for the love of god make the christmas lights stop

[k2gsp]

One of my neighbors has a nasty string of lights full of noise. This being FL. it's impossible to tell which one, cause they are everywhere.

[AF6HA]

Not that I'm advocating anything ilegal or 'shady' but a few years ago, just across the border in Southeast Georgia (Camden County) that problem would have been fixed with a few well-placed pellets from a bb gun! #And no, I never have participated in such an event - just seen the results.

Best of luck trying to resolve the problem.

[WA6MHZ]

Fortunately, the lights will be up only a little less than a month, unless the clowns run them all year round. I had lights up one year and my Electric bill went up $50 a month. No more lights!

[kf4vgx]

A cheaper solution!

Laptop ,window,battery http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif .

http://www.cantekmetatron.com/images/tree%20animation%201205.gif

[KC9JIQ]

Have you contacted your Homeowners association?

See if you can get lighting displays BANNED after 10 pm, lol. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K8ERV]

Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Dec. 05 2007,17:30)]#I had lights up one year and my Electric bill went up $50 a month. #No more lights!
You are not supposed to use a string of mercury-vapor lights for Christmas.

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif I remember making a thread about lights on a tower, and all the various responces there were to the iddea.

Mo my string of lights on a tower didnt effect any of my amateur rigs.

You folks DO know that about 90% of these holiday light systems come from CHINA, dont ya ?? ...those strings of icicle lights, the multi - colored lights, etc all say on the box " made in CHINA " .

CHINA dont care if their lights mess up your hf receiver....all they want is your american dollar. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Then there was the energy conscious dude that was from ( insert usa state here ) that had his holiday lights hooked up to the solar panel...as long as the sun shined, the lights came on. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[K8ERV]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Dec. 05 2007,18:12)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Then there was the energy conscious dude that was from ( insert usa state here ) that had his holiday lights hooked up to the solar panel...as long as the sun shined, the lights came on. # # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
He wasn't too bright (pun), shoulda hooked up to neighbor's outlet.

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Dec. 05 2007,18:08)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif I remember making a thread about lights on a tower, and all the various responces there were to the iddea.

Mo my string of lights on a tower didnt effect any of my amateur rigs.

You folks DO know that about 90% of these holiday light systems come from CHINA, dont ya ?? ...those strings of icicle lights, the multi - colored lights, etc all say on the box " made in CHINA " .

CHINA dont care if their lights mess up your hf receiver....all they want is your american dollar. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
China, Schmina; it shouldn't matter if they were made in Cucamonga or even Tumbuktu. Whether they are incandescent or LED based, they shouldn't be emitting any RF. (Or is there more the the "lights" than has been mentioned?)

And without knowing WHICH neighbor is responsible for interference from Xmas, er I mean "Holiday" decorations, how do you know whom to approach, for LEGAL means of remedy?

[K8ERV]

Maybe the lights are using a dimmer, and acting as an antenna. Some dimmers make a lot of noise (except for me).

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[N5USR]

Or maybe it's someone with one of those inflatable "snow scenes"? I've seen a couple during the day that look all deflated, perhaps some of them use a small (probably VERY noisy) blower to inflate?

I have seen a few sets that modulate the lights in time to a Christmas carol played through a cheezy piezo buzzer or something. And some sets that just randomly brightened/dimmed or flashed the bulbs in various annoying patterns. Those controllers may generate something.

I wonder if the "flasher" bulb for the small bulb strings could generate a small "spark" of noise each time it opens and closes? Hardly any current flowing in those, but perhaps...

Hm, or someone with a model train set under the tree! I used to enjoy turning off the lights and watching the sparks fly as the train went round and round...

[K8ERV]

Quote[/b] (N5USR @ Dec. 05 2007,19:06)]Hm, or someone with a model train set under the tree! #I used to enjoy turning off the lights and watching the sparks fly as the train went round and round...
You must not be very observant, the train stays put and the tracks rotate. Einstein got it right. (Or was it Barnum?)

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[kn4ds]

2 strings of lights... and an antenna tuner... hmmmmm

[n2jso]

Quote[/b] (N5USR @ Dec. 05 2007,21:06)]I wonder if the "flasher" bulb for the small bulb strings could generate a small "spark" of noise each time it opens and closes? Hardly any current flowing in those, but perhaps...
Yes, they do cause RFI. They cause a lot of clicking in the receiver.

[N2RJ]

I put a timer on ours, they only run from 6PM to midnight.

