Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Doug SEYLER via BVARC]

No charge

Doug W9LCQ

Sent from my iPad

> On Feb 7, 2021, at 1:39 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Thank you! Any chance they would change me for the work?
> Mark 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Feb 7, 2021, at 1:36 PM, jclupp...@ussailing.net wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Jeff Hoke was in the process of retiring and I believe he is no longer 
>> there. He was training his replacement though, his name is Gregory Young.
>>  
>> gregory.yo...@centerpointenergy.com
>> Office: 713-945-6555
>> Mobil: 832-715-0549
>>  
>> If you can get him to come out he has all the same equipment and can run a 
>> spectrum analysis that could possibly help.
>> Hope that helps.
>>  
>> Chris Luppens
>>  
>> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jeffrey Carson via BVARC
>> Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 8:49 AM
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> Cc: Jeffrey Carson ; Mark Brantana 
>> 
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup
>>  
>> Hello,i have had Jeff Hoke with Centerpoint come out and remediate some 
>> noise on a pole behind my house. Very thorough and professional.
>>  
>> His contact information:  Contact Jeff by email FIRST.
>> Jeff Hoke
>> jeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com
>> 
>> Office: 713-945-6304
>> Mobile:  713-304-2728
>>  
>>  
>> On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:37:44 PM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>>  wrote:
>>  
>>  
>> Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
>> noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
>> from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. 
>> This is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years 
>> ago when the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric 
>> company to do a RFI survey?
>>  
>> On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no 
>> detectable interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 
>>  
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> 
>> On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
>>  
>> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power 
>> lines.
>>  
>> Gus, K5GMB
>>  
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The 
>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>  
>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
>> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
>> pick out some voices, etc. 
>>  
>> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
>> study.
>> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would likely 
>> be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
>> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
>> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the radio, 
>> but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
>> mentioned.
>> I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with the 
>> same noisy result.
>> It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
>> but I doubt it.
>> I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>  
>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>  
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>  
>> ___

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Jeffrey Carson via BVARC]

 That is very odd. I just worked with Jeff on my issue back in November 2020 
and he told me to call him if i needed anything else. He was driving a 
CenterPoint van. He followed  up with a call in Mid December to make sure the 
work order he put in had been completed. Yes, it is free and he has the noise 
finding equipment and yagi's to find the problem. Finding interference is his 
job.
On Sunday, February 7, 2021, 01:36:23 PM CST,  
wrote:  
 
 
Jeff Hoke was in the process of retiring and I believe he is no longer there. 
He was training his replacement though, his name is Gregory Young.

  

gregory.yo...@centerpointenergy.com

Office: 713-945-6555

Mobil: 832-715-0549

  

If you can get him to come out he has all the same equipment and can run a 
spectrum analysis that could possibly help. 

Hope that helps. 

  

Chris Luppens

  

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jeffrey Carson via BVARC
Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 8:49 AM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Jeffrey Carson ; Mark Brantana 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

  

Hello,i have had Jeff Hoke with Centerpoint come out and remediate some noise 
on a pole behind my house. Very thorough and professional.

  

His contact information:  Contact Jeff by email FIRST.

Jeff Hoke

jeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com


Office: 713-945-6304

Mobile:  713-304-2728

  

  

On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:37:44 PM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
 wrote: 

  

  

Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. This 
is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years ago when 
the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric company to 
do a RFI survey?

  

On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no detectable 
interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 

  

Mark

N5PRD






On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:

  

What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power lines.

  

Gus, K5GMB

  

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:


I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the power-lines. 
I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything looks 
reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing is 
grounded as yet.

  

Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
pick out some voices, etc. 

  
   
   - I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
study.
   - I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
   - The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
   
   - Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant 
across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
   - I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
   - It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
mentioned.
   - I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
the same noisy result.
   - It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
but I doubt it.
   - I turned off the wifi, and still no change.

  

Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?

  

Mark

N5PRD


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org



Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


  


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

  
  
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Nizar Mullani via BVARC]

No problems. Maybe, my anti viral meds for shingles may have reduced the 
impact. My doc says NO. 

Did you get yours?

