RFI
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [RFI] How to approach a neighbor?

To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [RFI] How to approach a neighbor?
From: "Dave (NK7Z)" <dave@nk7z.net>
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:13:09 -0700
List-post: <mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
Hi Dave (K6LL),

Several years ago, I was literally surrounded by grow operations, making low band operation impossible on any band. Myself and my local club formed an RFI committee to assist in solving some of these issues.

Because "First Contact", is so important, we developed a set of tools to help in making first contact events a good experience, for both parties involved. First Contact is one of the important events in RFI solutions, and you are on the right track asking about how to do it!

If you go in guns blazing, it will normally not go well for you, if you go in reasonably, and not aggressively, it normally does go well for you... I have solved dozens of RFI issues here in the Eugene/Springfield area over the years, and in only two cases did things go badly. The first contact approach sets the tone for the rest of your interaction with the possible RFI creator.

One of the tools we developed for first contact was a handout that could be mailed, handed to, or left on a door step of the suspected offenders location. It outlines what RFI is, what can cause it, the dangers involved, who is responsible, etc. The ARRL liked it enough to make some mods to it, and to put it on their web page at:

https://www.arrl.org/information-for-the-neighbors-of-hams

as a fillable/printable PDF.

As a bit of history on the creation of the handout-- at one point I informally asked a lawyer friend to look over the hand out and make suggestions for reducing any liability I might incur in handing it out, he did, and our club incorporated those changes...

None of the above is to say you do not incur liability by handing this out, or in dealing with your possible offender, it is to just say a lawyer looked at it, nothing more... Remember, you incur liability by simply breathing, so consider this in everything you do, and say in relation to any RFI actions you take...

To reduce liability issues, I always go with someone else. I dress well, I am kind, and I NEVER threaten anyone with the FCC... If the person seems obstinate, I say thank you, and leave. I also keep very good notes on every interaction I have with anyone regarding RFI issues, the person, the power company, etc... I have a rather too long missive on how I deal with RFI at:

https://www.nk7z.net/rfi-now-house-cleaning/

covering all the things I do...

Disclaimer:
I am not a lawyer, and you are responsible for your actions. All of this is just what I do, and I am passing it on to you for information only. You need to consider your liability in all actions you take.

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 9/26/23 13:58, David Hachadorian wrote:
I live in a tract neighborhood.  Everybody pretty much goes about their own business, and neighbors typically don't know each other or interact much.

Several months ago, a loud 24/7 RFI source started up in my immediate neighbor's house.  I set up a noise sensing loop and preamp on my side of the wall, and my MFJ Noise Cancelling**boxes are fairly effective at doing at least a partial null.  This past weekend, the noise disappeared from Friday until late Sunday afternoon, and it was wonderful seeing my Panadapters displaying bright waterfall signals on a dark blue background!  It made me realize how much I have been missing.

My real question is how can I tactfully approach the neighbors to see if they will cooperate on solving the problem?  I am willing to pay for fixing or replacing the device, but I am not a master of diplomacy, and I afraid to have the door slammed in my face.  I am open to suggestions on the best way to approach this.

Thanks in advance.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ

_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>