I want to see if next year we can get some solar panels to offset our energy usage. I really want us to use zero net energy.

[kc4ylv]

Quote[/b] ]2 strings of lights... and an antenna tuner... hmmmmm

That's what I thought first, too.

Before we take the lights down, I'm going to load them up long-wire style and see how it works against the grounding rod. Just to see. QRP, of course. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[AG3Y]

Just be glad that you don't live across the street from this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm_HHUginoo

Merry Christmas ! ! !

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[k2gsp]

Quote[/b] (AG3Y @ Dec. 05 2007,11:11)]Just be glad that you don't live across the street from this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm_HHUginoo

Merry Christmas ! ! !

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
As I recall he spent 15k just on computer equipment to synch all those lights.

[K8ERV]

Lights? I thot he just jugged up a bunch of fireflys. They flash in sync. Cheaper too.

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[K8MHZ]

What would Jesus illuminate?

Me thinks that candles on a belated birthday cake and time with our loved ones should be enough. I am not popular for that ideal, however, and have been considered blasphemous by the commercialists for such a thought.

Christmas lost it's true meaning long ago. The honest would re-name it Corpmas and celebrate the birth of Jesus closer to it's actual date as opposed to hijacking a pagan ritual in His name and devoting it to greedy profiteers.

[KB0LPI]

I'm waiting for somebody to hook them up in a string as an antenna and see them flashing "CQ" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (KB0LPI @ Dec. 06 2007,22:17)]I'm waiting for somebody to hook them up in a string as an antenna and see them flashing "CQ" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
The problem with this is that if the XYL sees it, she'll insist that you spend a LOT of time in the shack, transmitting so the Christmas lights will flash.

[KB0LPI]

I hope she doesn't want them to flash to "Carol of the Bells"

Hams will be driving by "B B B B B B B B...." http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Dec. 05 2007,19:20)]2 strings of lights... and an antenna tuner... hmmmmm
I wonder what's the best DX for a string of Christmas lights? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[K8ERV]

I'm sure one of you guys will come up with a WACL award.

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[KC9GUZ]

Hmmm i have several string up on the house and ive never had a noise problem.

[KE5RRH]

Have you tried talking to your neighbors and telling them to switch lights since its interfering with your ham equipments?

[n8yx]

Quote[/b] (KE5RRH @ Dec. 07 2007,13:26)]Have you tried talking to your neighbors and telling them to switch lights since its interfering with your ham equipments?
Like that's really going to do any good...

[W1GUH]

Quote[/b] (KC9JIQ @ Dec. 04 2007,18:51)]Have you contacted your Homeowners association?

See if you can get lighting displays BANNED after 10 pm, lol. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
But he'd have to blow his cover as a stealthy ham!

[KE5RRH]

Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Dec. 07 2007,13:27)]Quote[/b] (KE5RRH @ Dec. 07 2007,13:26)]Have you tried talking to your neighbors and telling them to switch lights since its interfering with your ham equipments?
Like that's really going to do any good...
true.. but it never hurts to try right? haha yea guess he shouldn't then as one of the guy says.. hes gonna fail at being a stealthy ham radio operator http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[n8yx]

Quote[/b] (KE5RRH @ Dec. 07 2007,14:10)]Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Dec. 07 2007,13:27)]Quote[/b] (KE5RRH @ Dec. 07 2007,13:26)]Have you tried talking to your neighbors and telling them to switch lights since its interfering with your ham equipments?
Like that's really going to do any good...
true.. but it never hurts to try right? haha yea guess he shouldn't then as one of the guy says.. hes gonna fail at being a stealthy ham radio operator http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
In a lot of neighborhoods, you wouldn't want to do that. Many of the low-browed denizens thereof don't take too kindly to someone's critiquing their lighting arrangements.

On the other hand: If the lights are permanent and not seasonal, a complaint to the FCC can and will work wonders. Witness their responses to many electric-fence-charger owners...

[KD6NIG]

I've got 19 strings up this year of the mini lights.

And they are all $2.99 walmart specials. Also a few LED's, but not many, yet, they are still about $10 for a string of 100.

No change in the noise floor whatsoever, as far as I can tell, and they have been up since the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Might pay $50 more on the electric bill. Oh well, the kids around the neighborhood like them, so do my wifes grandparents (who live next door).

What the hey, as they say http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W4HAY]

Back in the days of those C7 blinker bulbs, some could really create havoc when the contacts became worn and began to buzz instead of making good contact. Some of the minature strings could be problematic also.