> On Feb 7, 2021, at 1:39 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Thank you! Any chance they would change me for the work?
> Mark 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Feb 7, 2021, at 1:36 PM, jclupp...@ussailing.net wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Jeff Hoke was in the process of retiring and I believe he is no longer 
>> there. He was training his replacement though, his name is Gregory Young.
>>  
>> gregory.yo...@centerpointenergy.com
>> Office: 713-945-6555
>> Mobil: 832-715-0549
>>  
>> If you can get him to come out he has all the same equipment and can run a 
>> spectrum analysis that could possibly help.
>> Hope that helps.
>>  
>> Chris Luppens
>>  
>> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jeffrey Carson via BVARC
>> Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 8:49 AM
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> Cc: Jeffrey Carson ; Mark Brantana 
>> 
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup
>>  
>> Hello,i have had Jeff Hoke with Centerpoint come out and remediate some 
>> noise on a pole behind my house. Very thorough and professional.
>>  
>> His contact information:  Contact Jeff by email FIRST.
>> Jeff Hoke
>> jeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com
>> 
>> Office: 713-945-6304
>> Mobile:  713-304-2728
>>  
>>  
>> On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:37:44 PM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>>  wrote:
>>  
>>  
>> Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
>> noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
>> from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. 
>> This is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years 
>> ago when the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric 
>> company to do a RFI survey?
>>  
>> On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no 
>> detectable interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 
>>  
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> 
>> On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
>>  
>> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power 
>> lines.
>>  
>> Gus, K5GMB
>>  
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The 
>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>  
>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
>> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
>> pick out some voices, etc. 
>>  
>> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
>> study.
>> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would likely 
>> be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
>> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
>> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the radio, 
>> but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
>> mentioned.
>> I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with the 
>> same noisy result.
>> It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
>> but I doubt it.
>> I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>  
>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>  
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Thank you! Any chance they would change me for the work?
Mark 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 7, 2021, at 1:36 PM, jclupp...@ussailing.net wrote:
> 
> 
> Jeff Hoke was in the process of retiring and I believe he is no longer there. 
> He was training his replacement though, his name is Gregory Young.
>  
> gregory.yo...@centerpointenergy.com
> Office: 713-945-6555
> Mobil: 832-715-0549
>  
> If you can get him to come out he has all the same equipment and can run a 
> spectrum analysis that could possibly help.
> Hope that helps.
>  
> Chris Luppens
>  
> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jeffrey Carson via BVARC
> Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 8:49 AM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Jeffrey Carson ; Mark Brantana 
> 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup
>  
> Hello,i have had Jeff Hoke with Centerpoint come out and remediate some noise 
> on a pole behind my house. Very thorough and professional.
>  
> His contact information:  Contact Jeff by email FIRST.
> Jeff Hoke
> jeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com
> 
> Office: 713-945-6304
> Mobile:  713-304-2728
>  
>  
> On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:37:44 PM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>  wrote:
>  
>  
> Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
> noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
> from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. 
> This is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years 
> ago when the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric 
> company to do a RFI survey?
>  
> On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no 
> detectable interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 
>  
> Mark
> N5PRD
> 
> 
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
>  
> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power 
> lines.
>  
> Gus, K5GMB
>  
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
> wrote:
> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
> with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
> is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything 
> looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing 
> is grounded as yet.
>  
> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
> pick out some voices, etc. 
>  
> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna study.
> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would likely 
> be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the radio, 
> but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
> mentioned.
> I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with the 
> same noisy result.
> It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
> but I doubt it.
> I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>  
> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>  
> Mark
> N5PRD
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> 
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>  

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Chris Luppens KG5BBF via BVARC]

Jeff Hoke was in the process of retiring and I believe he is no longer there. 
He was training his replacement though, his name is Gregory Young.

 

gregory.yo...@centerpointenergy.com 
<mailto:gregory.yo...@centerpointenergy.com> 

Office: 713-945-6555

Mobil: 832-715-0549

 

If you can get him to come out he has all the same equipment and can run a 
spectrum analysis that could possibly help. 

Hope that helps. 

 

Chris Luppens

 

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jeffrey Carson via BVARC
Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 8:49 AM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Jeffrey Carson ; Mark Brantana 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

 

Hello,i have had Jeff Hoke with Centerpoint come out and remediate some noise 
on a pole behind my house. Very thorough and professional.

 

His contact information:  Contact Jeff by email FIRST.

Jeff Hoke

jeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com <mailto:jeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com> 


Office: 713-945-6304

Mobile:  713-304-2728

 

 

On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:37:44 PM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote: 

 

 

Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. This 
is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years ago when 
the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric company to 
do a RFI survey?

 

On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no detectable 
interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 

 

Mark

N5PRD





On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote:

 

What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power lines.

 

Gus, K5GMB

 

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote:

I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the power-lines. 
I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything looks 
reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing is 
grounded as yet.

 

Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
pick out some voices, etc. 

 

*   I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
study.
*   I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
*   The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.

*   Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant 
across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
*   I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
*   It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
mentioned.
*   I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, 
with the same noisy result.
*   It could be the net result of a large number of small device 
transformers, but I doubt it.
*   I turned off the wifi, and still no change.

 

Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?

 

Mark

N5PRD


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

 


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/  
<https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/%20> 

 


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Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Jeffrey Carson via BVARC]

 Hello,i have had Jeff Hoke with Centerpoint come out and remediate some noise 
on a pole behind my house. Very thorough and professional.
His contact information:  Contact Jeff by email FIRST.Jeff 
hokejeff.h...@centerpointenergy.com
Office: 713-945-6304Mobile:  713-304-2728

On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:37:44 PM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
 wrote:  
 
 Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. This 
is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years ago when 
the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric company to 
do a RFI survey?
On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no detectable 
interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 
MarkN5PRD


On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power lines.
Gus, K5GMB

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:

I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the power-lines. 
I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything looks 
reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing is 
grounded as yet.
Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
pick out some voices, etc. 
   
   - I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
study.
   - I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
   - The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
   
   - Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant 
across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
   - I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
   - It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
mentioned.
   - I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
the same noisy result.
   - It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
but I doubt it.
   - I turned off the wifi, and still no change.

Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
MarkN5PRD
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org



Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
  
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Steve Agee via BVARC]

*Since you live in Missouri City, you are in the near field (relatively) 
of the high power transmitters for TV and radio. Have you tried a window 
filter in the coax to attenuate out of band signals?


N5ZUA
*
On 2/6/2021 11:37 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the 
same noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced 
that it is QRM from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the 
long end of my OFDP. This is a reasonably new transformer, since they 
replaced it about 5 years ago when the old one blew. _Anyone have 
experience with getting the electric company to do a RFI survey?_


On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no 
detectable interference. This is turning into a real mystery.


Mark
N5PRD

On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC > wrote:


What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and 
power lines.


Gus, K5GMB

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an
IC-745 Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply
is a 20A MegaWatt switching power supply, which is located right
next to the radio. The antenna is under some high power-lines
with the long leg 90 degrees to the power-lines. I used my
nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything looks
reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made.
Nothing is grounded as yet.

Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time
and I get consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the
point where I can barely pick out some voices, etc.

  * I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to
my antenna study.
  * I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the
problem would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at
certain frequencies.
  * The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the
manual.

  * Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally
consistant across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
  * I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power
supply.
  * It does not help to have the switching power supply right
next to the radio, but other users give good reports on this
model and no QRM issues are mentioned.
  * I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice
band, with the same noisy result.
  * It could be the net result of a large number of small device
transformers, but I doubt it.
  * I turned off the wifi, and still no change.


Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal
experiences?

Mark
N5PRD

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Tonight I hooked up my little TH-F6A to the same antenna and got the same 
noise. I do have to test out my radio, but I am 85% convinced that it is QRM 
from a pole transformer located about 25 ft from the long end of my OFDP. This 
is a reasonably new transformer, since they replaced it about 5 years ago when 
the old one blew. Anyone have experience with getting the electric company to 
do a RFI survey?

On the down side, I carried my AM radio to my back yard and heard no detectable 
interference. This is turning into a real mystery. 

Mark
N5PRD

> On Feb 3, 2021, at 6:55 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power 
> lines.
> 
> Gus, K5GMB
> 
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  > wrote:
> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
> with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
> is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything 
> looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing 
> is grounded as yet.
> 
> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
> pick out some voices, etc. 
> 
> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna study.
> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would likely 
> be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the radio, 
> but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
> mentioned.
> I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with the 
> same noisy result.
> It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
> but I doubt it.
> I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
> 
> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
> 
> Mark
> N5PRD
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


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Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Chris
Thank you for your generous offer. However, Based on your comments and Rick’s, 
I guess I should expect a full dc conductivity reading; especially since the 
coax and antenna are commercially made. It is unlikely that there’s anything 
amiss with them. I did have to open the box to seal it since MFJ didn’t. (I 
then added a small weep hole at the bottom. 

BTW The spectrum scan seemed reasonable, though the antenna may need tuning a 
little. 

The next possibility I need to check out is one that I do not like. The antenna 
is pointed towards a transformer. This is a fairly new transformer since the 
old one blew up a couple years ago. But it could possibly be because of all my 
QRM issues. Additionally, that same end of the antenna is reasonably low about 
6 feet high. It does pass under some electric lines.

Still theorizing. I probably need to try this radio at a different QTH. 

Thank you 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 5, 2021, at 9:43 AM, Chris Luppens via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> As a truly old EE who did not get real involved with the RF side of the 
> world  how would you check the resistance between the center conductor and 
> shield of  the coax after it was connected to the antenna? If there is no 
> choke or balun of any type at the antenna end then it is probably possible. 
> Any type of inductive device, especially those in higher wattage, current, 
> devices would easily show conductivity I believe.  With a new system I would 
> want to know my cable/antenna SWR or SWRs at all the bands I would be using.  
> Any issue with a choke would show up. I have a Rig Expert, Rig Stick that is 
> super easy to use and would be glad to do a quick check or load for you to do 
> that. I also have a NANO nva that is harder to use but work quite well.  I 
> practice Covid protocol  so that complicates things a little but is 
> manageable. 
> 
> Chris Luppens - KG5BBF 
> 
> 
>>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 3:45 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Rick,
>> 
>> Something weird is going on.  I did a continuity test between the inside and 
>> outside conductors of the coax, and found a short from the line as it leaves 
>> the shack. Now I have to get back on the roof and determine whether it is 
>> the coax or the antenna. I sniffed around with an oscilloscope probe for RF, 
>> and found things surprisingly clean. So, I have a problem after the coax 
>> connection. Probably the static is a result of not having any active antenna 
>> to speak of. More to come in this saga, I am sure. The strange part is that 
>> this is a brand new coax, and a brand new MFJ-2010 OFDP. My money is on the 
>> antenna matcher. I am sure that will not be the only issue. Glad I decided 
>> not to key the radio!
>> 
>> Mark
>> 
>> See below:
>> 
>>> On Jan 31, 2021, at 8:45 PM, Rick Hiller  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
>>> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, just 
>>> what I thought of first to last
>>> .
>>> --  What S level is the noise?   Varies between about 1 & 9  Does it change 
>>> level with the RF Gain control? RF Gain is at max. Backing it off makes it 
>>> quieter, but reduces the signal as well.
>>> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away? The radio 
>>> becomes very quiet.
>>> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise? I need to get a dummy 
>>> load.
>>> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What 
>>> is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
>>> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
>>> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   Preamp is off. NB 
>>> off too. Not sure what they call a noise blanker on this radio.
>>> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
>>> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center 
>>> for a base reference. They are
>>> 
>>> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the 
>>> jumper OK continuity wise? Pretty sure they are. Will have to confirm
>>> 
>>> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the 
>>> band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess. Tried both. Same
>>> 
>>> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert 
>>> it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw 
>>> on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the 
>>> center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259 
>>> outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
>>> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the 
>>> wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive 
>>> noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center pin..is 
>>> this noise the same as you are complaining about?
>>> 
>>> Have you 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Chris Luppens via BVARC]

As a truly old EE who did not get real involved with the RF side of the world  
how would you check the resistance between the center conductor and shield of  
the coax after it was connected to the antenna? If there is no choke or balun 
of any type at the antenna end then it is probably possible. Any type of 
inductive device, especially those in higher wattage, current, devices would 
easily show conductivity I believe.  With a new system I would want to know my 
cable/antenna SWR or SWRs at all the bands I would be using.  Any issue with a 
choke would show up. I have a Rig Expert, Rig Stick that is super easy to use 
and would be glad to do a quick check or load for you to do that. I also have a 
NANO nva that is harder to use but work quite well.  I practice Covid protocol  
so that complicates things a little but is manageable. 

Chris Luppens - KG5BBF 


> On Feb 5, 2021, at 3:45 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Rick,
> 
> Something weird is going on.  I did a continuity test between the inside and 
> outside conductors of the coax, and found a short from the line as it leaves 
> the shack. Now I have to get back on the roof and determine whether it is the 
> coax or the antenna. I sniffed around with an oscilloscope probe for RF, and 
> found things surprisingly clean. So, I have a problem after the coax 
> connection. Probably the static is a result of not having any active antenna 
> to speak of. More to come in this saga, I am sure. The strange part is that 
> this is a brand new coax, and a brand new MFJ-2010 OFDP. My money is on the 
> antenna matcher. I am sure that will not be the only issue. Glad I decided 
> not to key the radio!
> 
> Mark
> 
> See below:
> 
>> On Jan 31, 2021, at 8:45 PM, Rick Hiller  wrote:
>> 
>> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
>> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, just 
>> what I thought of first to last
>> .
>> --  What S level is the noise?   Varies between about 1 & 9  Does it change 
>> level with the RF Gain control? RF Gain is at max. Backing it off makes it 
>> quieter, but reduces the signal as well.
>> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away? The radio 
>> becomes very quiet.
>> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise? I need to get a dummy load.
>> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What is 
>> the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
>> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
>> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   Preamp is off. NB 
>> off too. Not sure what they call a noise blanker on this radio.
>> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
>> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center for 
>> a base reference. They are
>> 
>> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the 
>> jumper OK continuity wise? Pretty sure they are. Will have to confirm
>> 
>> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the 
>> band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess. Tried both. Same
>> 
>> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert 
>> it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw on 
>> the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the 
>> center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259 
>> outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
>> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the 
>> wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive 
>> noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center pin..is this 
>> noise the same as you are complaining about?
>> 
>> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano 
>> reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and 
>> SWR set etc.
>> 
>> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss in 
>> your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with 
>> ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are 
>> being processed.
>> 
>> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
>> 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com
>> 
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
>>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
>>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The 
>>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
>>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
>>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
>>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>> 
>>> Here’s my problem. 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Rick,

Something weird is going on.  I did a continuity test between the inside and 
outside conductors of the coax, and found a short from the line as it leaves 
the shack. Now I have to get back on the roof and determine whether it is the 
coax or the antenna. I sniffed around with an oscilloscope probe for RF, and 
found things surprisingly clean. So, I have a problem after the coax 
connection. Probably the static is a result of not having any active antenna to 
speak of. More to come in this saga, I am sure. The strange part is that this 
is a brand new coax, and a brand new MFJ-2010 OFDP. My money is on the antenna 
matcher. I am sure that will not be the only issue. Glad I decided not to key 
the radio!

Mark

See below:

> On Jan 31, 2021, at 8:45 PM, Rick Hiller  wrote:
> 
> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, just 
> what I thought of first to last
> .
> --  What S level is the noise?   Varies between about 1 & 9  Does it change 
> level with the RF Gain control? RF Gain is at max. Backing it off makes it 
> quieter, but reduces the signal as well.
> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away? The radio 
> becomes very quiet.
> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise? I need to get a dummy load.
> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What is 
> the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   Preamp is off. NB 
> off too. Not sure what they call a noise blanker on this radio.
> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center for 
> a base reference. They are
> 
> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the 
> jumper OK continuity wise? Pretty sure they are. Will have to confirm
> 
> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the 
> band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess. Tried both. Same
> 
> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert 
> it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw on 
> the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the center 
> pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259 outside 
> the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the 
> wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive 
> noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center pin..is this 
> noise the same as you are complaining about?
> 
> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano 
> reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and 
> SWR set etc.
> 
> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss in 
> your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with 
> ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are 
> being processed.
> 
> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
> 
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com 
> 
>  
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  > wrote:
> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
> with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
> is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything 
> looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing 
> is grounded as yet.
> 
> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
> pick out some voices, etc. 
> 
> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna study.
> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would likely 
> be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the radio, 
> but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Chris Luppens via BVARC]

I went all LED, finished turn over 2 + years ago.  Then I heard horror stories 
about LEDs and noise. Well in my case I have run experiments  without a single 
light on and with every light in the house on. I cannot see anything.  I don’t 
have a spectrum analyzer but post Covid would treat a tester to a good single 
malt to see what one would say.  

I also highly recommend replacing old fluorescent lights with led strips. They 
are instant and brighter and trouble free in humid environments like my garage. 

Chris Luppens


> On Feb 4, 2021, at 8:06 AM, Christopher Boone via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> I found my noise problem in the florescent lights in my kitchen...turn them 
> off and it goes away...probably the ballast... I'm in a rental soguess I 
> turn them off to operate lol
> 
> Chris
> WB5ITT 
> 
>> On Thu, Feb 4, 2021, 12:59 AM Michael Monsour via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> Divide and Conquer
>> Get a 12 volt battery to operate the radio
>> Then pull the main breaker in your house.
>> Either it gets better or it doesn't
>> Michael Monsour
>> 
>>> On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 6:56 PM Gus Bernard via BVARC  
>>> wrote:
>>> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power 
>>> lines.
>>> 
>>> Gus, K5GMB
>>> 
 On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
 wrote:
 I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
 Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A 
 MegaWatt switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. 
 The antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to 
 the power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
 everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
 made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
 
 Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
 consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can 
 barely pick out some voices, etc. 
 
 I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
 study.
 I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
 likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
 The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
 Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant 
 across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
 I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
 It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
 radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues 
 are mentioned.
 I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
 the same noisy result.
 It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
 but I doubt it.
 I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
 
 Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
 
 Mark
 N5PRD
 
 Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
 
 BVARC mailing list
 BVARC@bvarc.org
 http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC]

Wasn't there a class action lawsuit because some people were selling 
"industrial use" ballasts for use in residences?


On 2/4/2021 8:06 AM, Christopher Boone via BVARC wrote:
I found my noise problem in the florescent lights in my kitchen...turn 
them off and it goes away...probably the ballast... I'm in a rental 
soguess I turn them off to operate lol


Chris
WB5ITT

On Thu, Feb 4, 2021, 12:59 AM Michael Monsour via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


*Divide and Conquer*
*Get a 12 volt battery to operate the radio*
*Then pull the main breaker in your house.*
*Either it gets better or it doesn't*
*Michael Monsour*

On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 6:56 PM Gus Bernard via BVARC
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:

What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the
QTH and power lines.

