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Ham or CB Antenna?
Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the
tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg In that the antenna/beam is vertical it is most likely a CB beam antenna. An amateur radio antenna would be horizontal. Dave WD9BDZ |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"David G. Nagel" wrote in message ... DES wrote: Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg In that the antenna/beam is vertical it is most likely a CB beam antenna. An amateur radio antenna would be horizontal. Dave WD9BDZ Agreed. Tam/WB2TT |
Ham or CB Antenna?
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg In that the antenna/beam is vertical it is most likely a CB beam antenna. An amateur radio antenna would be horizontal. Dave WD9BDZ Agreed. Tam/WB2TT I have operated 10M FM in the past... using ground planes and vertical dipoles. It is possible that that is a devoted 10M FM ham. However, I'll admit, not likely, and is probably a CB amtemma. Ed K7AAT |
Ham or CB Antenna?
Without some reference for size, anything would only be a guess.
The most common guess would be either a 10 or 11 meter antenna, since it appears to at least be in that range, sort of. After that, it's only a guess. - 'Doc |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg Could be a 6m beam. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM |
Ham or CB Antenna?
I seriously doubt that the antenna knows the difference. 8)
I can't see the image very well, but it looks like (to me) that there are two larger and two smaller elements on the mast. As I said, the image isn't very clear, so I could be mistaken. Problem is, I can't think of a dual band antenna that would use that much spacing between the two interior smaller elements. But what do I know? Ed, NM2K |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"David G. Nagel" wrote in message ... DES wrote: Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg In that the antenna/beam is vertical it is most likely a CB beam antenna. An amateur radio antenna would be horizontal. Dave WD9BDZ ----------- Unless this antenna was used to work a 10 meter repeater. Ed, NM2K |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"Geoffrey S. Mendelson" wrote in message ... DES wrote: Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg Could be a 6m beam. Geoff. ------------- Yep. Or it could be and dual band 10 and 6 meter beam. To me, the interior two elements look considerably shorter than the end elements. Could be just my eyes. Ed, NM2K |
Ham or CB Antenna?
OK, I'm gonna try and get a better picture for you guys, but it won't
be today because it's pouring down rain. |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
OK, I'm gonna try and get a better picture for you guys, but it won't be today because it's pouring down rain. How about going up to the door and asking? Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 9:24*am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote:
DES wrote: OK, I'm gonna try and get a better picture for you guys, but it won't be today because it's pouring down rain. How about going up to the door and asking? Geoff. That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. I don't know what youthink you are doing, but it's not going IMHO to end well. If you think that the resident of the property is operating illegally, on whatever band you think they may be doing so, contact a local ham radio club, or if you don't know of one, the ARRL or local equivalent and ask for assitance in tracking down the source of the interference. I'm sure there is someone near you who has the skill and the equipment to find out what the problem is and locate the actual source. Usually they guy with the most visible antennas is the one who is the least likely source of whatever interference you are experiencing assuming you are experiencing some sort of interference and are not just out the get the guy because you don't want anyone with antennas in your neighborhood. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 11:09*am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote:
DES wrote: That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. I don't know what youthink you are doing, but it's not going IMHO to end well. If you think that the resident of the property is operating illegally, on whatever band you think they may be doing so, contact a local ham radio club, or if you don't know of one, the ARRL or local equivalent and ask for assitance in tracking down the source of the interference. I'm sure there is someone near you who has the skill and the equipment to find out what the problem is and locate the actual source. Usually they guy with the most visible antennas is the one who is the least likely source of whatever interference you are experiencing assuming you are experiencing some sort of interference and are not just out the get the guy because you don't want anyone with antennas in your neighborhood. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel *N3OWJ/4X1GM What the hell, public forum or not, I need some help here, and this guy is giving legal users a bad name. I've approached the guy *several* times over the past few yrs and asked him very nicely to lower the boost/gain (whatever it's called) on his radio and he has complaied to a certain extent. His broadcast were only coming through my stereo speakers during low passages at the time. As of a few months ago, it is now so bad, that his broadcast are now coming through my TV speakers, and causing horizontal lines in the picture. (on all four of my TV's) And it's so bad on my computer speakers now, that I have to turn them off. As far as listening to my stereo, I can't even do that now if he is broadcasting. So I approached him again, only this time, he told me to "F off", that "he wasn't doing anything illegal". When I got home, not only was the broadcast even louder, he was telling one of his radio buddies about the "incident" in FULL detail. So, I know for a FACT it is him. I know just need to know what kind of radio he is using. Question, can a CB transmit |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 11:54*am, DES wrote:
