fish@ihu1g.UUCP (Bob Fishell) (01/13/84)
To my knowledge, there is no law governing the use of broadcast antennas,
but the FCC sets strict regulations on the amount of broadcast power a CB
operator may use. I think it's only a few watts; I don't remember the
exact figure.
Some CB operators break the law, and rather blatantly. Many of them
attach powerful RF amplifiers ("linears") to the output of their
rigs; these can run up to 5000 watts! A neighbor of mine back in
Columbus, Ohio had a 500 watt "linear" that turned my receiver into a
very good CB receiver -- with the input set on PHONO!
Forget about fixing your equipment. When I described the problem I had
with my Columbus neighbor to one of my EE professors, he told me that there
were "too many harmonics." However, the FCC frowns on the use of unauthorized
equipment. If you describe the problem to them, they can check out the
guy's broadcast power from a van near his house. If he's cheating, he'll
have to tear his rig down and pay a hefty fine.
Bob Fishelloscar@utcsrgv.UUCP (Oscar M. Nierstrasz) (01/16/84)
I never *used* to have these problems. Ever since I moved to a fairly busy part of town I've been getting this occasional loud hum on my stereo. It happens with speakers & headphones, turntable and cassette deck, therefore I suspect the amp. The trick is, every once in a while that hum is accompanied by human speech! It sounds distinctly like cab company or police car radio jabber. I suspect the speechless hums are the same thing not coming in as clearly. Also, the hums last about the length of time you would expect a brief transmission to last. Anybody out there ever experience this? What can I do about it? Wrap my apartment in aluminum foil? Move? Thanks. Oscar Nierstrasz