[R-390] Re: Noise...(somewhat long)...

[Bill Hawkins]

Ken gave some good advice about locating the direction. If
the noise is diffuse (same within a few miles) and it is not
heard outside of 16 +/- 2 MHz, then it isn't local power line
arcing. It is consistent with RF induction heating, though I
don't know what industrial process uses that frequency. It
seems to be heating 5 parts per second.

Possibly the RF heater no longer has power line filters so the
interference is radiated by the industrial power line serving
the factories behind the fences. Or maybe you haven't gotten
close enough to the source.

The 16 MHz signal may be a harmonic of the heater's operating
frequency that resonates with some structure in or near the
factory. The wavelength is about 60 feet.

I'd build a loop antenna a foot or two in diameter and resonated
to 16 MHz, and couple it to the antenna input of a portable SW
receiver. Then I'd drive around and look for spots where turning
the loop causes changes in signal strength, and see if you can
triangulate a position. It really helps to have an S meter on the
portable radio.

That, or find a local ham who knows what a "fox hunt" is.

Regards,
Bill Hawkins


-----Original Message-----
>From: jlap1939@yahoo.com

> As to the odd interference, on my early to middle
> afternoon listening, at a large freq area, from aprox.
> 14mhz to 18 mhz I am getting an impulse type noise at
> aprox 5.2 times a sec that sounds like you would get
> from an engine running, but I have taken a small
> handheld all over within a few miles, and can't find
> anything. It never gets louder or softer from moving
> around in the area...(As I live almost on the water, I
> guess it could be on the other side, in areas it is
> difficult to get to, like a few factorys with the
> buildings a mile behind the no access gates....)
>