---
I know we're all geared for the big "season", so don't let this posting
distract you. Just save it for later, when the dust has settled. But
I would appreciate your input. - Rich
---
Well, after 2 glorious years in our new home, I notice an electrical
substation of some sort coming together on the edge of a corn field
maybe 1/4 mile from the house - a fenced in 100'x100' area, with 3
galvanized channel irons, and some other things embedded in concrete,
as of today.
I'm very concerned about interference, needless to say. Now there are
what I would call "medium" tension lines running through the area (1/4 mi
or so away), and I assume this station will somehow tie into them, yes?
Up to now I've not experienced anything out of the ordinary as far as rfi -
in fact, I'm suprised how quiet it actually is for a subdivision. But this
new addition has me concerned. After only 2 years, I'm already beginning
to regret the location as far as amateur radio contesting is concerned. Don't
get me wrong - I'm the first one to say that we are all responsible for
what/where we are, and what we do. I knew going in that it was not the
"ideal" radio location, but it struck a nice balance. Now I'm afraid my
lifelong favorite hobby will be totally snuffed out by "progress".
I know the only way to know is to wait and see what happens when they "flick
the switch". But I would like to hear from others who have been in this
situation.
Are my contesting days about to end? I hope not. I've enjoyed contesting
and qrp very much over the past couple years - I dare say that they have been
the most enjoyable years I've experienced since being licensed in 1981.
Give me your worst case stories... I can take it ( I think). Or please
tell me
I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill. KB4NPI (xyl) says I do that
a lot... I hope she's right. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been, or
will be in this type of situation. EMI/TVI/RFI is a growing concern for
all of us, as society evolves and finds new and exciting things to do with
rf, while feeding it's increasing appetite for electricity. I think a
healthy
discussion would probably benefit a lot of us. Contesting is my main
interest in the hobby (qrp runs a *close* second), so I post this message
on cq-contest. Forgive me if this seems a lil off topic for the list.
Thanks, and have a great contest season... Rich
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Rich Dailey, KA8OKH <ka8okh@som-uky.campus.mci.net>
The KA8OKH / KB4NPI Web - http://www.qsl.net/ka8okh
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