Gus, K5GMB

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:

I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have
installed an IC-745 Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed
dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt switching power
supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg
90 degrees to the power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study
the band SWR response, and everything looks reasonable,
though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing
is grounded as yet.

Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this
time and I get consistent QRM white noise across all bands
to the point where I can barely pick out some voices, etc.

  * I am confident that the antenna is properly connected
due to my antenna study.
  * I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since
the problem would likely be more isolated show up as
birdies at certain frequencies.
  * The radio settings seem to all be correct according to
the manual.

  * Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is
generally consistant across the spectrum. Still, this
could be the problem.
  * I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from
its power supply.
  * It does not help to have the switching power supply
right next to the radio, but other users give good
reports on this model and no QRM issues are mentioned.
  * I tried the radio at different times of the day on
20-m voice band, with the same noisy result.
  * It could be the net result of a large number of small
device transformers, but I doubt it.
  * I turned off the wifi, and still no change.


Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas?
Personal experiences?

Mark
N5PRD

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org



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BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org



Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org




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BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/

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Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Bruce via BVARC]

at least you found the issue and a way to solve it.  

73...bruce

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 4, 2021, at 8:06 AM, Christopher Boone via BVARC  wrote:


I found my noise problem in the florescent lights in my kitchen...turn them off 
and it goes away...probably the ballast... I'm in a rental soguess I turn 
them off to operate lol

Chris
WB5ITT 

On Thu, Feb 4, 2021, 12:59 AM Michael Monsour via BVARC  wrote:
> Divide and Conquer
> Get a 12 volt battery to operate the radio
> Then pull the main breaker in your house.
> Either it gets better or it doesn't
> Michael Monsour
> 
> On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 6:56 PM Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
>> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power 
>> lines.
>> 
>> Gus, K5GMB
>> 
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
>>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
>>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The 
>>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
>>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
>>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
>>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>> 
>>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
>>> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
>>> pick out some voices, etc. 
>>> 
>>> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
>>> study.
>>> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
>>> likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>>> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>>> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
>>> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>>> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
>>> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
>>> radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues 
>>> are mentioned.
>>> I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
>>> the same noisy result.
>>> It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
>>> but I doubt it.
>>> I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>> 
>>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>> 
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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BVARC@bvarc.org
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Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Christopher Boone via BVARC]

I found my noise problem in the florescent lights in my kitchen...turn them
off and it goes away...probably the ballast... I'm in a rental soguess
I turn them off to operate lol

Chris
WB5ITT

On Thu, Feb 4, 2021, 12:59 AM Michael Monsour via BVARC 
wrote:

> *Divide and Conquer*
> *Get a 12 volt battery to operate the radio*
> *Then pull the main breaker in your house.*
> *Either it gets better or it doesn't*
> *Michael Monsour*
>
> On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 6:56 PM Gus Bernard via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
>> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power
>> lines.
>>
>> Gus, K5GMB
>>
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745
>>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt
>>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
>>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the
>>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and
>>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be
>>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>>
>>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I
>>> get consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can
>>> barely pick out some voices, etc.
>>>
>>>
>>>- I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my
>>>antenna study.
>>>- I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem
>>>would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>>>- The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>>>
>>>
>>>- Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally
>>>consistant across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>>>- I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power
>>>supply.
>>>- It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to
>>>the radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM
>>>issues are mentioned.
>>>- I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice
>>>band, with the same noisy result.
>>>- It could be the net result of a large number of small device
>>>transformers, but I doubt it.
>>>- I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>>
>>>
>>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>>
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>>
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Michael Monsour via BVARC]

*Divide and Conquer*
*Get a 12 volt battery to operate the radio*
*Then pull the main breaker in your house.*
*Either it gets better or it doesn't*
*Michael Monsour*

On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 6:56 PM Gus Bernard via BVARC 
wrote:

> What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power
> lines.
>
> Gus, K5GMB
>
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745
>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt
>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the
>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and
>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be
>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>
>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get
>> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely
>> pick out some voices, etc.
>>
>>
>>- I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my
>>antenna study.
>>- I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem
>>would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>>- The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>>
>>
>>- Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally
>>consistant across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>>- I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power
>>supply.
>>- It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to
>>the radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM
>>issues are mentioned.
>>- I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band,
>>with the same noisy result.
>>- It could be the net result of a large number of small device
>>transformers, but I doubt it.
>>- I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>
>>
>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Gus Bernard via BVARC]

What Rick says.  Then try taking it portable, away from the QTH and power
lines.

Gus, K5GMB

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
wrote:

> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745
> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt
> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the
> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and
> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be
> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>
> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get
> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely
> pick out some voices, etc.
>
>
>- I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my
>antenna study.
>- I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem
>would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>- The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>
>
>- Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant
>across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>- I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
>- It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to
>the radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM
>issues are mentioned.
>- I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band,
>with the same noisy result.
>- It could be the net result of a large number of small device
>transformers, but I doubt it.
>- I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>
>
> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>
> Mark
> N5PRD
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Thank you, Rick. Will do. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 1, 2021, at 2:17 PM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> Thank you. No plasmas. 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Feb 1, 2021, at 11:23 AM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Mark,
>> 
>> Have a read of the September 2017 BVARC Newsletter -- The Radio Hotel column 
>> is about receive noise, etc.   Also look at the referenced QST column.
>> 
>> Might help you in your quest.
>> 
>> Rick -- W5RH
>> 
>>> On Mon, Feb 1, 2021 at 8:47 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>> wrote:
>>> I will check all these things. 
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
> On Jan 31, 2021, at 10:16 PM, Doug SEYLER via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
 
 If you have. A battery powered sw receiver, check to see if it is present 
 there. If so, trip the main power to the house to see if it goes away. RFI 
 can be very broad banded. I’ve had power line noise that extends cripples 
 a lot of the spectrum.
 
