Buzzing sound on VHF

[AZScanner]

Hey everyone,

This only happens when I'm at work, but on VHF channels I get a horrible buzzing sound. I'm using PL tones to keep the scanner from locking up on the buzzing noise, but it's so bad that I can barely understand transmissions when they do come thru.

I'm guessing that it's due to some WAP's we have here. Anyone know of a filter or something I can put on the scanner to eliminate this buzzing noise?

Thanks,
-AZ

 

[mr_hankey]

after YEARS of fighting VHF and UHF interference on my portables, i've stumbled on the trick of using an antenna that is "deaf" in those ranges.

example - i have the Rat Shack 800Mhz antenna that is good at rejecting the computer drive noises, but still picks up strong VHF and UHF signals.

sure, you won't get Egypt, TX from 200 miles away, but it will reject most of the noise from computers.

you can also try attenuation, or NO ANTENNA. (that last suggestion is not a joke - i have used it when in a local store to pick up the handheld inputs without tripping across other similar frequencies)

 

[lschmidt]

Sounds like electrical interference of some kind. Are you near any power
lines?

 

[mlevin]

I always get that when the scanner is next to the computer. Drives me up a wall. But not a lot of VHF to listen to anyways around here.

 

[AZScanner]

I always get that when the scanner is next to the computer. Drives me up a wall. But not a lot of VHF to listen to anyways around here.

Well, I have 2 problems: First, the scanner will be near a computer no matter where I put it (cubicle farm) and 2 the fire agencies out here are all on VHF, and that's what I need to monitor while I'm here! mr_hankey suggested I try the RS 800 duck, but that attenuates them too much and still picks up the buzzing sound. :x

I think tomorrow I'll try bringing in my 2067 and a wall wart - the metal case might help shield it from this annoying buzzing ... it's worth trying I suppose.

Thanks for the replies. 8)
-AZ

 

[mlevin]

I also still have the problem with the RS 800 duckie. I usually move around on the desk, and there's always one spot where the buzzing goes away. The way I have things set up now is the CPU on my right, and the radios on the FAR left side of the desk. Move it around and see what happens.

 

[kikito]

I think tomorrow I'll try bringing in my 2067 and a wall wart - the metal case might help shield it from this annoying buzzing ... it's worth trying I suppose.

Thanks for the replies. 8)
-AZ

Have you tried wrapping the handheld in tin foil and making cut outs for the display and the buttons?!

Hey, it might work and still better than having the foil on your head!

 

[AZScanner]

Have you tried wrapping the handheld in tin foil and making cut outs for the display and the buttons?!

Hey, it might work and still better than having the foil on your head!

Pinky.... you're hurting me....

-AZ

 

[kikito]

Pinky.... you're hurting me....

-AZ

LOL!

 

[Spleen]

I've all but given up on scanning at work...between the flourescent lighting, PCs, WAPs, whatever is in the server room and/or cable closet (switches, hubs, routers, etc.), and the associated cabling, yer fighting a losing battle. Best thing to do is get promoted so you get a office with a lot of windows....