On Aug 19, 11:09*am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote: DES wrote: That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. I don't know what youthink you are doing, but it's not going IMHO to end well. If you think that the resident of the property is operating illegally, on whatever band you think they may be doing so, contact a local ham radio club, or if you don't know of one, the ARRL or local equivalent and ask for assitance in tracking down the source of the interference. I'm sure there is someone near you who has the skill and the equipment to find out what the problem is and locate the actual source. Usually they guy with the most visible antennas is the one who is the least likely source of whatever interference you are experiencing assuming you are experiencing some sort of interference and are not just out the get the guy because you don't want anyone with antennas in your neighborhood. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel *N3OWJ/4X1GM What the hell, public forum or not, I need some help here, and this guy is giving legal users a bad name. I've approached the guy *several* times over the past few yrs and asked him very nicely to lower the boost/gain (whatever it's called) on his radio and he has complaied to a certain extent. His broadcast were only coming through my stereo speakers during low passages at the time. As of a few months ago, it is now so bad, that his broadcast are now coming through my TV speakers, and causing horizontal lines in the picture. (on all four of my TV's) *And it's so bad on my computer speakers now, that I have to turn them off. As far as listening to my stereo, I can't even do that now if he is broadcasting. So I approached him again, only this time, he told me to "F off", that "he wasn't doing anything illegal". When I got home, not only was the broadcast even louder, he was telling one of his radio buddies about the "incident" in FULL detail. So, I know for a FACT it is him. I know just need to know what kind of radio he is using. Hit send by accident. Question, can a CB transmit 700 miles? |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:02:39 -0700 (PDT), DES
wrote: Question, can a CB transmit 700 miles? At the power levels you are suggesting, globally during certain periods of the sun spot cycle. But that is not terribly different with legal CB power. As to his remarking that he wasn't doing anything illegal (CB with amplification that some smarmy posters here think is perfectly OK); if that be the case, then you need to fix your problem, because the FCC does not mandate that a Ham legally using his equipment is obligated to defer to your TV watching habits. That fix is going to be the same if power levels don't go down for any reason (issues of morality notwithstanding). The judicious and liberal application of Ferrite RFI suppressors will solve a lot of your suffering. Look at any of your computer display leads and notice the end of the cable with the odd bulge before one connector. That is a suppressor. It is nothing more than a ferrite donut or tube. Ferrite is a magnetic ceramic (it will break like china if you drop it). It is made in many forms and appears to be dark gray with a slick to dusty finish. The Ferrite RFI suppressors available at Radio Shack come with a plastic clamshell holding one of these tubes that is split lengthwise so you can open it, insert a wire or wires, and then lock it shut. This makes it reusable if the problem isn't solved with your choice of wire(s) or where you apply it. This last suggests experimentation on your part is necessary. It also means you are going to need more than one given you have described a number of issues. For a start, get two or three and see how well they work on the power cords going to the affected component (TV, radio, computer) and even with both wires of any speaker. In short, put a suppressor on any interconnecting cable or wire and see if symptoms change. 73's Richard Clark, KB7QHC |
Ham or CB Antenna?
Ed Cregger wrote:
"David G. Nagel" wrote in message ... DES wrote: Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg In that the antenna/beam is vertical it is most likely a CB beam antenna. An amateur radio antenna would be horizontal. Dave WD9BDZ ----------- Unless this antenna was used to work a 10 meter repeater. Ed, NM2K True Dave WD9BDZ |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 12:20*pm, Richard Clark wrote:
On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:02:39 -0700 (PDT), DES wrote: Question, can a CB transmit 700 miles? At the power levels you are suggesting, globally during certain periods of the sun spot cycle. *But that is not terribly different with legal CB power. So, if I'm hearing him on a daily bases speaking to someone that is 700 miles away, then it has to be a Ham? As to his remarking that he wasn't doing anything illegal (CB with amplification that some smarmy posters here think is perfectly OK); if that be the case, then you need to fix your problem, because the FCC does not mandate that a Ham legally using his equipment is obligated to defer to your TV watching habits. He's obviously not legal. He has been getting louder and louder over the years to the point of what I described in my earlier post about the problem with the TV's now. And even the very first time I approached him, I mentioned that I knew he was broadcasting illegally, and that we all have our hobbies, but his was interfering with mine, which at the time was home theater. He didn't deny that he wasn't illegal, at the time, and he did lower the power, for a while. I've approached this guy at least 5 times in the past few yrs, and every time he has lowered the power, for a while. Not this time, though, and it is now out of control. snipped helpful info |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 1:00*pm, Bert Hyman wrote:
(DES) wrote : On Aug 19, 9:24*am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote: DES wrote: OK, I'm gonna try and get a better picture for you guys, but it won't be today because it's pouring down rain. How about going up to the door and asking? Geoff. That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. Do you know the guy's name? You can see if there's a license issued to him: http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsS...rchLicense.jsp -- Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN | Only his address, and the house is listed in a females name in public records. Thanks for the link, I gonna see if I can find out his name. |
Ham or CB Antenna?