[k2gsp]

I found the culprit. It's the neighbor right next door. He has one very old old string of blinking big bulb lights. The good news is he doesn't turn it on much at all now, so I can live with it for the rest of the month. If he changes operation. I plan on buying a couple nice sets of lights and offering to replace the old ones for him. Hopefully that will work if need be.

[KE5RRH]

Quote[/b] (KI4SXC @ Dec. 07 2007,16:00)]I found the culprit. It's the neighbor right next door. He has one very old old string of blinking big bulb lights. The good news is he doesn't turn it on much at all now, so I can live with it for the rest of the month. If he changes operation. I plan on buying a couple nice sets of lights and offering to replace the old ones for him. Hopefully that will work if need be.
noooooooooo!!! another ham going to blow his cover as being a ham radio operator... don't do it!!! too risky!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif well.. unless he knows your one already then go ahead http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k2gsp]

Quote[/b] (KE5RRH @ Dec. 06 2007,18:51)]Quote[/b] (KI4SXC @ Dec. 07 2007,16:00)]I found the culprit. It's the neighbor right next door. He has one very old old string of blinking big bulb lights. The good news is he doesn't turn it on much at all now, so I can live with it for the rest of the month. If he changes operation. I plan on buying a couple nice sets of lights and offering to replace the old ones for him. Hopefully that will work if need be.
noooooooooo!!! another ham going to blow his cover as being a ham radio operator... don't do it!!! too risky!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif well.. unless he knows your one already then go ahead http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I'm thinking this is dead give away.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa108/KI4SXC/Hexbeam.jpg

[AG3Y]

Looks just like the clothes drying rack in my neighbor's yard. And I KNOW she is NOT a ham ! ! !

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[kb2vxa]

Maybe you'll get lucky and Anti Claus will steal them. OH OH OH!

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif What might be strange could be --- late at night when the holiday lights are turned OFF...for them to flicker on / off with stray RF from YOUR amateur radio transmissions ...!!

May not be at maximum brightness, but still flickering in the night as you talk on your radio....................it IS possible to occur ....from even as far as a good mile away....with as little as 10 watts...under ideal conditions.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif NO this aint happened to me, but I have read and been told about situations like this occuring.....both using CW and voice and problably other modes of communication.

[KC9JIQ]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Dec. 07 2007,18:41)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif What might be strange could be --- late at night when the holiday lights are turned OFF...for them to flicker on / off with stray RF from YOUR amateur radio transmissions ...!!

May not be at maximum brightness, but still flickering in the night as you talk on your radio....................it IS possible to occur ....from even as far as a good mile away....with as little as 10 watts...under ideal conditions.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif NO this aint happened to me, but I have read and been told about situations like this occuring.....both using CW and voice and problably other modes of communication.
If you are a Ham or CBer, these are ideal to tell if your Antenna is working by placing the bulb near the antenna while keyed up and modulating...It lights up when you get near an antenna with a lot of RF...
CBers, it looks Cool when you are driving down the street with one of these strapped on your antenna... Lighting up and modulating as you modulate..... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ...so now we will see truckers going down the interstate late at night with flickering holiday lights near the " twin trucker " antennas so they will know they are getting out....!!

Hey, it IS an idea !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Wrap the 4 foot fibreglass antennas loosely with the $1 string of lights , and then use your CB with the amplifier and make the lights flicker in the darkness.

Hey it might work under certain conditions ...!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (KB0LPI @ Dec. 06 2007,20:17)]I'm waiting for somebody to hook them up in a string as an antenna and see them flashing "CQ" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Yea just hook a floresant light to your antenna, at night you can send code on your op. freq. and to airplanes, UFOs and whatever.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KE5RRH]

oh wow ki4.. thats one huge antenna http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Well couldn't you say its for tv or something? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ohh! I know! You can say its for decoration to look at http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif good luck 73

[VE7DCW]

Quote[/b] (KI4SXC @ Dec. 07 2007,16:00)]I found the culprit. It's the neighbor right next door. He has one very old old string of blinking big bulb lights. The good news is he doesn't turn it on much at all now, so I can live with it for the rest of the month. If he changes operation. I plan on buying a couple nice sets of lights and offering to replace the old ones for him. Hopefully that will work if need be.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif you have to love the Christmas spirit.It's the most wonderful time of the year...to quote the song.Definately a great way to solve an interference problem http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

73

[KE5RRH]

Mind giving us a update? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif