[DX] Re: [dx-list] RFI/Power line noise problem

Wed, 18 Sep 2002 10:56:03 EDT

In a message dated 9/18/2002 9:17:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
[email protected] writes:

> The power companies conclusion is "Sorry, it is not
> our lines, we can do nothing more, good luck."  So
> what do I do now?  

Oh yes it is, they are responcible for the transmission of the noise through 
their lines even if it originates from a customer.  They can always 
disconnect that customer and fight the battle that way (joke).

Power line noise is not easy to find, Due to the frequency of the power lines 
the noise travels literally for miles.  Finding the actual source is not 
easy.  I had help from my power company years back.  The person rode the 
area, came to listen to what I was hearing, then went back out again.  About 
an hour later he took me for a ride about a mile away, pointed out the pole 
and line that he was ordering repaired and after that all was fine.  I used 
to get yearly phone calls checking that all was still OK with the noise and a 
reminder to tell everyone the direct number to the company engineers.

Their lies the problem, getting to the engineers and not the local line 
crews.  They are the ones responcible and have the authority and knowledge to 
help.

Now is a very lucky time for amateurs to put pressure on power companies.  
The recent flurry of RFI complaints and reprimands from the FCC are well 
documented.  You would do well to reference back the last several ARRL 
Letters and also the FCC Enforcement Log on the ARRL web site.  Copies of any 
of those notices will bring a bit more cooperation from the power company 
when tey se how simple it is to file a complaint and the number of recent 
cases going against the power companies.  If you want some personal 
assistance I would suggest writing to Ed Hare W1RFI at ARRL as speak to him.  
The FCC is currently using him as an intermediary in some of these cases and 
even notifies the power companies to contact him for assistance.

Summer time often sees lines expand, loose tension at joints and arc.  Winter 
time sees them tighten back up but at the same time salts from treating icy 
roads and the like deposit on the wires, clamps, insulators, etc.  With many 
areas experiencing droughts this year the usual rain expected to wash these 
off has not happened.

Some driving around yourself listening on a clear AM broasdcast frequency may 
speed up finding the location.  When you can identift locations and present 
pole numbers they are more likely to look themselves and act.  If you have to 
ask the FCC for help later it will look considerably worse for them if you 
have done much of their job in locating the problem.

============================================================
     Bob Reed, W2CE       
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 [email protected]       [email protected]     [email protected]
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