He's obviously not legal. He has been getting louder and louder over the years to the point of what I described in my earlier post about the problem with the TV's now. You are probably not going to agree with this Des, but the fact that you have a problem with your TV and hifi is no indication that the guy with the transmitter is at fault. Hams are legally allowed to transmit with very high power and the fact that your equipment is susceptible to these transmissions is more an indication of your equipment's short comings than the transmitter's. Unfortunately some manufacturers take few precautions to prevent this kind of interference getting into audio equipment etc. They prefer to save money and only deal with complaints when they occur; it is more cost effective for them!! The selling price is no indication of how well a TV or hifi will stand up when exposed to strong transmissions. Home theatre set ups are especially susceptible due to all the long speaker cables lying about acting as antennas. Regards Jeff |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
What the hell, public forum or not, I need some help here, and this guy is giving legal users a bad name. You have not in any way proved that he is NOT a legal user. What I've gotten out of your posts a 1. He is having conversations using a radio. 2. Your stereo system picks them up. 3. You are annoyed by this. Anything else is in the end irrelevant. Since he is speaking to someone else, he is NOT broadcasting and may very well be operating legally. Since you have not said where you are, people have assumed that you are in the U.S. If that is not the case, this is the time to say where you are. I've approached the guy *several* times over the past few yrs and asked him very nicely to lower the boost/gain (whatever it's called) on his radio and he has complaied to a certain extent. That's very nice of him. If he is operating legally, then there is NOTHING that he MUST do, and he was trying to accomodate you. You were acting like a neighbor who calls the fire department everytime someone lights their barbeque. His broadcast were only coming through my stereo speakers during low passages at the time. How were they doing that? Do they come through with the stereo off? If they do it's a problem with the speakers and their wiring. If they don't, it's a problem with the stereo itself, YOUR antenna, or YOUR power wiring. As of a few months ago, it is now so bad, that his broadcast are now coming through my TV speakers, and causing horizontal lines in the picture. (on all four of my TV's) And it's so bad on my computer speakers now, that I have to turn them off. As far as listening to my stereo, I can't even do that now if he is broadcasting. Now we are getting somewhere. Are they connected to cable TV? Do you have an external antenna? So I approached him again, only this time, he told me to "F off", that "he wasn't doing anything illegal". I don't agree with the method, but the message is correct. If he is not doing anything illegal, it's your problem, not his. He's tried to make a reasonable accomodation (reducing power), but you've done nothing except complain more. When I got home, not only was the broadcast even louder, he was telling one of his radio buddies about the "incident" in FULL detail. So, I know for a FACT it is him. I know just need to know what kind of radio he is using. Most likely he is using a ham transmiter in the AM mode. These are quite rare nowadays, but are perfectly legal. If he were using FM mode it would sound like a loud continuous buzz, and if it were single side band, the more popular mode, it would sound like donald duck and you probably could not understand him. If he were using morse code, it would sound like buzzing that stops and starts quickly. He may be using a CB as many of them are AM, but generally they have a range of about 5-10 miles. Even with illegal power, due to global cooling (lack of sunspots), they won't reach far beyond line of sight for another 3-5 years. At this point if I were you, I would go knock on his door, appologize for the misunderstanding in the past and ask for him to either give you advice on what to do to resolve the problem or recommend someone to ask. My guess is as a start that YOU have an electrician come out and check the GROUND wire on your electrical system. Make sure YOUR main panel is in fact grounded and all the outlets you have are really grounded. Unless you have ISO-BAR (or better) surge protectors, throw them away. It's not a waste of good money, they are worthless trash anyway. After that unplug the antenna connections from all of your TV's and stereo system. Have him transmit a test signal. If they come through the TV's, or stereo, get power line filters. If no signal comes through the TV or stereo, and it starts when you reconnect the antenna, get a better antenna (shielded wire) connection with a proper ground and a "high pass" filter. Get good computer speakers anyway. Try USB ones instead of ones that plug into your sound card. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:52:18 -0700 (PDT), DES
wrote: So, if I'm hearing him on a daily bases speaking to someone that is 700 miles away, then it has to be a Ham? There is nothing to distinguish a Ham from a CBer here. He's obviously not legal. As you came here to make a determination of class of operation, your statement is clearly a guess, not "obviously" a correct observation. Simple point in fact is that even for a professional, it is exceedingly difficult to determine a power level that is not legal. You, as a citizen, are perfectly empowered to notify the nearest FCC field office that is equipped to do this, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Your tax rebate check robbed that agency of enforcement power funds so you could buy a new TV. You can change that at the ballot box - expect a higher tax bill if you want government to solve this. He has been getting louder and louder over the years to the point of what I described in my earlier post about the problem with the TV's now. And even the very first time I approached him, I mentioned that I knew he was broadcasting illegally, and that we all have our hobbies, but his was interfering with mine, which at the time was home theater. He didn't deny that he wasn't illegal, at the time, and he did lower the power, for a while. I've approached this guy at least 5 times in the past few yrs, and every time he has lowered the power, for a while. Not this time, though, and it is now out of control. Yes, not pleasant at all. Your complaint is neither new, nor original over the course of 80 years now. In all practicality, your only real option is to go to Radio Shack and stock up on suppressors. Save yourself the added postage cost of sending a letter to the FCC and the delay of bureaucracy waiting for them to tell you the same thing. 73's Richard Clark, KB7QHC |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
He's obviously not legal. He has been getting louder and louder over the years to the point of what I described in my earlier post about the problem with the TV's now. How do you know that? It could very easily be that YOUR problem is getting worse. You just automaticly blame him without doing anything to determine what the real problem is. I'm probably at least 6,000 miles away from you but you should check out what I wrote in my last post very carefully. I think in the end not only will you owe him an apology, but you will thank him for pointing out a situation which could cause your house to burn down with you in it. BTW, do you happen to live in Willingboro New Jersey? Or somewhere built around the same time? * Geoff. * Aluminum house wiring, which if you do have it, it ALL should be replaced. Aluminum wiring from the pole to your main panel is ok, but in the walls, it's a disaster working up to the "big one". -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 1:00*pm, Bert Hyman wrote:
(DES) wrote : On Aug 19, 9:24*am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote: DES wrote: OK, I'm gonna try and get a better picture for you guys, but it won't be today because it's pouring down rain. How about going up to the door and asking? Geoff. That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. Do you know the guy's name? You can see if there's a license issued to him: http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsS...rchLicense.jsp -- Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN | Thank you, very much! Since I didn't know his name, I just started clicking on all of the names in my zip code, and his address popped up. So, it is definitely a Ham. Thanks for everyone's advice and help! |
Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 1:44*pm, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote:
DES wrote: He's obviously not legal. He has been getting louder and louder over the years to the point of what I described in my earlier post about the problem with the TV's now. How do you know that? It could very easily be that YOUR problem is getting worse. You just automaticly blame him without doing anything to determine what the real problem is. I'm probably at least 6,000 miles away from you but you should check out what I wrote in my last post very carefully. I think in the end not only will you owe him an apology, but you will thank him for pointing out a situation which could cause your house to burn down with you in it. BTW, do you happen to live in Willingboro New Jersey? Or somewhere built around the same time? * Geoff. * Aluminum house wiring, which if you do have it, it ALL should be replaced. Aluminum wiring from the pole to your main panel is ok, but in the walls, it's a disaster working up to the "big one". -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel *N3OWJ/4X1GM Like I said, thanks for everyone's help and advice. |
Ham or CB Antenna?
