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Ham radio Interference
I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set
of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David |
Ham radio Interference
"Dave H" wrote in message
... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. snip As long as he has checked the output of this TX to be clean, he hasn't. You will have to contact Ofcom, who will help you fit filters to your equipment that isn't supposed to receive radio signals. Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Steve Terry |
Ham radio Interference
On 25 Feb, 16:18, Dave H wrote:
I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David What he is doing is definitely wrong (ie illegal) if it can be proven that it is his equipment causing the interference. I work on building electrical control panels for machinery and we have go though all sorts of standards and regulations hoops and spend thousands of pounds to ensure our equipment does not ruin people's TV reception, amongst other things - it is part of the CE marking of electrical equipment. He has a right to use his amateur radio equipment, just as much as you have a right to have interference-free TV reception, it is best to reach a compromise and possibly accept his offer of filters etc. If he is buggering up your reception, it's a fair bet that your neighbours might be suffering as well so he might be providing filters to a lot of people. The regulatory body used to be the Post Office, I guess OfCom might be the first place to try nowadays. |
Ham radio Interference
In message
, Erica Nurney writes On 25 Feb, 16:18, Dave H wrote: I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David What he is doing is definitely wrong (ie illegal) if it can be proven that it is his equipment causing the interference. It's not quite as simple as that. Although his equipment is 'causing' the interference, it's extremely unlikely that it is technically at fault. It's simply that the amateur is transmitting, and the affected equipment is susceptible to picking up such transmissions. I work on building electrical control panels for machinery and we have go though all sorts of standards and regulations hoops and spend thousands of pounds to ensure our equipment does not ruin people's TV reception, amongst other things - it is part of the CE marking of electrical equipment. The technical requirements are not the same. This sort of equipment is not expected to transmit RF signals. If it does (and it often does), such emissions must be suppressed to a specified level in order to ensure that the possibility of interference is minimised. He has a right to use his amateur radio equipment, just as much as you have a right to have interference-free TV reception, While he has a right to use his amateur radio equipment, he will be expected to take reasonable steps to minimise the possibility of interference in the immediate vicinity. It would be unwise for him to ignore the problem. it is best to reach a compromise and possibly accept his offer of filters etc. In most cases, it is essential to have an active and friendly mutual co-operation between the amateur and the owner of the affected equipment. Note that it might not simply be a question of 'fitting a filter'. There may more to it than that. If he is buggering up your reception, it's a fair bet that your neighbours might be suffering as well Maybe - maybe not. Is he causing interference in his own home? The affected equipment is 200 yards from the amateur. That's quite a long way for interference to occur. so he might be providing filters to a lot of people. Although they have no obligation to do so, most radio amateurs are quite happy to provide filters and other 'gadgets' if it solves the problem. The regulatory body used to be the Post Office, I guess OfCom might be the first place to try nowadays. These days, Ofcom can provide only limited help. It would be better to work with the radio amateur to achieve a mutually acceptable solution. If necessary, he may be able to get advice and help from the RSGB and, indeed, Ofcom. -- Ian |
Ham radio Interference
"Dave H" wrote in message ... Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. In theory, if he isn't radiating out of band it comes down to your equipment lacking sufficient 'electromagnetic compatibility. In reality, if he is running hundreds of watts into a high gain beam and pointing it at your house there's no way your equipment can be expected to tolerate it. The field strength will be absolutely enormous. You might be able to minimise the problems, but I doubt if you'll eliminate them. Depending on the topography, it can help if he tilts his beam upwards a bit. If the matter can't be resolved by technical means you could ask him to avoid pointing his aerial in your direction and to avoid transmitting at times when you are likely to be watching TV. He could also reduce the power. These are reasonable requests, and a refusal would be very un-neighbourly. If he won't co-operate, you will have to complain immediately on every occasion when the interference occurs. Either knock on his door or ring him up. If you complain and the interference continues, ring or knock again, repeatedly, until it stops. These people should remember that in the real world their neighbours are going to buy equipment which will not withstand the massive field strengths they like to generate. To keep doing it when all possible supression measures have failed is no better than having a smoky bonfire on washing day, or a car with no silencer. It's beside the point that the problem is technically the responsibility of the TV viewer. The hams should remember that their hobby was founded by a fraternity that boasted of good manners and consideration for others. Bill |
