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Post by Admin on May 20, 2023 22:46:17 GMT
Well, I decided to try Carrier Current again since the DSL modem has been replaced by a cable modem and my son is on a fiber connection for his internet. The DSL modem was susceptible to RF interference from the Carrier Current so I quit that some time ago, restarting a few days ago.
The transmitter has been on Carrier Current for a few days now and so far, so good. So, I upped the power from 5 to 10 watts.
I'm using neutral injection and an isolated ground. I'm hearing the signal about 2 miles out. The signal strength drops off abruptly about 1/4 mile out and then remains fairly constant. Weak but constant.
The transmitter is a Radio Systems Phase II, the coupler is an LPB TCU-30.
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Post by Admin on May 23, 2023 16:45:18 GMT
One thing I've noticed, it's necessary to check the tuning of the transmitter coupler several times a day.
Apparently, as the load changes on the AC lines the coupler tuning can change quite a bit. Using neutral injection, I wouldn't think load changes on the AC lines would have such an effect but I can't think of another reason for the drastic tuning changes.
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Post by Admin on May 29, 2023 23:26:31 GMT
Well, it's been a couple weeks now and no interference problems.
Still have to check/adjust the coupler tuning a few times a day to keep the signal going forward.
Interesting how the signal travels as the further out, depending on the area, the stronger the signal. And yet sometimes it'll disappear and reappear. I suppose it has to do with configuration of the grid neutrals.
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Post by Admin on Jun 11, 2023 20:00:50 GMT
Almost a whole month now and no interference problems from the carrier current signal.
It's been running 10 watts, give or take, and definitely need to check/adjust the line couple at least a couple times a day.
The signal coverage is fantastic. While driving, I'm hearing the signal well enough to listen to for 2 or 3 miles.
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Post by Admin on Jul 11, 2023 21:28:59 GMT
Watching this for a while now, I still can't get over how much and quickly the powerline tuning changes.
Listening while driving, there was a very good signal and then it's gone for maybe a minute. Then, bang and it's right back as it was.
By air, I was probably a couple miles away when that was heard.
Watching the SWR meter at the transmitter, you can see the abrupt changes in the tuning.
So, I'll just keep checking and adjusting periodically.
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Post by joemartinez on Jul 12, 2023 0:03:10 GMT
This is very interesting to me .
Consider what can be done with Part 15 Radio !
It has potential !
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Post by Admin on Jul 12, 2023 23:01:40 GMT
Amateur Radio operators used carrier current during WWII. Seems that type of communication was restricted during the war.
So, the Hams started using Carrier Current and supposedly it worked well for them. Of course, there was probably a lot less ambient noise to contend with.
I'll have to find some detailed info on how the Hams did it.
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