He has been getting louder and louder over
the years to the point of what I described in my earlier post about the problem with the TV's now. And even the very first time I approached him, I mentioned that I knew he was broadcasting illegally, and that we all have our hobbies, but his was interfering with mine, which at the time was home theater. He didn't deny that he wasn't illegal, at the time, and he did lower the power, for a while. I've approached this guy at least 5 times in the past few yrs, and every time he has lowered the power, for a while. Not this time, though, and it is now out of control. Well, I have some good news and some bad news for you. Let's do the bad news first, OK? As others have pointed out, it's entirely possible that your neighbor is transmitting legally. If he has a ham license, he could be transmitting with power levels of up to 1500 watts, in most bands, and still be entirely within the bounds of his license. The fact that he "didn't deny" that he was "broadcasting illegally" isn't proof, by any means. He may simply have not wanted to get into an argument with a neighbor who was making harsh accusations without proof or evidence (and, sorry to say, I *am* referring to you here). Unless you have evidence that he's transmitting without a license, or in ways which violate whatever license he has, you don't have much legal leverage, and probably won't be able to persuade anybody to do anything on your behalf. As others have pointed out... if a stereo amplifier, or loudspeaker, or telephone starts picking up and reproducing radio transmissions, then *this* device is defective/broken/badly-designed. This is a condition referred to as "undesired operation" - the phone or speaker is reacting to something (a strong RF field) which is irrelevant to this device's normal mode of operation. It is the position of the FCC that such "undesired operation" is a defect in the device in question, and not the fault of a (legal) radio transmission. It's is technically possible (and not all that difficult) to shield and filter devices such as amplifiers and phones so that they don't react to RF fields. Some manufacturers skimp on this filtering and shielding, in order to save money... and if the consumer buys such a device (rather than a more expensive, better- designed one) then any problems which result are the responsibility of the consumer and the device's manufacturer. Many, many consumer electronics devices these days come with a "Part 15" label or advisory, on the device or in the manual. Part of the wording says these devices "must not interfere" with licensed radio services, and "must accept" interference from both licensed and unlicensed radio services "including interference which causes undesired operation". That's the bad news. Now, for the good news. It's usually possible to add some after-market RF suppression devices to the affected components, and greatly reduce or entirely eliminate the interference. You can buy such devices over the counter or by mail, and they're not expensive. For phones, a small filter which plugs in between the phone cord and the wall outlet will often do the trick. Plug-in DSL filters are commonly available and will probably do the job well enough. For loudspeakers and stereos - in most cases I've seen, the RF is being picked up by the wires between the speaker and amplifier or PC... the wires act as antennas, carry the RF into the amplifier section, and the amplifier "detects" the RF by accident and converts it to audio and amplifies it. It is often possible to entirely eliminate such unwanted pickup by adding an interference suppressor (a.k.a "choke" or "ferrite") to each speaker wire, right before it enters the amplifier. The commonest variety is a "snap-on" two-part ferrite - snap it open, wind the speaker wire through it a few times (leaving a short stub of wire at the end), snap it closed, and reconnect the wire to the amplifier/receiver. With amplified speakers (computer or subwoofer), put a ferrite right at the speaker end of the wire. Adding ferrites to the AC power cords of the receiver, amplified subwoofers, etc. is also a good idea. For TV interference, you may need a "high-pass filter" connected in the antenna line right at the TV. This will keep the strong RF signal from your neighbor's transmitter out of the TV set's receiver. Ferrites and filters are probably available at your local Radio Shack, or by mailorder from quite a few suppliers. For further information about actually solving the problem, I'd suggest that you look at the ARRL's extensive collection of information about this issue. Start at http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/rfigen.html for a table of contents and a good overview of the basic issues involved. The "Information for neighbors of hams" page is also worthwhile reading. Oh... if you want to know whether your neighbor is a ham, you may be able to find out from: http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsS...rchLicense.jsp Click "Amateur", then plug in your zipcode and do a search. See if your neighbor's name comes up. However, even if your neighbor doesn't have a ham license, and is transmitting on CB, it's entirely possible that his transmissions could be getting into your radio even if they were limited to legal power... and if so, he wouldn't be under any obligation to stop transmitting or reduce power. -- Dave Platt AE6EO Friends of Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior I do _not_ wish to receive unsolicited commercial email, and I will boycott any company which has the gall to send me such ads! |
Ham or CB Antenna?
What the hell, public forum or not, I need some help here, and this guy is giving legal users a bad name. I've approached the guy *several* times over the past few yrs and asked him very nicely to lower the boost/gain (whatever it's called) on his radio and he has complaied to a certain extent. His broadcast were only coming through my stereo speakers during low passages at the time. As of a few months ago, it is now so bad, that his broadcast are now coming through my TV speakers, and causing horizontal lines in the picture. (on all four of my TV's) And it's so bad on my computer speakers now, that I have to turn them off. As far as listening to my stereo, I can't even do that now if he is broadcasting. So I approached him again, only this time, he told me to "F off", that "he wasn't doing anything illegal". When I got home, not only was the broadcast even louder, he was telling one of his radio buddies about the "incident" in FULL detail. So, I know for a FACT it is him. I know just need to know what kind of radio he is using. Question, can a CB transmit In my limited experience it is not the power level that leads to the interference but excessive modulation level. Over modulation leads to spatter all over and is lost power as far as the user is concerned. In other words, he would put out a larger signal if he kept it to the intended frequency. Unfortunately those who flaunt the law are seldom interested in facts. If it is infact a legal transmission you should at some time hear callsign information. John Ferrell W8CCW |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"Dave Platt" wrote in message
