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RF Noise

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 8:26 am
by alanbarker
First of all thanks for letting me join this forum! I have very recently purchased a RSP-1A and connected to my MacBook running macOS 10.11.6 (El Capitan). I'm also using the CubicSDR software package plus drivers from the SDRPlay website. I seem to be living in a very RF noisy neighbour good making reception of only the strongest signals possible on the HF bands using a random length wire antenna. Am I right in thinking there is currently no noise blanking features available in the device and CubicSDR software? Is there an alternative software package that may offer noise blanking support - I've seen reports that GQRX can be persuaded to work but with difficulty though.

Thanks,

Alan

Re: RF Noise

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 4:27 pm
by Roger
Alan,

Noise blankers work well against impulsive noise like those generated by engine ignition systems and arcing but are not very effective against the typical man-made RF noise we find in residential and city areas.

A random wire antenna connected directly to the input of an RSP1 A is a "noise magnet". The easiest way to combat the noise we all find in our neighborhood is by using an antenna suitable for the environment with a properly installed coaxial feedline system.

You will find many posts on this forum and on the SDRplay Facebook group discussing the performance of various antennas, baluns, matching transformers, ferrite line isolators and coax installation. In the SDR Antennas section of this forum there is a video showing a magnetic loop being used inside a townhouse with good results. There is a lot of other good info in that section as well.

Re: RF Noise

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 5:28 pm
by alanbarker
Hi Roger. Yes I'm sure you are correct! I've only been in this house for a short while having been living in more remote areas for several years where there were fewer radio interference problems with long wire antennas. So I had better take your advice and look for better solutions such as a horizontal loop (if my wife will permit me to erect such an "eyesore")!!! Thanks, Alan.