but surprized nobody touched the TVI issue , so of the few
suggestions made here, any idea which is , isn't the best for
avoiding tvi and any tips on how i can minimize tvi

Hi, I would think the reason no one touched on the TVI issue, is that it is
almost unavoidable. TVI is caused by RF getting in the TV antenna terminals
and causing overload of the TV front end, or rf getting into the AC power cable
feeding the TV.
What you are attempting is to produce enough RF energy for communications,
but not enough to cause TVI. The first thing I would try is reduce transmitter
power to a point where the TVI is not there. Communications probably won't be
there either. Low power CW would be the best mode. Least TVI, best chance of
being heard.
Get the antenna as far away from the TV and building wiring as possible.
Outside the building would be best. Make sure only the antenna radiates, not
the transmission line. Use a choke balun on the transmission line. Some TVI
filters on the TV might help, but if your antenna is inside the building you
will probably get into the TV distribution system. This will insure that you
are messing up every TV in the Hotel.
Every time I have tried to operate with the antenna inside the room, I have
experienced TVI. Usually it's not that bad even at 100 watts, but it is still
there even with 10 watts. My solution was not to worry about TVI cause I did
not transmit that much. With the antenna in the room, performance was so poor
I couldn't hear anyone to talk to.

73 Gary N4AST

(JGBOYLES) wrote:

I would think the reason no one touched on the TVI issue, is that it is
almost unavoidable.

I would agree. And even if you're successful in your own hotel room at reducing
TVI, that doesn't mean other rooms (a few feet away whether up, down or
sideways) won't be picking you up. So when I operate out of a hotel room, I
don't worry about TVI. Heck I'm not watching my TV when I operate anyway...

BTW I use the same philosophy at my home station (with a stealth antenna). My
neighbors have never complained of any TVI and I think the biggest reason is
that they don't know I'm a ham.

Selfish? Perhaps. But as was pointed out previously, *my* signal is clean...

Every time I have tried to operate with the antenna inside the room, I have
experienced TVI. Usually it's not that bad even at 100 watts,

I think that 100 watts is a bit excessive inside a hotel room, but not so much
for TVI as for radiation exposure to yourself and nearby neighbors. But I seldom
had to use an inside the room antenna. I was almost always successful at
sneaking a wire outside or clamping a hamstick out the window or to the balcony
railing. I seldom run over 25 watts and since I always use CW that is usually
sufficient for good solid QSOs.

With the antenna in the room, performance was so poor
I couldn't hear anyone to talk to.

That is usually always my biggest problem with hotel operating. Even with the
outside antennas the QRN seems to always be exceptionally high. Probably all
those electronic devices getting revenge. But still, I have much fun with this
type of operation.

Current rig: TS50, small switching 10A power supply, 100' or so of no.22 wire,
MFJ travel tuner, MFJ mini keyer, and all fits in a small computer suitcase.
(The Hamstick is stolen off the car if necessary.)