... The fact that he "didn't deny" that he was "broadcasting illegally" isn't proof, by any means. I agree with you, Dave, but it's the usual case where it sure *looks* suspicious if someone who's doing something entirely legal doesn't claim as much when accused of doing something illegal. Something like, "Actually, I'm a licensed amateur radio operator, and my setup is perfectly legal, although I don't really care to debate this with you -- good day." is in no way provocative. I would suggest that the O.P. contact his local amateur radio club and see if anyone there has a spectrum analyzer -- that should very quickly resolve the question of whether he's transmitting on 11m or some ham frequency. If it is a ham frequency, I would agree that realistically one has to assume he's transmitting well within his legal rights, as (1) exact power measurements aren't going to be easy and (2) perfectly legal power levels can still cause plenty of interference. I would hope that all hams would be intersted in assisting the O.P. in this case. While the transmitter may well be a hermit ham operating perfectly legally, it's certainly in the amateur community's interest (and perhaps even charter) to help the O.P. out by at least verifying that the transmissions are plausibly legal, and then providing suggestions on reducing interference (if they are legal), as you have done. However, even if your neighbor doesn't have a ham license, and is transmitting on CB, it's entirely possible that his transmissions could be getting into your radio even if they were limited to legal power... Also true, but highly unlikely, IMO. This can usually be verified by just listening to the guy for awhile -- pretty much every CB'er I've ever met who had an amplifier liked to brag about it at some point on the air. Additionally, if some local ham with a spectrum analyzer can additionally estimate the gain of the antenna, he can estimate what sort of signal power a 5W CB should produce with a test dipole connected to his analyzer. If he's getting, e.g., 20dB or more above the estimate, the likelihood that it's a legal CB transmission is effectively zero. ---Joel |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"DES" wrote in message ... On Aug 19, 11:09 am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote: DES wrote: That isn't an option. I can't go into details in a public forum.. I just need to know if the guy is broadcasting with a ham or CB radio, and figured you guys could tell me from looking at the antenna. I don't know what youthink you are doing, but it's not going IMHO to end well. If you think that the resident of the property is operating illegally, on whatever band you think they may be doing so, contact a local ham radio club, or if you don't know of one, the ARRL or local equivalent and ask for assitance in tracking down the source of the interference. I'm sure there is someone near you who has the skill and the equipment to find out what the problem is and locate the actual source. Usually they guy with the most visible antennas is the one who is the least likely source of whatever interference you are experiencing assuming you are experiencing some sort of interference and are not just out the get the guy because you don't want anyone with antennas in your neighborhood. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM What the hell, public forum or not, I need some help here, and this guy is giving legal users a bad name. I've approached the guy *several* times over the past few yrs and asked him very nicely to lower the boost/gain (whatever it's called) on his radio and he has complaied to a certain extent. His broadcast were only coming through my stereo speakers during low passages at the time. As of a few months ago, it is now so bad, that his broadcast are now coming through my TV speakers, and causing horizontal lines in the picture. (on all four of my TV's) And it's so bad on my computer speakers now, that I have to turn them off. As far as listening to my stereo, I can't even do that now if he is broadcasting. So I approached him again, only this time, he told me to "F off", that "he wasn't doing anything illegal". When I got home, not only was the broadcast even louder, he was telling one of his radio buddies about the "incident" in FULL detail. So, I know for a FACT it is him. I know just need to know what kind of radio he is using. Question, can a CB transmit --------------- Yes, CB radios transmit. They wouldn't be of much use if they didn't. It is possible that your neighbor IS doing everything legally and that your particular situation is what is causing the reception of unwanted radio waves. Go to Radio Shack and ask them if they have any devices that will help block out your neighbor's transmissions. I know that they used to sell such devices. I don't know if they still do today. If they do not, you can look for sellers on the internet. Years ago, Congress was presented with a bill that would have required all consumer electronics that were susceptible to RF interference to have factory installed devices that would eliminate the problem. The estimated additional cost per each consumer electronics device was $1.50. The electronics industry lobbyists convinced the congress critters that it would be too expensive for them to do. So, congress voted down the bill. If you're really ****ed about your situation, jump up and down on your congress person via TELEPHONE. They don't read their emails. At least they don't yet. They will someday, but the phone is the best way to make your point. If you are using rabbit ears for TV reception, you don't stand a chance of winning your case with the FCC. If you are utilizing a properly installed TV antenna, the fix is simple. Your computer speakers can be muted by buying aftermarket ferrite cores and installing them on your speaker leads. It is up to YOU to eliminate the RF interference that your appliances are experiencing. Not the radio operator. Typically, it is up to you to fix your interference problems and not that of the CB or amateur radio operator. Yes, it sucks, but that's the way it is. Whether the CB operator is operating legally or not is between he and the FCC. It bears no relevance to you. Keep pestering the guy and you could end up with a broken nose. Ed, NM2K |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
... Hit send by accident. Question, can a CB transmit 700 miles? CB (not Cooking Bands) can do 7000+ ... even on 5 watts, but then, sun spot activity has been down ... Regards, JS |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg Better question, are you receiving your TV from rabbit ears, external (outside antenna), cable, satellite, internet, etc? -- which one(s?) Regards, JS |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg Oh yeah, almost forgot, you are using coax? Right? Regards, JS |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg If the offending freq(s) is/are in the CB band (and EVEN if he is running a PA/linear), how about a trap filter to remove them (the freq(s)) and prevent them from overloading the front end of your set(s?) Regards, JS |
Ham or CB Antenna?