 Doug W9LCQ
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
>> On Jan 31, 2021, at 9:00 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> 
> 
> Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening 
> to General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you 
> can hear it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a 
> radio set up issue, IMHO.Rick
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com
> 
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller  
>> wrote:
>> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
>> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, 
>> just what I thought of first to last
>> .
>> --  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain 
>> control? 
>> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
>> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
>> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  
>> What is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
>> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
>> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
>> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
>> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center 
>> for a base reference.
>> 
>> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is 
>> the jumper OK continuity wise? 
>> 
>> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if 
>> the band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
>> 
>> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 
>> insert it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   
>> Then screw on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, 
>> using only the center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you 
>> screw on the 259 outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then 
>> a closed system.
>> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect 
>> the wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The 
>> receive noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center 
>> pin..is this noise the same as you are complaining about?
>> 
>> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the 
>> Nano reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF 
>> PWR and SWR set etc.
>> 
>> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss 
>> in your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking 
>> with ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received 
>> signals are being processed.
>> 
>> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
>> 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com
>> 
>>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>>>  wrote:
>>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an 
>>> IC-745 Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 
>>> 20A MegaWatt switching power supply, which is located right next to the 
>>> radio. The antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 
>>> degrees to the power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR 
>>> response, and everything looks reasonable, though some small 
>>> adjustments may need to be made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>> 
>>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I 
>>> get consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I 
>>> can barely pick out some voices, etc. 
>>> 
>>> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
>>> study.
>>> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Thank you. No plasmas. 


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 1, 2021, at 11:23 AM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Mark,
> 
> Have a read of the September 2017 BVARC Newsletter -- The Radio Hotel column 
> is about receive noise, etc.   Also look at the referenced QST column.
> 
> Might help you in your quest.
> 
> Rick -- W5RH
> 
>> On Mon, Feb 1, 2021 at 8:47 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> I will check all these things. 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
 On Jan 31, 2021, at 10:16 PM, Doug SEYLER via BVARC  
 wrote:
 
>>> 
>>> If you have. A battery powered sw receiver, check to see if it is present 
>>> there. If so, trip the main power to the house to see if it goes away. RFI 
>>> can be very broad banded. I’ve had power line noise that extends cripples a 
>>> lot of the spectrum.
>>> 
>>> Doug W9LCQ
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>> 
> On Jan 31, 2021, at 9:00 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
 
 Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening 
 to General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you 
 can hear it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a radio 
 set up issue, IMHO.Rick
 
Virus-free. www.avast.com
 
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller  
> wrote:
> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, 
> just what I thought of first to last
> .
> --  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain 
> control? 
> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What 
> is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center 
> for a base reference.
> 
> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is 
> the jumper OK continuity wise? 
> 
> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if 
> the band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
> 
> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 
> insert it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   
> Then screw on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, 
> using only the center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you 
> screw on the 259 outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then 
> a closed system.
> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect 
> the wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The 
> receive noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center 
> pin..is this noise the same as you are complaining about?
> 
> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the 
> Nano reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF 
> PWR and SWR set etc.
> 
> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss 
> in your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking 
> with ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received 
> signals are being processed.
> 
> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
> 
> 
>  
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com
> 
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>>  wrote:
>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A 
>> MegaWatt switching power supply, which is located right next to the 
>> radio. The antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 
>> degrees to the power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR 
>> response, and everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments 
>> may need to be made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>> 
>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I 
>> get consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can 
>> barely pick out some voices, etc. 
>> 
>> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
>> study.
>> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
>> likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Rick Hiller via BVARC]

Mark,

Have a read of the September 2017 BVARC Newsletter -- The Radio Hotel
column is about receive noise, etc.   Also look at the referenced QST
column.

Might help you in your quest.

Rick -- W5RH

On Mon, Feb 1, 2021 at 8:47 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
wrote:

> I will check all these things.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 31, 2021, at 10:16 PM, Doug SEYLER via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
> 
> If you have. A battery powered sw receiver, check to see if it is present
> there. If so, trip the main power to the house to see if it goes away. RFI
> can be very broad banded. I’ve had power line noise that extends cripples a
> lot of the spectrum.
>
> Doug W9LCQ
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Jan 31, 2021, at 9:00 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
> 
> Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening
> to General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you
> can hear it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a radio
> set up issue, IMHO.Rick
>
>
> 
>  Virus-free.
> www.avast.com
> 
> <#m_1677128648540102546_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller 
> wrote:
>
>> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
>> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular
>> order, just what I thought of first to last
>> .
>> --  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain
>> control?
>> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
>> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
>> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What
>> is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
>> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
>> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
>> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
>> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center
>> for a base reference.
>>
>> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is
>> the jumper OK continuity wise?
>>
>> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if
>> the band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
>>
>> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259
>> insert it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then
>> screw on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only
>> the center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the
>> 259 outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
>> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect
>> the wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The
>> receive noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center
>> pin..is this noise the same as you are complaining about?
>>
>> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the
>> Nano reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR
>> and SWR set etc.
>>
>> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss
>> in your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking
>> with ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals
>> are being processed.
>>
>> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>>  Virus-free.
>> www.avast.com
>> 
>> <#m_1677128648540102546_m_8022499859921838938_m_5532074014698849640_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>>
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745
>>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt
>>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
>>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the
>>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and
>>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be
>>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>>
>>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I
>>> get consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can
>>> barely pick out some voices, etc.
>>>
>>>
>>>- I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my
>>>antenna study.
>>>- I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem
>>>would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Jeffrey Carson via BVARC]

