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howto:growequipmentrfi [2021/03/20 14:29] – va7fi | howto:growequipmentrfi [2021/06/05 12:29] (current) – va7fi |
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The next day, they contacted me to tell me that they think they found the issue: | The next day, they contacted me to tell me that they think they found the issue: |
> <WRAP indent> | <QUOTE>It appears to be us causing the interference, but we don't know what we can do about it. We are attempting to build an indoor garden for growing in the winter (based on the current global events), and so we picked up some growing equipment. [...] What we don't understand though is that it is one light and one ballast. How could that cause interference? [...] Any ideas? |
<< It appears to be us causing the interference, but we don't know what we can do about it. We are attempting to build an indoor garden for growing in the winter (based on the current global events), and so we picked up some growing equipment. [...] What we don't understand though is that it is one light and one ballast. How could that cause interference? [...] Any ideas? >> | </QUOTE> |
</WRAP> | |
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We coordinated a quick turn-off-and-back-on test and confirmed that it was indeed their growing equipment: | We coordinated a quick turn-off-and-back-on test and confirmed that it was indeed their growing equipment: |
I offered to do a bit of research to see if the RFI could be filtered for their equipment. They told me they're using a [[https://www.hydroponics.net/i/133472 |Hilux Grow Light (AHS 1000)]] (a High Pressure Sodium Bulb) and a BCBallast (NL-HS1000/CGD2E) that I couldn't find any information about. Reading up a bit, it seems that it's the cheaper ballasts (not the bulbs) that are to blame for most of the RFI. | I offered to do a bit of research to see if the RFI could be filtered for their equipment. They told me they're using a [[https://www.hydroponics.net/i/133472 |Hilux Grow Light (AHS 1000)]] (a High Pressure Sodium Bulb) and a BCBallast (NL-HS1000/CGD2E) that I couldn't find any information about. Reading up a bit, it seems that it's the cheaper ballasts (not the bulbs) that are to blame for most of the RFI. |
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This [[http://tomthompson.com/radio/GrowLight/GrowLightBallastFilter.html |site]] explains various experiments with filtering the input and output of the ballast and links to [[https://growershouse.com/nanolux-rf-filter-set-reduce-rf-interference |this set of filters]] that seems promising. Failing that, the [[https://www.galaxyballasts.com/shop/product/galaxy-commercial-electronic-ballast-208-240-volt |Galaxy Ballasts]] seem to have very good filtering and low RFI. | This [[http://tomthompson.com/radio/GrowLight/GrowLightBallastFilter.html |site]] explains various experiments with filtering the input and output of the ballast and links to [[https://nanoluxtech.com/rf-filter-set/ |this set of filters]] that seems promising. Failing that, the [[https://www.galaxyballasts.com/shop/product/galaxy-commercial-electronic-ballast-208-240-volt |Galaxy Ballasts]] seem to have very good filtering and low RFI. |
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After explaining how important it is to stop using their equipment until the RFI issue is resolved (and pointing them to the [[https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/R-2/FullText.html |Radiocommunication Act]]), they agreed to keep their light off until they get a filter set. | After explaining how important it is to stop using their equipment until the RFI issue is resolved (and pointing them to the [[https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/R-2/FullText.html |Radiocommunication Act]]), they agreed to keep their light off until they get a filter set. |
Before my neighbour got back to me the next day, I sent an email to the [[https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01742.html |ISED Canada Lower Mainland District Office]] to see what the next steps would be in case they didn't want to cooperate: | Before my neighbour got back to me the next day, I sent an email to the [[https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01742.html |ISED Canada Lower Mainland District Office]] to see what the next steps would be in case they didn't want to cooperate: |
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> <WRAP indent> | <QUOTE> |
<< To: [[ic.spectrumsurrey-surreyspectre.ic@canada.ca]] | To: [[ic.spectrumsurrey-surreyspectre.ic@canada.ca]] |
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Hello, | Hello, |
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Patrick Truchon, VA7FI >> | Patrick Truchon, VA7FI >> |
</WRAP> | </QUOTE> |
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I got a response six days later: | I got a response six days later: |
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> <WRAP indent> | <QUOTE> |
<< Hello Patrick, | Hello Patrick, |
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I have received your email concern regarding interference on 80m and 40m. | I have received your email concern regarding interference on 80m and 40m. |
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<Name Redacted> >> | <Name Redacted> >> |
</WRAP> | </QUOTE> |
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I informed him that my neighbour and I resolved the issue and he responded" "That is great to hear. Very interesting resolution!" | I informed him that my neighbour and I resolved the issue and he responded: "That is great to hear. Very interesting resolution!" |
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