Ham radio Interference
I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. We need to ascertain how the interference is getting in to your equipment Your description seems to point to interference to video and audio base-band. You have no TV in the room with the satellite box? Only a VCR? What happens if you make a recording from the satellite box when the interference is present? When you replay the tape has the interference also been recorded? Also make a recording with all unnecessary leads disconnected, including the RF cable to the TV, to eliminate these from acting as aerials. You mention an audio amplifier but don't tell us how it is connected to your system (If indeed it is). One of the worst cases of RFI I dealt with was an electronic keyboard (actually an electronic organ), but that was 30 years ago, I can only hope the modern ones are more immune! What bands is the amateur operating on? -- Graham. %Profound_observation% |
Ham radio Interference
What he is doing is definitely wrong (ie illegal) if it can be proven that it is his equipment causing the interference. I work on building electrical control panels for machinery and we have go though all sorts of standards and regulations hoops and spend thousands of pounds to ensure our equipment does not ruin people's TV reception, amongst other things - it is part of the CE marking of electrical equipment. He has a right to use his amateur radio equipment, just as much as you have a right to have interference-free TV reception, it is best to reach a compromise and possibly accept his offer of filters etc. If he is buggering up your reception, it's a fair bet that your neighbours might be suffering as well so he might be providing filters to a lot of people. The regulatory body used to be the Post Office, I guess OfCom might be the first place to try nowadays. When I was active on the amateur bands, anyone complaining about TVI got an invite to my shack where I would demonstrate a perfect picture on all available TV channels (just three in the early days!) on my set in the same room as my equipment. Then we took it from there. -- Graham. %Profound_observation% |
Ham radio Interference
I always thought Radio Hams bent over backwards to solve these things even
if their not own fault. I would write to their club body, RSGB. Worst comes to the worst stick a pin through his coax. Only joking, but I know of a TV debt collector who did that. -- Regards, David FREESAT HD as it is now its a joke. No BBC 1 or 2, no Ch4 or Five HD. ITV1 a couple of programmes a week in HD Please reply to News Group |
Ham radio Interference
"David" wrote in message ... I always thought Radio Hams bent over backwards to solve these things even if their not own fault. I would write to their club body, RSGB. Worst comes to the worst stick a pin through his coax. Only joking, but I know of a TV debt collector who did that. That was common practice in the 60s and 70s. VHF downloads tended to have stranded inners so the pin easily found its mark. -- Graham. %Profound_observation% |
Ham radio Interference
In message , Graham.
writes What he is doing is definitely wrong (ie illegal) if it can be proven that it is his equipment causing the interference. I work on building electrical control panels for machinery and we have go though all sorts of standards and regulations hoops and spend thousands of pounds to ensure our equipment does not ruin people's TV reception, amongst other things - it is part of the CE marking of electrical equipment. He has a right to use his amateur radio equipment, just as much as you have a right to have interference-free TV reception, it is best to reach a compromise and possibly accept his offer of filters etc. If he is buggering up your reception, it's a fair bet that your neighbours might be suffering as well so he might be providing filters to a lot of people. The regulatory body used to be the Post Office, I guess OfCom might be the first place to try nowadays. When I was active on the amateur bands, anyone complaining about TVI got an invite to my shack where I would demonstrate a perfect picture on all available TV channels (just three in the early days!) on my set in the same room as my equipment. Then we took it from there. A very wise policy. -- Ian |
Ham radio Interference
Graham. wrote:
"David" wrote in message ... I always thought Radio Hams bent over backwards to solve these things even if their not own fault. I would write to their club body, RSGB. Worst comes to the worst stick a pin through his coax. Only joking, but I know of a TV debt collector who did that. That was common practice in the 60s and 70s. VHF downloads tended to have stranded inners so the pin easily found its mark. Try and find an old Atari 520ST this certainly annoyed a local ham who was blasting through my TV, wiped out whole bands of his reception. I did talk to him but he was only interested in his own problem. The hobby does seem to attract some of the strangest humans I've met (not me obviously). |