Thank you, very much! Since I didn't know his name, I just started clicking on all of the names in my zip code, and his address popped up. So, it is definitely a Ham. Thanks for everyone's advice and help! He could be a ham , but also operating on the CB at times. If you can hear him comming in with a clear voice on your computer or sterio speakers, he is probably operating AM and not in single side band. If you got his name and call leters off the FCC data base, you should hear him give the call leters atleast once every 10 minuits. If you do not hear them,but he uses one of the made up names, he could be operating out of the ham bands and on the CB with too much power. This is not legal. As pointed out , many computer speakers and other home items are not resistant to radio transmitters. It is up to you and the maker of the speaker, or other devices to correct this problem. If he is operating with illeagle power or out of the ham bands then it is his problem. |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"DES" wrote
What the hell, public forum or not, I need some help here, and this guy is giving legal users a bad name. I've approached the guy *several* times over the past few yrs and asked him very nicely to lower the boost/gain (whatever it's called) on his radio and he has complaied to a certain extent. Well, here's another bit of my take on the matter. By doing what you did, you (implicitly) put all of the blame and responsibility for fixing the problem on his shoulders. If he is in fact a ham (as your subsequent message seems to indicate), and if he's transmitting legally within the scope of his license, then *anything* he did to help reduce your undesired- reception problem was a *favor* to you. It was not required by law. In retrospect, you might have gotten better long-term results if you had instead approached him and said, "Hey, my stereo is picking up your transmissions. Is there any way you can help me eliminate this problem?" If you had phrased it that way, you might have a long-term solution by now... you'd have indicated that you were open to possible solutions other than "Hey, turn that blasted thing down!" You didn't... because you didn't realize at the time that in a situation such as this (if it's actually "ham radio transmissions being picked up by consumer-electronics equipment"), the law says that it is *your* responsibility to fix the problem, and not his. Instead, you seem to have just repeated your demand that *he* fix the problem (by changing his behavior). I agree with others, that your neighbor could and should have done more to help bring matters to a friendly and successful conclusion. He could have educated you as to the actual cause of the problem, and how to go about truly fixing it. He could have been a better "ambassador" for ham radio. It's a shame that he didn't. Possibly he didn't know how to go about doing this well... or possibly he's just a jerk (some hams are, alas). On the other hand, it's possible that the attitude you were expressing at the time was hostile enough that he wasn't inclined to be a nice guy and go to extra effort to calm you down and explain matters in a helpful fashion. At this point, the bridges between the two of you *may* have been burned... or, you may be able to rebuild them, and get into a dialog with him which will bring matters to a successful conclusion. In order to do so, I suspect that you may have to eat a bit of crow... by going to him and say "Hey, guy, I'm sorry I hassled you so hard. I realize now that you're a licensed ham, and I understand that you do have a right to transmit. I'd like to ask you for help in figuring out how to filter my radios and TV so that your transmissions don't get into them so badly." If you're willing to do that, I think there's a fair chance that you'll get a helpful response. His broadcast were only coming through my stereo speakers during low passages at the time. As of a few months ago, it is now so bad, that his broadcast are now coming through my TV speakers, and causing horizontal lines in the picture. (on all four of my TV's) And it's so bad on my computer speakers now, that I have to turn them off. As far as listening to my stereo, I can't even do that now if he is broadcasting. I feel I ought to point out a minor terminology issue here (which is something that your neighbor would know as a ham, but which you weren't aware of). In FCC language, a "broadcast" is a one-way transmission - somebody sends it, there's no direct response from whomever is listening (if anyone is). TV stations broadcast. Commercial radio stations broadcast. Hams don't broadcast - with very rare and specific exceptions, we aren't allowed to. We "transmit", in a two-way conversation with one or more other hams. So I approached him again, only this time, he told me to "F off", that "he wasn't doing anything illegal". When I got home, not only was the broadcast even louder, he was telling one of his radio buddies about the "incident" in FULL detail. So, I know for a FACT it is him. I know just need to know what kind of radio he is using. It's not likely to be easy to tell just by looking at his antenna, because the CB frequencies (the 11-meter band, around 27 MHz) are very close to those used in one of the ham-radio bands (the 10-meter band, around 28 MHz). If he's