> the hash or does it need to be changed out with a new one?
>
> 2.       Regarding light dimmers, what is the resolution for those devices.
>
>
> 3.       How about plasma TV?
>
> Any other input appreciated.  I never knew just how quiet my QTH was until
> now HI.  73 and HNY Bob K3UL
>
> 4.       something new
>
> _________________
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