Ham radio Interference
I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of
aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. The legal position is that if his equipment is functioning correctly and being operated within the terms of his licence then he is doing nothing wrong. If the source of the interference is 200 yards away then the problem is almost certainly in your equipment rather than his. Are you quite sure that there is not another amateur, or much worse an illegal CB operator using SSB nearby? There are various ways of removing the problem and it really depends where, and how, the interference is getting into your various pieces of equipment. With the audio kit the speaker leads are a favourite for acting as an aerial. The RSGB have no jurisdiction at all, and in any case he may not even be a member, but they may be able to put you in touch with someone that can help. OFCOM are the regulatory body and if pressed hard enough will come and investigate but they will charge you for the visit. If at all possible try and work with the amateur concerned as he should have the knowledge to assist. Peter Crosland |
Ham radio Interference
In message , JN
writes Graham. wrote: "David" wrote in message ... I always thought Radio Hams bent over backwards to solve these things even if their not own fault. I would write to their club body, RSGB. Worst comes to the worst stick a pin through his coax. Only joking, but I know of a TV debt collector who did that. That was common practice in the 60s and 70s. VHF downloads tended to have stranded inners so the pin easily found its mark. Try and find an old Atari 520ST this certainly annoyed a local ham who was blasting through my TV, wiped out whole bands of his reception. I did talk to him but he was only interested in his own problem. The hobby does seem to attract some of the strangest humans I've met (not me obviously). Indeed. I recall my wife (before she was my wife) saying that she thought they were all definitely a bit queer (in the 'strange' sense of the word). -- Ian |
Ham radio Interference
"Steve Terry" wrote in message
... Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Last time I looked amateur radio was explicitly listed as just about the only thing other than normal broadcast radio that you *are* allowed to listen to without a license. -- Brian Gregory. (In the UK) To email me remove the letter vee. |
Ham radio Interference
"Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David It would be in his own interest to solve the interference as OFCOM will be on your side on this one. They will come out and investigate and pay him a visit uninvited. They will monitor for a bit, then go and check his equipment AND licence to make sure he is using what he should in terms of power and frequencies. Next they will ask him to demonstrate the equipment he is required to have in order to check for interference. If he can't do that he's stuffed. OFCOM can shut him down and take his stuff. If it is found he is operating where he shouldn't or with too much power for his licence, they will take the lot and prosecute him. Complain to OFCOM next, tell him that as he doesn't think it is up to him to sort, you will get it sorted. Good luck! |
Ham radio Interference
"Steve Terry" wrote in message ... "Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. snip As long as he has checked the output of this TX to be clean, he hasn't. You will have to contact Ofcom, who will help you fit filters to your equipment that isn't supposed to receive radio signals. Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Steve Terry You don't NEED to be licenced to listen to amateur radio transmissions. This is not a legal requirement in the UK. The equipment is not designed to pick up mateur radio transmissions, so it isn't even a receiver meant for that purpose! The interference is being caused by the radio amateur and he must attempt to sort it out. The original poster could always buy a number of Devolo Homeplug devices which will ruin his HF reception instantly. I bet he would soon complain. |
Ham radio Interference
In message , James R
writes "Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David It would be in his own interest to solve the interference as OFCOM will be on your side on this one. They will come out and investigate and pay him a visit uninvited. They will monitor for a bit, then go and check his equipment AND licence to make sure he is using what he should in terms of power and frequencies. Next they will ask him to demonstrate the equipment he is required to have in order to check for interference. If he can't do that he's stuffed. OFCOM can shut him down and take his stuff. If it is found he is operating where he shouldn't or with too much power for his licence, they will take the lot and prosecute him. Complain to OFCOM next, tell him that as he doesn't think it is up to him to sort, you will get it sorted. Good luck! Have you personal experience of these happenings? -- Ian |
Ham radio Interference
"Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David Goodness you must have very large rooms I've seen 10 and 15 metre scart on ebay. In my CB days most interference was caused by poorly tuned aeriels occasionally when the earth braid had been compromised- unlikely in the case of a Ham ,also unscreened appliances or those using wrong frequencies. Its been common practice for a number of years to sell imported short range trancievers ( CCTV, TV and radio) which operate on restricted bands and are illegal to use even maplin have stocked them , they are also subject to interference with WiFI set ups DerekW |
Ham radio Interference
In message , James R
writes "Steve Terry" wrote in message ... "Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. snip As long as he has checked the output of this TX to be clean, he hasn't. You will have to contact Ofcom, who will help you fit filters to your equipment that isn't supposed to receive radio signals. Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Steve Terry You don't NEED to be licenced to listen to amateur radio transmissions. This is not a legal requirement in the UK. The equipment is not designed to pick up mateur radio transmissions, so it isn't even a receiver meant for that purpose! The interference is being caused by the radio amateur and he must attempt to sort it out. The original poster could always buy a number of Devolo Homeplug devices which will ruin his HF reception instantly. I bet he would soon complain. You seem to have a very jaundiced opinion about radio amateurs. I'm sorry to tell you that very little of what you're posting is actually factual. -- Ian |
Ham radio Interference
In article , Dave H
scribeth thus I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David In general... If he's keeping to the terms of his licence then the onus is on you to make sure your equipment isn't affected by his transmissions. Thats sometimes not the easiest thing to sort out;(.. The best route is co-operation and most amateurs are fine at that.. Generally the problem, is of severe overload in stages of the TV, Satellite box, and other equipment that simply can't handle this level of out of band power there're being subjected to. What is generally done is a filter in line with the TV or set-top box that keeps the interfering signal, or range of signals, out of them so the overload/intermodulation problem doesn't happen. Sometimes if the interfering field is -that- large then the TV might be affected directly and thats a lot more difficult. In which case not a lot can be done in practice. If you can give a bit more info then some things might be suggested. However the amateur licence does allow quite a lot of power to be radiated and I think that in a built up area is rather socially unacceptable to happen despite what the law might say and that was drafted a long time ago when there was far less electronic equipment around. I suspect that if he's affecting you then there will be others that haven't made the connection as yet and may be putting up with it not knowing what it is!. Equipment is now generally much better in this way now after years of EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) suppression and as an earlier poster said he has to make his equipment not radiate he also in doing that makes it much less susceptible to receiving any RF not intended for it!. A small demo of this can usually be noticed when a mobile phone thats in use is held near most anything like computer speakers or a landline phone a buzzing will sometimes be noticed. It can be a real pain to sort out both technically and socially so if you are on good relations then ask him what frequency bands he's operating on, modes AM/FM SSB etc, and what sort of power he's running and then a more detailed description of what your experiencing.. Ofcom are the legal body who deal with this and generally take a no blame approach and will offer advice and try to mediate if they can but unlike what another poster has suggested they will only take action if he's radiating spurious harmonics, which is rather unlikely and hardly ever the cause, gross overload is, or he's operating over his licensed power buts thats a fair old bit anyway. There is also the thorny issue that anything he does to any of your equipment may well land him with a liability should that develop a fault for which he will get the blame;! So not the most straightforward problem to sort unfortunately;(.... -- Tony Sayer |
Ham radio Interference
Ian Jackson wrote:
You seem to have a very jaundiced opinion about radio amateurs. I'm sorry to tell you that very little of what you're posting is actually factual. There must be a bit of background about that. This seems to be the one topic that the Tiscali Idiot has some consistancy about, and there is some knowledge (though duff) about aerials and stuff. Perhaps he has had a previous run in with the Radio Investigation Service in the past? Say, illegal use of CB Radio, Pirate radio broadcasts or playing music and repeated obscenities over a ham repeater on 2m? I can imagine that before trolling out on Usenet and adventuring in some pirate radio newsgroups, the other mentioned places were where "James R" used to get some of his sick kicks. I somehow don't see him as the type of fellow who has any social friends - and this nasty spiteful problem of his must have been brewing for quite somewhile. :-( -- Adrian C |