transmitting CB with enough power to get into your radios, then he's probably breaking the law... but if he's transmitting on 10 meters using his ham privileges, then there's a very good chance that he's entirely legal. You'll probably need access to a radio receiver or some test equipment to determine accurately what frequency he is transmitting. A simple RF frequency counter, hooked to a few feet of wire, would probably be sensitive enough. A CB radio, tuned through the channels, would let you determine whether he's transmitting on a (legal) CB frequency. A ham-radio receiver, or a general-purpose shortwave receiver which works up through 30 MHz, would do as well, as long as its dial is calibrated accurately enough. Question, can a CB transmit Yes, it can. CB radios are limited by law to a relatively low power and to relatively short distances (and, unfortunately, these laws are broken just about as frequently as the laws against jaywalking). I agree with another comment that was posted - it's unlikely that a legal-power CB transmission would cause your problems. Legal CB AM transmissions are limited to around 3.5 watts of RF power, and in my experience one usually does not start getting "break-through" into consumer electronics equipment until the RF power is up in the range of 20 to 30 watts (depending on frequency, antenna gain, proximity, phase of moon, and about a dozen other factors). At this point, my advice is to approach your neighbor in a non-hostile fashion, and ask him for help in fixing your problem (rather than demanding that he shut down). As others have pointed out, if he's a ham and is acting legally, the FCC almost certainly *not* provide you with any help or ammunition in shutting him down, and your local legal authorities have no jurisdiction to do so. If you don't feel comfortable in approaching him in person at this point, try writing him a friendly letter. -- Dave Platt AE6EO Friends of Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior I do _not_ wish to receive unsolicited commercial email, and I will boycott any company which has the gall to send me such ads! |
Ham or CB Antenna?
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Ham or CB Antenna?
On Aug 19, 6:51*pm, John Smith wrote:
DES wrote: Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg Better question, are you receiving your TV from rabbit ears, external (outside antenna), cable, satellite, internet, etc? -- which one(s?) Regards, JS Cable. And the house was completely rewired inside and out about 4 yrs ago. Just had the cable company out here last week, and they said there was nothing they could do because everything was in working order. |
Ham or CB Antenna?
"DES" wrote in message ... On Aug 19, 6:51 pm, John Smith wrote: DES wrote: Bad picture, but can someone tell me if the antenna on top of the tower is for a Ham or CB radio? (I know the one on the left is a EV ant :) http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IM002446.jpg Better question, are you receiving your TV from rabbit ears, external (outside antenna), cable, satellite, internet, etc? -- which one(s?) Regards, JS Cable. And the house was completely rewired inside and out about 4 yrs ago. Just had the cable company out here last week, and they said there was nothing they could do because everything was in working order. ---------- While there are exceptions to the rule, generally cable installers are not electronics savvy. Installing cable does not require any education in electronics. That is why most cable companies subcontract their installation work to independent folks. They don't want to have to pay qualified electronics people at positions other than the head end. So, don't think that the cable guys have the final word on your situation. Being a home theater enthusiast, it will be good for your system's performance for you to become proactive and learn some electronics. No one will care for your system as well as you will. Ed, NM2K |
Ham or CB Antenna?
DES wrote:
... Cable. And the house was completely rewired inside and out about 4 yrs ago. Just had the cable company out here last week, and they said there was nothing they could do because everything was in working order. I have had interference from neighbors with CB units. I have had RFI from my own equipment--mostly with my VHF xmitters and old coaxial tank circuits. In every case of mine, going to a cable company completely removed all RFI ... Still, I wonder about a stub trap/filter made out of coax, on a tee-fitting and the length pruned to rid the offending freq(s.) I have only done such a thing in the past when I was using twin-lead and was able to construct a trap for an offending VHF freq out of two ~8 inch lengths of twin-lead with a variable cap the ends of the twin-lead/8-inch sections (other two ends of these were shorted to form series loops with the twin-lead sections.) I have never had to duplicate the above with coax ... but I am sure someone here has played with such enough to be an expert ... other than that, I would have little experience to offer ... If the signal is coming across the ac power, perhaps a "brute force filter", but I haven't seen one of those to purchase in ages. The internet or hams here may have construction details ... Regards, JS |
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