Space Weather Monitors SID Users Manual - Stanford Solar Center ...

Space Weather Monitors SID Manual
C. Common Sources of Interference
The most common sources of noise (interference) are located in close proximity to the antenna.
Here is a list of the most common sources that can be eliminated:
• Computer Monitor: When not using your computer monitor it is best to turn it off for data
collection
• Television Set: The antenna should be shielded or kept at least 10-15 feet away from a
television that is on.
• Florescent Lights: The noise from these is usually small but can be a problem with some
antenna
• Motors and Pumps: Not always a problem but the have the potential to cause noise
• Light Dimming Switch: New models are not usually a problem but some older switches
have the capability of being noise sources.
• Microwave ovens
• Outdoor sulfur lights
To make sure your antenna is shielded from these noise sources, be sure to place the antenna as
far from these culprits as possible. A minimum distance of 10 feet is recommended. Computer
monitors may need to be placed near the antenna but they should be turned off when data
collection is taking place.
Another major source of noise is lightning. The best way to tell if you are picking up lightning
strikes is to switch the Post Amp Switch on your monitor to x5 or x10. Then plug in speakers and
listen to the signal. If you are hearing a lot of “snaps” “crackles” and “pops” lighting is most
likely causing the interference in your data. Lighting strikes can be picked up by the VLF
antenna from quite a great distance.
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