Interference

Submitted by jajordan on Thu, 03/08/2007 - 5:02pm. Technical

Hi...

I'm not a ham radio operator but my neighbor is. Big time. He's got two big antenna's (had three until the city told him to take one down).

The problem I'm having is that every time he's on his radio I get to stop what I'm doing and be part of the conversation. His conversations come across my TV - even when on mute - even when watching a DVD - on computer speakers - on about everything except the toaster. We even know he's on because the heat-sensor operated driveway light comes on.

Bottom line, this guy is putting out a lot of power and it's really driving my family crazy.

It's not always been the case. He's obviously done something lately to increase his power because the interference is fairly new and we haven't done anything ourselves. He, however, has had his antennas for a couple of years so he's obviously done something new.

I have no problem with him having his hobby and the antennas don't bother me at all. My only problem is having to hear these loud, muffled conversations that overpower whatever we're doing in my house.

I'm looking for help or advice.

Thanks.

John

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Peter's picture

Who is the alleged noisome neighbor?

Submitted by Peter on Fri, 03/16/2007 - 7:34am.

The key to helping us help you, Jeff, is to let us know the call sign of your neighbor. Listen for a sequence of one to three letters, a number (probably zero, as that's the "local" region for calls in MN) followed by another 1-3 letters. That call sign can be used to find the name and contact information of any licensed amateur radio operator.

After you've figured out what this fellow's call sign is, you can use the FCC license lookup tool at http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp to get his full name. Once you've got that, write a polite letter indicating the trouble you've been experiencing. It may be as simple as the ham fixing a corroded ground wire or it may involve more work, but as Burt said, it's the ham's duty to work with you to resolve this issue.

If he doesn't work with you for whatever reason, stop back here and let us know. Sometimes it take a few fellow hams to persuade "one of our own" to be responsible. ;)

--
Peter, KC0TFB, Your Friendly TCFMC.org Webmaster

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More and worse interference

Submitted by jajordan on Thu, 05/03/2007 - 3:58pm.

Thanks for the advice.

First - we can't make out the call sign or anything they're saying. It's just loud mumbled speaking.

Secondly - he's now added a bunch of additional wiring in his trees. He was out a few weekends ago connecting a couple hundred feet (yes, that much) of wire, throwing it up into his big tree over and over then connecting it to his antenni.

Thirdly - I learned today that when the city made him take down his third tower from his house last year he hired an attorney to fight the city. He lost. I really have no interest in starting a neighborhood fight over this, I just want to live in peace.

It's gotten so bad now that my son's computer is not operable when he's transmitting. It locks up the keyboard with interference.

I have spoken to the city about the additional wires and they're going to look into it. Again, I just want to live and let live - I have no problem with him doing his radio stuff as long as his radio stuff ends where my property line begins.

The FCC tells me to hire someone to see if he's putting out too much power. Like I know where to find someone like that. :)

It seems that no one cares much about this issue. The city can only deal with code, the FCC doesn't care unless he's swearing on the air. Maybe I need to bring in the TV stations to do a story.

The bottom line is that I am frustrated (and my son is even more frustrated) as I sit here at this very moment (4:51 pm) watching Fox News and having to listen through his mumbled talking.

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Interference

Submitted by wb0n on Thu, 03/08/2007 - 6:08pm.

Hi John,
I am sorry you are having this problem.
While it is not unusual ,it is a problem that can
be addressed and usually rectified.
Have you tried talking to him? Most if not all
Amateur radio operators will gladly work with you on the problem.
There are filters and tricks most Hams know or can experiement with to eliminate or minimize interference.
So 1st Thing to do is talk to him and see what you can do together.
If you already have there is an alternative way to get it worked on ,but that can cause ill feelings on both sides.
Sorry Hope it gets fixed.
Bert WBØN

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