Topband
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Topband: Local Noise Environment

To: Pete Smith <n4zr@contesting.com>,topband <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: Topband: Local Noise Environment
From: Ken Brown <ken.d.brown@verizon.net>
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2004 09:19:42 -1000
List-post: <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Pete,

With the antennas you have I don't think you are going to gain much more information about the location of the noise source(s) than you have gained already. If you could arrange to rotate the loop you might get a more accurate azimuth bearing on the predominant noise source. However since most of the interference sources are connected to the power grid (or ARE the power grid) they tend not to appear as "point sources" but rather radiate from the miles of power grid, being slightly stronger closer to the place where the arcing or other noise generation action is occuring. Since the power grid is a much less efficient transmission line at higher frequencies, the noise source will act more and more like a point source as you listen to it at higher frequencies. And you can make portable antenna with a real good directional pattern at higher frequencies too. So, it is common practice (even though 160 meters is what you are interested in) to use a portable VHF AM receiver and a two or three element yagi to DF on the noise source. Finding a VHF receiver that functions in AM mode used to be difficult. Almost the only options were VHF air band handhelds, which had not other purpose for you, and really expensive all mode scanners. These days though, you can buy a two meter or multiband handheld that has AM receive function too.

Good luck, DE N6KB


_______________________________________________ Topband mailing list Topband@contesting.com http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>