Ham radio Interference
Peter Crosland wrote:
The RSGB have no jurisdiction at all, and in any case he may not even be a member, but they may be able to put you in touch with someone that can help. http://www.rsgb.org/emc/emchelp.php -- Andy |
Ham radio Interference
"Ian Jackson" wrote in message ... In message , JN writes The hobby does seem to attract some of the strangest humans I've met (not me obviously). Indeed. I recall my wife (before she was my wife) saying that she thought they were all definitely a bit queer (in the 'strange' sense of the word). Why should it be any more queer than talking to complete strangers from all over the world on newsgroups? I'd have thought they were two sides of the same coin. Except that reception of newsgroup messages is much more reliable. Unless you happen to be a Demon subscriber of course :( |
Ham radio Interference
That may well be so, but in reality, nobody would prosecute you for
listening to anything unless you were using the output in some dodgy way. Nothing to do with this problem however. Brian -- Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email. graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them Email: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________ "Brian Gregory [UK]" wrote in message ... "Steve Terry" wrote in message ... Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Last time I looked amateur radio was explicitly listed as just about the only thing other than normal broadcast radio that you *are* allowed to listen to without a license. -- Brian Gregory. (In the UK) To email me remove the letter vee. |
Ham radio Interference
In message , Norman Wells
writes "Ian Jackson" wrote in message ... In message , JN writes The hobby does seem to attract some of the strangest humans I've met (not me obviously). Indeed. I recall my wife (before she was my wife) saying that she thought they were all definitely a bit queer (in the 'strange' sense of the word). Why should it be any more queer than talking to complete strangers from all over the world on newsgroups? I'd have thought they were two sides of the same coin. Except that reception of newsgroup messages is much more reliable. Unless you happen to be a Demon subscriber of course :( Indeed. After nearly 50 years of amateur radio, getting used to all the problems of interference, static, TV timebase whistles, switchmode power supply hash, unreliability of propagation, problems with TVI to neighbours etc etc, I'm finding that I now need to get used to unreliable usenet connections. You can't that say life is boring! -- Ian |
Ham radio Interference
You are wrong, the ham only has to comply with the regulations, anything
else is discretionary really, though a joint approach to offcom might be a good idea. Also you need to talk to other people in the immediate area to see if its aa common problem. Often phones get the brunt of this kind of problem. Also, with his co operation, get him to do test on various bands and aerials also, to see if its one specific situation which is the problem. It could well be that a very narrow filter is required somewhere. Brian -- Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email. graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them Email: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________ "James R" wrote in message ... "Steve Terry" wrote in message ... "Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. snip As long as he has checked the output of this TX to be clean, he hasn't. You will have to contact Ofcom, who will help you fit filters to your equipment that isn't supposed to receive radio signals. Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Steve Terry You don't NEED to be licenced to listen to amateur radio transmissions. This is not a legal requirement in the UK. The equipment is not designed to pick up mateur radio transmissions, so it isn't even a receiver meant for that purpose! The interference is being caused by the radio amateur and he must attempt to sort it out. The original poster could always buy a number of Devolo Homeplug devices which will ruin his HF reception instantly. I bet he would soon complain. |
Ham radio Interference
Ian Jackson wrote:
In message , James R It would be in his own interest to solve the interference as OFCOM will be on your side on this one. They will come out and investigate and pay him a visit uninvited. They will monitor for a bit, then go and check his equipment AND licence to make sure he is using what he should in terms of power and frequencies. Next they will ask him to demonstrate the equipment he is required to have in order to check for interference. If he can't do that he's stuffed. OFCOM can shut him down and take his stuff. If it is found he is operating where he shouldn't or with too much power for his licence, they will take the lot and prosecute him. Complain to OFCOM next, tell him that as he doesn't think it is up to him to sort, you will get it sorted. Good luck! Have you personal experience of these happenings? The Tiscali Idiot is wrong to state that OFCOM would necessarily be on the side of the OP in this one, because the Ham's response in giving advice about line filtering suggests that he knows that his kit is legal and that the fault is with the television. That doesn't mean that *everything* that the TI says is wrong, and in the past the licencing authorities would respond in much the way that he describes (although seizures and prosecution would only occur if the guy was bad enough to be getting into pirate radio territory) which is fair enough because if the Ham's kit *is* illegal then it should be shut down. But these days, OFCOM doesn't really have the manpower to take such a hands-on approach in domestic disputes, and mostly encourages people to resolve their own disputes. Of the hams that I knew in my student days, 1980ish, most would work entirely legally but I knew more than one that surreptitiously added a high-power booster to their kit. -- Dave Farrance |
