[Lowfer] AC utility meter QRM on LF

[Charlie , W5COV]

Just a quick comment on making a challenge .

I think the power companies "might" withstand a challenge on PLC meters , 
but those are not the only new generation meters out there .

Such as the 900 MHz. model mentioned , they have no more right to create 
interference than anyone else . Also since it is a transmitter , it would 
have to be type accepted . There is also a spread spectrum model , that I 
haven't yet run into anyone dealing with it .

I am not in any way trying to start an argument , just considering other 
aspects and implications from new technology , which is just the tip of the 
iceberg , related to what we are going to be seeing if the ever mythical 
smart power grid comes into being .

One could also probably make a case against the interference from the LF 
meters also . If you are receiving interference from them while trying to 
listen to commercial stations , NAA , WWVB , NDB's , NAVTEX , on and on , 
then I see that as not acceptable either .

Luckily so far , other than Dex's case , I have followed 3 other cases , 
Laurence's included , and the utilities were cooperative in resolving the 
problem in 2 of those 3 cases .

In the case of Charles in Austin , he is not a ham or a transmitting 
experimenter , just a very successful and avid designer and experimenter in 
DC to MF listening .

Luckily in his case , being the owner of Wenzel Associates in Austin 
(www.wenzel.com) , and Croven Crystals , in New Jersey , he had the test 
equipment , technical expertise , and resources to resolve the problem on 
his own .

It is an area that will affect more and more of us and we need to keep 
exchanging notes and ideas on how to best handle it so we can still 
experiment and enjoy our hobby .

Charlie , W5COV