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Broadband Widespread Interference

Jul 23rd 2014, 19:25

paulhuffman

Joined: Jun 28th 2010, 21:49
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
Recently the RFI in and around my home has increased dramatically. The audio is particularly annoying on AM and sounds like hash. It is most prominent from the upper half of the AM broadcast band to 80m. 160m is unusable. I have used my mobile receiver and a portable radio to determine that the noise is present throughout my neighborhood and peaks under the power lines. I am suspicious that access BPL may be in use. My question is this: Are there any regulatory or volunteer services that can help me identify the source of this RFI?

73,
Paul/K8RIP
Jul 31st 2014, 14:20

W1MG

Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
Since BPL does not use the AM broadcast band, the source you describe would not be BPL. Based on your description of the noise, it would most likely be power line noise. Please see the Power Line Noise FAQ page for additional details on this type of problem. Here is the URL: www.arrl.org/power-line-noise-faq.

For a source of local help, your best bet would be to discuss with your ARRL Section Manager. See page 16 of any recent issue of QST for a complete list of Section Managers with contact info.
Aug 4th 2014, 01:10

paulhuffman

Joined: Jun 28th 2010, 21:49
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
Thank you for your information W1MG. Since my original post, I have recorded the audio and reproduced the waveform of the noise. It shows strong spikes at an interval of 8.33 ms (120 Hz), characteristic of arcing at the peak positive and negative voltages on the circuit. A representative of the power company visited my house and confirmed the noise. He said they would conduct an investigation. So far, the noise is still there. Thanks also for the ARRL Section Manager contact info.

73,
Paul/K8RIP

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