[Elecraft] OT-RFI Interference--Update

[Dyarnes]

Hi All,

It seems appropriate to relate today's very interesting (to me, anyway) 
events regarding this matter.  All day I noticed a cable company truck 
running all around our neighborhood, checking this and that.  Late this 
afternoon, the truck went to a fairly large control box of some sort, that 
is located at the front of my house.  Then I saw my complaining neighbor 
pull up next to him in his car, get out, and engage in some conversation 
with the cable repairman.  I thought this would be a good opportunity to try 
and discuss the issue and my concerns about it as well.  Anyway, for some 
time I just listened as he related his problem to the repairman.  He was 
very frustrated because he was experiencing continual disconnects with his 
internet--it had been happening, not just today, but every day, and for some 
time.  Aha!  I haven't even been on the air for days!  Also, his "phone 
problem" turns out to be some VOIP service he is using--in other words, more 
internet issues, not necessarily his "landline" service.

I listened patiently as he described his problems to the repairman, and at 
an appropriate time, I pointed out that I had similar "disconnect" issues 
with my service, also with the cable company's internet service.  His "phone 
issue" is apparently something along the lines of him hearing everything 
well, but whoever he is talking to can't always hear him.  It would cut in 
and out--his part of the conversation would be clipped, and sounded similar 
to a how an improperly set VOX system would act.  In any event, I took the 
opportunity to make the point clearly that I had not even been on my radio 
for days!  I think my neighbor was "getting the picture" somewhat, but 
wasn't at all apologetic.

The repairman conveyed how he was noticing some "strange carrier" that would 
show up on his test equipment periodically.  I asked him if he had checked 
carefully for loose connections, and particularly ground connections.  His 
response was vague.  Then he, for whatever reason, volunteered that there 
was a particular device in this control box that often gives them problems. 
He took a screwdriver, fiddled with the connections, and the 'strange 
carrier" seemed to go away!  The contacts looked "burned" (his description), 
and he attributed it to a "voltage" problem--something he apparently sees 
quite often.  In any event, he said he would immediately schedule it for 
replacement.  He didn't want to do it immediately because he would have to 
take everyone's internet down.  So it is something they apparently do at 
night!

This may not be the end of the issue, but now my neighbor knows that his 
problem occurs whether or not I happen to be operating.  In other words, "It 
probably ain't me!"  He was, more than likely, drawing an illogical 
conclusion.

In any event, I took the opportunity to assure him of my concern, and that I 
hoped he would call me any time he noticed a problem so that I could confirm 
whether or not my operating was at all involved in the issue.  He agreed to 
do that, so maybe we are on a better path.

By the way, I'd love to send the Jimmy Hatlo cartoon that "Missouri Guy" 
posted, but now is probably not the best time to do that.  Some day, if we 
are (hopefully) having a cordial conversation, I might offer it.

I might also mention that I have had somewhat similar inconsistent problems 
with my internet.  It just shuts off--quite often, and I have to reset my 
router.  I've even tried three different routers, but all exhibit the same 
issue, and it is similar to what my neighbor describes as part of his 
problem.

Anyway, I'm not going to get overconfident that the problem is 
solved/identified, but I think I'll have a beer!

Again, my appreciation for all the comments and suggestions.

Dave W7AQK