Ham radio Interference
"Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/i.../interference/ If your TV or radio is affected by interference, Ofcom may be able to help. Read the info on the link above and then decide if you want to proceed. Also do any of your neighbours have the same problem. Rickey |
Ham radio Interference
Bill Wright wrote:
"Dave H" wrote in message ... Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. In theory, if he isn't radiating out of band it comes down to your equipment lacking sufficient 'electromagnetic compatibility. In reality, if he is running hundreds of watts into a high gain beam and pointing it at your house there's no way your equipment can be expected to tolerate it. The field strength will be absolutely enormous. You might be able to minimise the problems, but I doubt if you'll eliminate them. Depending on the topography, it can help if he tilts his beam upwards a bit. If the matter can't be resolved by technical means you could ask him to avoid pointing his aerial in your direction and to avoid transmitting at times when you are likely to be watching TV. He could also reduce the power. These are reasonable requests, and a refusal would be very un-neighbourly. If he won't co-operate, you will have to complain immediately on every occasion when the interference occurs. Either knock on his door or ring him up. If you complain and the interference continues, ring or knock again, repeatedly, until it stops. These people should remember that in the real world their neighbours are going to buy equipment which will not withstand the massive field strengths they like to generate. To keep doing it when all possible supression measures have failed is no better than having a smoky bonfire on washing day, or a car with no silencer. It's beside the point that the problem is technically the responsibility of the TV viewer. The hams should remember that their hobby was founded by a fraternity that boasted of good manners and consideration for others. Bill Thank you Bill. I feel some of the other posts above were a bit sarcastic. I am not out to do any harm to my neighbour. I just want to watch the footy without the problems I mentioned. Indeed, I was an enthusiastic SWL of amateur radio in my teens (a few years back, now!) David |
Ham radio Interference
tony sayer wrote:
In article , Dave H scribeth thus I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. David In general... If he's keeping to the terms of his licence then the onus is on you to make sure your equipment isn't affected by his transmissions. Thats sometimes not the easiest thing to sort out;(.. The best route is co-operation and most amateurs are fine at that.. Generally the problem, is of severe overload in stages of the TV, Satellite box, and other equipment that simply can't handle this level of out of band power there're being subjected to. What is generally done is a filter in line with the TV or set-top box that keeps the interfering signal, or range of signals, out of them so the overload/intermodulation problem doesn't happen. Sometimes if the interfering field is -that- large then the TV might be affected directly and thats a lot more difficult. In which case not a lot can be done in practice. If you can give a bit more info then some things might be suggested. However the amateur licence does allow quite a lot of power to be radiated and I think that in a built up area is rather socially unacceptable to happen despite what the law might say and that was drafted a long time ago when there was far less electronic equipment around. I suspect that if he's affecting you then there will be others that haven't made the connection as yet and may be putting up with it not knowing what it is!. Equipment is now generally much better in this way now after years of EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) suppression and as an earlier poster said he has to make his equipment not radiate he also in doing that makes it much less susceptible to receiving any RF not intended for it!. A small demo of this can usually be noticed when a mobile phone thats in use is held near most anything like computer speakers or a landline phone a buzzing will sometimes be noticed. It can be a real pain to sort out both technically and socially so if you are on good relations then ask him what frequency bands he's operating on, modes AM/FM SSB etc, and what sort of power he's running and then a more detailed description of what your experiencing.. Ofcom are the legal body who deal with this and generally take a no blame approach and will offer advice and try to mediate if they can but unlike what another poster has suggested they will only take action if he's radiating spurious harmonics, which is rather unlikely and hardly ever the cause, gross overload is, or he's operating over his licensed power buts thats a fair old bit anyway. There is also the thorny issue that anything he does to any of your equipment may well land him with a liability should that develop a fault for which he will get the blame;! So not the most straightforward problem to sort unfortunately;(.... Thank you, Tony. Another useful reply. David |
