Radio Direction Finding (RDF) with portable radio on arcing

Radio Direction Finding (RDF) technique on the power line noise source which was a mile away and is shown in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhaMJD57QwA

This video quickly shows how to use a compass and a radio to get the initial bearing on the noise source.

The built-in ferrite loopstick antenna exhibits a reception 'null' off each end so the signal gets weaker when the radio is in line with the noise source.

In this particular radio, the ferrite rod antenna or 'loopstick' is used on just two bands:

1) the AM Broadcast band (535 - 1605 kHz) and

2) the SW1 (2 - 6 MHz) band; the short telescopic whip is also used on this band.

On SW2 (6 - 18 MHz) only the telescopic whip is used so DFing using the null technique is not possible.

In this video the radio is tuned to approximately 2.65 MHz (SW 1 band on this radio), which is where I found the strongest signal on the portable radio.

Related -

DFing a Power Pole with RF Noise at 15 MHz using Degen DE1103 and 1 foot Tuned Loop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHjBcNtt5hA

DFing (Direction Finding) signals on shortwave, showing a high incoming elevation angle on signals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJJiyXEbkg

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• radio direction finding
• RDF
• power line noise
• arcing
• arcing noise
• RFI

[ender06026]

Nice demonstration of using the null and a radio mounted compass to get a bearing on the noise.

[uploadJ]

Thanks ender. This vid goes with a pdf file in the Info section describing how I tracked down this noisy power line using this RDF technique. Thanks again for the comment ender. Jim

[sv2evs]

I have a problem regarding dcf77 frequency, on 77,5 khz. I have a very powerfull qrm. Can i use something like this to find were the problem is ?

[ender06026]

Well, I am glad to report that my line noise issue has been corrected! It was a blown lightning arrestor nearly a mile away, across the river and deep in the woods in another town! The power company was amazed that I could hear it so loudly from that distance. Using google earth satellite pictures and my beam headings I was almost spot-on with its location. The s-meter on the Pro III sits at "0" once again (until next time)! Thanks again for your detailed report on these issues!

Rob W1AEX

[ender06026]

Great documentation Jim. I am in the process of attempting to DF an almost identical type of noise. In fact, my 756 Pro III S-Meter rests only slightly below where yours is shown in the pdf file! I have a deep null using a Grundig G5 with an internal bar antenna and your compass technique gives me a bearing that aligns with my 6 meter and 2 meter beams. I have a ticket number with the powerline company so I am hoping to locate the offending hardware before they contact me! 73, Rob W1AEX