ADSL Interference - What options do I have?

[JonPoley]

My neighbours SW radio is destroying my ADSL connection and I am looking for ways to solve it.

I imagine many sceptical readers at this point, but it is definately the source of the interference (I have logs of SN margin from my router that drops out exactly at corresponding times to his broadcasts). One option is, of course, to get him to stop broadcasting either via Ofcom or by cutting the wires to his 50 ft antenna, but the best solution for me would be to avoid the interference and thereby let him continue with his hobby and me with my internet working!

My phone line runs across the road to a telegraph pole, about 20 meters perfectly positioned to pick up interference from his antenna. So my real question is - would any providers think of laying cable underground to my house? If so how would I go about making this happen - I have reached only dead ends in my attempts so far. (I would pay reasonable costs).

Or are there any other options that avoid using the overhead BT line to my house?

Thanks

Jon

[MadGamer]

Could your neighbour move the antenna perhaps? Oh and to CF

[MTJR]

I always thought a "bleeding" transmitter/antenna was a big no-no and should be fixed by the owner under the terms of some radio ham act or something. Sorry if that all sounds a bit vague.

Are you not on speaking terms with said neighbour or is he willing to do what he can to solve the problem?

[Ignitionnet]

Unless you're in the middle of nowhere there's a pretty good chance his transmitter is hosing other people's DSL as well.

Report him to Ofcom and see if they'll get someone out to check the levels he is transmitting at. His 'hobby' is far less important than the Internet service of people around him to be quite honest.

[Jon T]

Originally Posted by MTJR

I always thought a "bleeding" transmitter/antenna was a big no-no and should be fixed by the owner under the terms of some radio ham act or something. Sorry if that all sounds a bit vague.

Are you not on speaking terms with said neighbour or is he willing to do what he can to solve the problem?

The wireless telegraphy act states that the Radio Amateur(Ham) shall test their station regularly to make sure that their equipment is only radiating what it should be.

Before anyone goes "gung ho" on this, the first thing to do should be to go and talk to the radio operator concerned.

To be honest this could be either the mode and power that the Ham is using, or a fault with the transmitter/feedline. Equally it could be a fault on the receiving end causing the problem, most likely corroded or bad cable junction points.

The RSGB can advise on cases of DSL interference/breakthrough.

---------- Post added at 17:01 ---------- Previous post was at 16:56 ----------

Originally Posted by Ignitionnet

Unless you're in the middle of nowhere there's a pretty good chance his transmitter is hosing other people's DSL as well.

Report him to Ofcom and see if they'll get someone out to check the levels he is transmitting at. His 'hobby' is far less important than the Internet service of people around him to be quite honest.

Approaching this from a point of view of a someone working in IT, and also being an active Radio Amateur myself. Instantly reporting to OFCOM is slightly jumping the gun. Such a move has all the potential to create friction between neighbours that doesn't need to be created. The radio operator is exam qualified to understand the causes and mitigation techniques of any interference created and also may have experienced this problem before.

---------- Post added at 17:07 ---------- Previous post was at 17:01 ----------

Edit: This link is a good place to start reading for the OP: http://www.rsgb.org/emc/i-am-causing-breakthrough.php

[Matth]

The RSGB link is good advice. A plug-in filter for phones would not be appropriate, as it would also filter out ADSL, so winding the leads through ferrite rings or split (open, wind, close) cores is the thing to try - a decent radio ham should have some in order to assist with remedying.

Number one place to fit a ring core would be close to the modem.