Ham radio Interference
Peter Crosland wrote:
I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. He has mentioned some bit of equipment I could put in the 'line',even had a root around his garage to see if he had one. Does anyone know the legal position on this type of interference? If I can't resolve it with him, to what body do I complain? Radio Society of Great Britain? Ofcom? Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. The legal position is that if his equipment is functioning correctly and being operated within the terms of his licence then he is doing nothing wrong. If the source of the interference is 200 yards away then the problem is almost certainly in your equipment rather than his. Are you quite sure that there is not another amateur, or much worse an illegal CB operator using SSB nearby? There are various ways of removing the problem and it really depends where, and how, the interference is getting into your various pieces of equipment. With the audio kit the speaker leads are a favourite for acting as an aerial. The RSGB have no jurisdiction at all, and in any case he may not even be a member, but they may be able to put you in touch with someone that can help. OFCOM are the regulatory body and if pressed hard enough will come and investigate but they will charge you for the visit. If at all possible try and work with the amateur concerned as he should have the knowledge to assist. Peter Crosland Thank you you, Peter. A useful reply David |
Ham radio Interference
In theory, if he isn't radiating out of band it comes down to your
equipment lacking sufficient 'electromagnetic compatibility. In reality, if he is running hundreds of watts into a high gain beam and pointing it at your house there's no way your equipment can be expected to tolerate it. The field strength will be absolutely enormous. You might be able to minimise the problems, but I doubt if you'll eliminate them. If the amateur is 200 yards away then the field strength will be greatly reduced, and it is very doubtful if the problem is with the radio amateur's equipment. My experience some twenty years ago was that even running 400 watts on 432 MHz into a large antenna I got perfect TV reception from a TV aerial 20 feet away. The reason was that the TV got a decent TV signal and I fitted good quality filters in the downlead. Even with the beam pointed directly at the TV aerial there was no problem. Demonstrating this to a non technically minded neighbour readily convinced him that his interference problem was not in my equipment. In fact subsequent investigation found his problem was an wrong group, old, poor quality, aerial and decrepit downlead. Once that was replaced the problem was solved. Peter Crosland |
Ham radio Interference
"Dave H" wrote in message ... Bill Wright wrote: "Dave H" wrote in message ... Any advice would be welcome on the above or how I can minimise the interference with a gadget. In theory, if he isn't radiating out of band it comes down to your equipment lacking sufficient 'electromagnetic compatibility. In reality, if he is running hundreds of watts into a high gain beam and pointing it at your house there's no way your equipment can be expected to tolerate it. The field strength will be absolutely enormous. You might be able to minimise the problems, but I doubt if you'll eliminate them. Depending on the topography, it can help if he tilts his beam upwards a bit. If the matter can't be resolved by technical means you could ask him to avoid pointing his aerial in your direction and to avoid transmitting at times when you are likely to be watching TV. He could also reduce the power. These are reasonable requests, and a refusal would be very un-neighbourly. If he won't co-operate, you will have to complain immediately on every occasion when the interference occurs. Either knock on his door or ring him up. If you complain and the interference continues, ring or knock again, repeatedly, until it stops. These people should remember that in the real world their neighbours are going to buy equipment which will not withstand the massive field strengths they like to generate. To keep doing it when all possible supression measures have failed is no better than having a smoky bonfire on washing day, or a car with no silencer. It's beside the point that the problem is technically the responsibility of the TV viewer. The hams should remember that their hobby was founded by a fraternity that boasted of good manners and consideration for others. Bill Thank you Bill. I feel some of the other posts above were a bit sarcastic. I am not out to do any harm to my neighbour. I just want to watch the footy without the problems I mentioned. Indeed, I was an enthusiastic SWL of amateur radio in my teens (a few years back, now!) David I expected my remarks to cause the a storm of invective from the amateur radio people. I fully expected battered Volvo estates with improbable aerials to line up opposite my house and bombard me with RF until my head exploded and my testicles shrivelled up. I must try harder to be provocative next time. If I worked for the Daily Mail I would probably have been fired by now. Bill |