 Are you using a Plasma TV set? 
I have heard some say they dont have the issue, but 90% of plasma, including 
mine, will totally overtake all bands from 160 to 440 and make your radio 
unusable. 
On Monday, February 1, 2021, 08:47:42 AM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
 wrote:  
 
 I will check all these things. 
Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 31, 2021, at 10:16 PM, Doug SEYLER via BVARC  wrote:




If you have. A battery powered sw receiver, check to see if it is present 
there. If so, trip the main power to the house to see if it goes away. RFI can 
be very broad banded. I’ve had power line noise that extends cripples a lot of 
the spectrum.
Doug W9LCQ

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 31, 2021, at 9:00 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:



Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening to 
General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you can hear 
it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a radio set up issue, 
IMHO.Rick

|  | Virus-free. www.avast.com  |


On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller  wrote:

Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:Sounds like a radio problem to 
me...sonot in any particular order, just what I thought of first to 
last.--  What S level is the noise?    Does it change level with the RF 
Gain control? -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?-- 
What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?-- What does the Nano VNA show?  
Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna 
across 40 and 20?-- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the 
setting a bit.-- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off 
too.-- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?-- 
Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center for a 
base reference.
-- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the 
jumper OK continuity wise? 
-- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the band 
pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
-- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert it 
into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw on the 
PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the center pin 
causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259 outside the 
noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.You can also do 
this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the wire to the inside 
center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive noise should increase 
when you touch the wire to the center pin..is this noise the same as you 
are complaining about?
Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano 
reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and SWR 
set etc.
That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.    Something is amiss in your 
set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with ya.  
Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are being 
processed.
GL and 73...rick -- W5RH

 

|  | Virus-free. www.avast.com  |


On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:

I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the power-lines. 
I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything looks 
reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing is 
grounded as yet.
Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
pick out some voices, etc. 
   
   - I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
study.
   - I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
   - The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
   
   - Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant 
across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
   - I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
   - It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are 
mentioned.
   - I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
the same noisy result.
   - It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
but I doubt it.
   - I turned off the wifi, and still no change.

Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

I will check all these things. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 31, 2021, at 10:16 PM, Doug SEYLER via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> If you have. A battery powered sw receiver, check to see if it is present 
> there. If so, trip the main power to the house to see if it goes away. RFI 
> can be very broad banded. I’ve had power line noise that extends cripples a 
> lot of the spectrum.
> 
> Doug W9LCQ
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>>> On Jan 31, 2021, at 9:00 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening to 
>> General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you can 
>> hear it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a radio set 
>> up issue, IMHO.Rick
>> 
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com
>> 
>>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller  wrote:
>>> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
>>> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, just 
>>> what I thought of first to last
>>> .
>>> --  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain 
>>> control? 
>>> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
>>> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
>>> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What 
>>> is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
>>> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
>>> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
>>> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
>>> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center 
>>> for a base reference.
>>> 
>>> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the 
>>> jumper OK continuity wise? 
>>> 
>>> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the 
>>> band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
>>> 
>>> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert 
>>> it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw 
>>> on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the 
>>> center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259 
>>> outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
>>> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the 
>>> wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive 
>>> noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center pin..is 
>>> this noise the same as you are complaining about?
>>> 
>>> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano 
>>> reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and 
>>> SWR set etc.
>>> 
>>> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss in 
>>> your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with 
>>> ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are 
>>> being processed.
>>> 
>>> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
>>> 
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Virus-free. www.avast.com
>>> 
 On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
 wrote:
 I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
 Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A 
 MegaWatt switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. 
 The antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to 
 the power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
 everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
 made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
 
 Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
 consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can 
 barely pick out some voices, etc. 
 
 I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
 study.
 I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
 likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
 The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
 Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant 
 across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
 I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
 It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
 radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues 
 are mentioned.
 I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
 the same noisy result.
 It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
 but I doubt it.
 I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
 
 Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Doug SEYLER via BVARC]

If you have. A battery powered sw receiver, check to see if it is present 
there. If so, trip the main power to the house to see if it goes away. RFI can 
be very broad banded. I’ve had power line noise that extends cripples a lot of 
the spectrum.

Doug W9LCQ

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 31, 2021, at 9:00 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening to 
> General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you can 
> hear it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a radio set up 
> issue, IMHO.Rick
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com
> 
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller  wrote:
>> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
>> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular order, just 
>> what I thought of first to last
>> .
>> --  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain 
>> control? 
>> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
>> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
>> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What is 
>> the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
>> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
>> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
>> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
>> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center for 
>> a base reference.
>> 
>> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the 
>> jumper OK continuity wise? 
>> 
>> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the 
>> band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
>> 
>> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert 
>> it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw on 
>> the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the 
>> center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259 
>> outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
>> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the 
>> wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive 
>> noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center pin..is this 
>> noise the same as you are complaining about?
>> 
>> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano 
>> reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and 
>> SWR set etc.
>> 
>> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss in 
>> your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with 
>> ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are 
>> being processed.
>> 
>> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
>> 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com
>> 
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 
>>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
>>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The 
>>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the 
>>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and 
>>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be 
>>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>> 
>>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
>>> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
>>> pick out some voices, etc. 
>>> 
>>> I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna 
>>> study.
>>> I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would 
>>> likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>>> The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>>> Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across 
>>> the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>>> I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
>>> It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the 
>>> radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues 
>>> are mentioned.
>>> I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with 
>>> the same noisy result.
>>> It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, 
>>> but I doubt it.
>>> I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>> 
>>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>> 
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Rick Hiller via BVARC]

Although it is a Ham Band antenna for 40,20,10you might try listening
to General Coverage and tune to 10, 15 or 20 MHz for WWV..see if you
can hear it.from what you say, I doubt it, and if so, you have a radio
set up issue, IMHO.Rick


