Hi All,
It seems appropriate to relate today's very interesting (to me, anyway)
events regarding this matter. All day I noticed a cable company truck
running all around our neighborhood, checking this and that. Late this
afternoon, the truck went to a fairly large control box of some sort, that
is located at the front of my house. Then I saw my complaining neighbor
pull up next to him in his car, get out, and engage in some conversation
with the cable repairman. I thought this would be a good opportunity to try
and discuss the issue and my concerns about it as well. Anyway, for some
time I just listened as he related his problem to the repairman. He was
very frustrated because he was experiencing continual disconnects with his
internet--it had been happening, not just today, but every day, and for some
time. Aha! I haven't even been on the air for days! Also, his "phone
problem" turns out to be some VOIP service he is using--in other words, more
internet issues, not necessarily his "landline" service.
I listened patiently as he described his problems to the repairman, and at
an appropriate time, I pointed out that I had similar "disconnect" issues
with my service, also with the cable company's internet service. His "phone
issue" is apparently something along the lines of him hearing everything
well, but whoever he is talking to can't always hear him. It would cut in
and out--his part of the conversation would be clipped, and sounded similar
to a how an improperly set VOX system would act. In any event, I took the
opportunity to make the point clearly that I had not even been on my radio
for days! I think my neighbor was "getting the picture" somewhat, but
wasn't at all apologetic.
The repairman conveyed how he was noticing some "strange carrier" that would
show up on his test equipment periodically. I asked him if he had checked
carefully for loose connections, and particularly ground connections. His
response was vague. Then he, for whatever reason, volunteered that there
was a particular device in this control box that often gives them problems.
He took a screwdriver, fiddled with the connections, and the 'strange
carrier" seemed to go away! The contacts looked "burned" (his description),
and he attributed it to a "voltage" problem--something he apparently sees
quite often. In any event, he said he would immediately schedule it for
replacement. He didn't want to do it immediately because he would have to
take everyone's internet down. So it is something they apparently do at
night!
This may not be the end of the issue, but now my neighbor knows that his
problem occurs whether or not I happen to be operating. In other words, "It
probably ain't me!" He was, more than likely, drawing an illogical
conclusion.
In any event, I took the opportunity to assure him of my concern, and that I
hoped he would call me any time he noticed a problem so that I could confirm
whether or not my operating was at all involved in the issue. He agreed to
do that, so maybe we are on a better path.
By the way, I'd love to send the Jimmy Hatlo cartoon that "Missouri Guy"
posted, but now is probably not the best time to do that. Some day, if we
are (hopefully) having a cordial conversation, I might offer it.
I might also mention that I have had somewhat similar inconsistent problems
with my internet. It just shuts off--quite often, and I have to reset my
router. I've even tried three different routers, but all exhibit the same
issue, and it is similar to what my neighbor describes as part of his
problem.
Anyway, I'm not going to get overconfident that the problem is
solved/identified, but I think I'll have a beer!
Again, my appreciation for all the comments and suggestions.
Dave W7AQK
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