Portable and Mobile Radio RFI Solutions
Portable operation is fun but also brings challenges to the radio operator concerning receiver “noise” levels, RF interference from adjacent sources including close by transmitting stations, and RFI from portable generators. A typical scenario and some suggested Palomar product solutions are shown in the picture.
Portable operation is typical of ham radio operating events such as Field Day, Summits on the Air, Route 66 events, National Parks on the Air, California QSO party, DXpeditions, and emergency operation command posts, etc.
Suggestions
Each low power operating station with a generator should have:
- Generator RFI Kit (Part # RFI-GEN) with FSB31-1 ferrite filters at each end + Nylon ties for security
- Transceiver RFI Kit (Part # RFI-XCVR)
- Laptop RFI Kit (Part # RFI-1C)
- Coax Cable Noise Filter (Part # CMNF-1)
- Bullet-55 portable HF end fed antenna system
Refine by On SaleCoax Inline Common Mode Choke Unun - 500 Watts 25-300 MHz- 10, 11, 6, 4, 2 MetersCoax Inline Common Mode Choke Unun - 500 Watts 25-300 MHz- 10, 11, 6, 4, 2 MetersSKU FC-8X-3-31List price $39.95 Save 30%$27.95On SaleDC Voltage Common Mode Noise Filter - Marine, RV, Communications, 600 Volts/30 AmpsDC Voltage Common Mode Noise Filter - Marine, RV, Communications, 600 Volts/30 AmpsSKU RFI-DC-30List price $109.95 Save 18%$89.95On SaleLaptop Computer with DC power RFI Kit - 7 FiltersLaptop Computer with DC power RFI Kit - 7 FiltersSKU RFI-LaptopList price $34.95 Save 14%$29.95MAXI-CHOKER Coax Line Isolator/Balun, 1-61 MHz, 1.5/3KW, SO-239 In/Stud Output, FLAGPOLE OCF, G5RV, ZS6BKW, BN4000 Replacement, Ladder Line-Coax interfaceMAXI-CHOKER Coax Line Isolator/Balun, 1-61 MHz, 1.5/3KW, SO-239 In/Stud Output, FLAGPOLE OCF, G5RV, ZS6BKW, BN4000 Replacement, Ladder Line-Coax interfaceSKU MC-1-1500LL$89.95MINI-BALUN 1:1 Coax Interface to Ladder Line, Dipole elements, 500 Watts PEP, up to -38Db Common Mode Rejection, 1-61 MHz, Flagpole, Dipole, Beam and G5RV/ZS6BKW AntennasMINI-BALUN 1:1 Coax Interface to Ladder Line, Dipole elements, 500 Watts PEP, up to -38Db Common Mode Rejection, 1-61 MHz, Flagpole, Dipole, Beam and G5RV/ZS6BKW AntennasSKU MB-1-500SS$69.95VHF/UHF Generic Base Transceiver RFI KitVHF/UHF Generic Base Transceiver RFI KitSKU RFI-VHF-BASE$49.95
Portable and Mobile Radio RFI Solutions
Portable operation is fun but also brings challenges to the radio operator concerning receiver “noise” levels, RF interference from adjacent sources including close by transmitting stations, and RFI from portable generators. A typical scenario and some suggested Palomar product solutions are shown in the picture.
Portable operation is typical of ham radio operating events such as Field Day, Summits on the Air, Route 66 events, National Parks on the Air, California QSO party, DXpeditions, and emergency operation command posts, etc.
Suggestions
Each low power operating station with a generator should have:
- Generator RFI Kit (Part # RFI-GEN) with FSB31-1 ferrite filters at each end + Nylon ties for security
- Transceiver RFI Kit (Part # RFI-XCVR)
- Laptop RFI Kit (Part # RFI-1C)
- Coax Cable Noise Filter (Part # CMNF-1)
- Bullet-55 portable HF end fed antenna system
Christmas lights or yard lights with switching DC power supplies are often the RFI source and a clamp on ferrite bead on the AC AND the DC side feeding the lights is needed to help suppress the switching power supply RFI noise. Suitable snap on beads are FSB31-1/2 for the 1-250 MHz range.
We have also had reported wireless HDTV boxes, and FOSCAM and AMCREST security camera systems causing RFI to garage door remote openers. Use our Garage Door Opener RFI kit to suppress the interference to the opener (VICTIM) – you need one kit for each opener. Maximize the distance from the camera to the openers may also help. Additionally shield cable to the garage door sensors may be needed depending on severity of the camera RFI.
Obvious Tech Note: make sure your remote batteries have enough energy to activate the GDO or the signal they transmit may not be large enough to over ride the RFI signal, but a fresh battery may be able to overcome the weak RFI source and allow the GDO to operate correctly.