Virus-free.
www.avast.com

<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 8:45 PM Rick Hiller  wrote:

> Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
> Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular
> order, just what I thought of first to last
> .
> --  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain
> control?
> -- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
> -- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
> -- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What
> is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
> -- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
> -- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
> -- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
> -- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center
> for a base reference.
>
> -- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the
> jumper OK continuity wise?
>
> -- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the
> band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.
>
> -- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259
> insert it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then
> screw on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only
> the center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the
> 259 outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
> You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect
> the wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The
> receive noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center
> pin..is this noise the same as you are complaining about?
>
> Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano
> reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and
> SWR set etc.
>
> That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss in
> your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with
> ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are
> being processed.
>
> GL and 73...rick -- W5RH
>
>
>
>
>
> 
>  Virus-free.
> www.avast.com
> 
> <#m_8022499859921838938_m_5532074014698849640_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
>> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745
>> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt
>> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
>> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the
>> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and
>> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be
>> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>>
>> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get
>> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely
>> pick out some voices, etc.
>>
>>
>>- I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my
>>antenna study.
>>- I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem
>>would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>>- The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>>
>>
>>- Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally
>>consistant across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>>- I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power
>>supply.
>>- It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to
>>the radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM
>>issues are mentioned.
>>- I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band,
>>with the same noisy result.
>>- It could be the net result of a large number of small device
>>transformers, but I doubt it.
>>- I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>>
>>
>> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>>
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Rick Hiller via BVARC]

Mark,  A few questions, comments and tests:
Sounds like a radio problem to me...sonot in any particular
order, just what I thought of first to last
.
--  What S level is the noise?Does it change level with the RF Gain
control?
-- What if you disconnect your antenna coax?  Does it go away?
-- What if you connect a dummy load?  Same noise?
-- What does the Nano VNA show?  Impedance wise (R and j)  and SWR?  What
is the SWR bandwidth of the antenna across 40 and 20?
-- Where is your RF Gain pot?  Maxed?   Try reducing the setting a bit.
-- Do you have your "pre-amp" on?  If so, turn it off.   NB off too.
-- What about CW modedoes the Narrow filter on make a difference?
-- Where are the IF/PBT shift sliders set?  They should be in the center
for a base reference.

-- Are the rear panel Receive Antenna In and Out jacks jumpered and is the
jumper OK continuity wise?

-- Is the Ham/General select switch in Ham position?  I am not sure if the
band pass filters are bypassed in Generaljust a guess.

-- Take your coax off.  Then using ONLY the center pin of the PL-259 insert
it into the radio SO-239 center ONLY.  Is the noise similar?   Then screw
on the PL-259 outsidedoes the noise change?   Usually, using only the
center pin causes lots of receive noise and then when you screw on the 259
outside the noise reduces as the antenna system is then a closed system.
You can also do this with a 10 foot long piece of wire and just connect the
wire to the inside center terminal of the SO-239 on the radio.  The receive
noise should increase when you touch the wire to the center pin..is
this noise the same as you are complaining about?

Have you run power to the antenna?   What is the SWR?  Similar to the Nano
reading?  Use the internal SWR meter and meter switch to select RF PWR and
SWR set etc.

That's about it for a 745 brain dump for tonight.Something is amiss in
your set up, IMHO, no external wideband white noise source is jacking with
ya.  Sounds like receiver noise is at max gain and no received signals are
being processed.

GL and 73...rick -- W5RH





Virus-free.
www.avast.com

<#m_5532074014698849640_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
wrote:

> I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745
> Icom with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt
> switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The
> antenna is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the
> power-lines. I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and
> everything looks reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be
> made. Nothing is grounded as yet.
>
> Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get
> consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely
> pick out some voices, etc.
>
>
>- I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my
>antenna study.
>- I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem
>would likely be more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
>- The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
>
>
>- Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant
>across the spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
>- I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
>- It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to
>the radio, but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM
>issues are mentioned.
>- I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band,
>with the same noisy result.
>- It could be the net result of a large number of small device
>transformers, but I doubt it.
>- I turned off the wifi, and still no change.
>
>
> Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?
>
> Mark
> N5PRD
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>


-- 
Rick Hiller
*e-mail: rickhille...@gmail.com *
*Cell:832-474-3713*
*Physical: 9031 Troulon Drive*
*   Houston, TX 77036*


Virus-free.
www.avast.com

<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] QRM in new radio setup

[Bruce via BVARC]

i am going to guess a ground loop. 

73...bruce

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 31, 2021, at 7:33 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:

I am reaching out for ideas on a radio issue. I have installed an IC-745 Icom 
with an MFJ-2010 offset fed dipole. The power supply is a 20A MegaWatt 
switching power supply, which is located right next to the radio. The antenna 
is under some high power-lines with the long leg 90 degrees to the power-lines. 
I used my nanoVNA to study the band SWR response, and everything looks 
reasonable, though some small adjustments may need to be made. Nothing is 
grounded as yet.

Here’s my problem. I am only attempting to receive at this time and I get 
consistent QRM white noise across all bands to the point where I can barely 
pick out some voices, etc. 

I am confident that the antenna is properly connected due to my antenna study.
I don’t believe the power lines are an issue, since the problem would likely be 
more isolated show up as birdies at certain frequencies.
The radio settings seem to all be correct according to the manual.
Lack of grounding, but again the white noise is generally consistant across the 
spectrum. Still, this could be the problem.
I have turned off my computer, so there no QRM from its power supply.
It does not help to have the switching power supply right next to the radio, 
but other users give good reports on this model and no QRM issues are mentioned.
I tried the radio at different times of the day on 20-m voice band, with the 
same noisy result.
It could be the net result of a large number of small device transformers, but 
I doubt it.
I turned off the wifi, and still no change.

Hmm… I am a little stumped. Any thoughts or ideas? Personal experiences?

Mark
N5PRD

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org