Ham radio Interference
In article , Peter
Crosland scribeth thus In theory, if he isn't radiating out of band it comes down to your equipment lacking sufficient 'electromagnetic compatibility. In reality, if he is running hundreds of watts into a high gain beam and pointing it at your house there's no way your equipment can be expected to tolerate it. The field strength will be absolutely enormous. You might be able to minimise the problems, but I doubt if you'll eliminate them. If the amateur is 200 yards away then the field strength will be greatly reduced, and it is very doubtful if the problem is with the radio amateur's equipment. My experience some twenty years ago was that even running 400 watts on 432 MHz into a large antenna Blimey!, ever calculate the ERP?.... -- Tony Sayer |
Ham radio Interference
I'm getting fed up with you having pokes at me.#
Yes I have the same first name and initial of my last name as you. You may company happens to be called something very similar to yours. However it's a coincidance. GET OVER IT. -- Brian Gregory. (In the UK) To email me remove the letter vee. |
Ham radio Interference
"James R" wrote in message
... "Steve Terry" wrote in message ... "Dave H" wrote in message ... I have a Ham Radio enthusiast living some 200 yards away with a big set of aerianalia. When he turns this in my direction and talks to his contact, my picture on Sky jumps all over the place to the extent it is unwatchable. Just like having the vertical hold set wrong. The sound on my amplifier also cuts out when he is talking. Sky box is connected to a video recorder by scart and then to the TV, in the next room, by RF output (they don't make scart leads long enough). (Turned on the electric keyboard the other day and there he was in glorious SSB blasting out from the speakers) I am also getting some mild noise-type interference on other occasions but cannot be sure it is the same source. Have been round to see him, nice chap, but he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong and is not obliged to solve my problem. snip As long as he has checked the output of this TX to be clean, he hasn't. You will have to contact Ofcom, who will help you fit filters to your equipment that isn't supposed to receive radio signals. Don't worry, it's very unlikely you'll be prosecuted for receiving transmitions you aren't licensed to Steve Terry You don't NEED to be licenced to listen to amateur radio transmissions. This is not a legal requirement in the UK. The equipment is not designed to pick up mateur radio transmissions, so it isn't even a receiver meant for that purpose! The interference is being caused by the radio amateur and he must attempt to sort it out. The original poster could always buy a number of Devolo Homeplug devices which will ruin his HF reception instantly. I bet he would soon complain. You seem to have trouble understanding cause and effect? As you say his equipment isn't designed to receive radio signals, so it must be at fault? Or are you saying the radio amateur is transmitting some sort of audio frequency induction transmission? As used by some cave explorers Steve Terry |
Ham radio Interference
"Ian Jackson" wrote in message
... In message , Erica Nurney writes On 25 Feb, 16:18, Dave H wrote: snip What he is doing is definitely wrong (ie illegal) if it can be proven that it is his equipment causing the interference. It's not quite as simple as that. Although his equipment is 'causing' the interference, snip What are you on about? What causing? The effect is RF breakthrough on audio equipment, the cause is poorly designed audio equipment. There seems to be a serious lack of understanding of cause and effect on this NG? Steve Terry |
Ham radio Interference
"tony sayer" wrote in message ... In article , Peter Crosland scribeth thus In theory, if he isn't radiating out of band it comes down to your equipment lacking sufficient 'electromagnetic compatibility. In reality, if he is running hundreds of watts into a high gain beam and pointing it at your house there's no way your equipment can be expected to tolerate it. The field strength will be absolutely enormous. You might be able to minimise the problems, but I doubt if you'll eliminate them. If the amateur is 200 yards away then the field strength will be greatly reduced, and it is very doubtful if the problem is with the radio amateur's equipment. My experience some twenty years ago was that even running 400 watts on 432 MHz into a large antenna Blimey!, ever calculate the ERP?.... Tony Sayer If using that coax that was mentioned in another thread, about half a watt ;-) Steve Terry |
Ham radio Interference
"David" wrote in message
... I always thought Radio Hams bent over backwards to solve these things even if their not own fault. You never get any thanks, only blame if the fuse or anything goes wrong Steve Terry |
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