Probable source of ~28.635 MHz interference

[Glen Zook]

As I replied to your directly, the signal is NOT one
of the colorburst, clock references, etc., signals
that are on 28.635 MHz by the thousands.

This signal is vertically polarized and MUCH stronger
than any of the consumer devices.  If you listen on a
horizontally polarized antenna the "normal" spurs are
usually much stronger.  But, if you listen on a
vertically polarized antenna the signal runs a
constant S-7 to S-8 24/7.  It moved up in frequency
exactly 1 KHz a few days ago.  The various "chirps",
warbles, etc., on the signal are heard all over North
America and are definitely not like any "spur".

There have been stations that cannot detect the signal
from their fixed stations using a horizontally
polarized antenna who have gone out to their mobiles
(using a "whip") who have immediately been able to
receive the signal.

The band segment around 28.635 MHz is basically
unusable for "normal" amateur communications because
of the consumer device spurs.  However, this signal is
well above the spurs in its strength.

It is modulated by a very low level that consistes of
25 Hz steps in frequency.  The modulation changes
every few seconds but not necessarily repeated.  The
closest thing that has been found to the "sound" of
this signal is that which is emitted by a GPS
satellite.

Since the signal strength is basically constant all
over the United States, Canada, and even into Alaska
(with S-Meters calibrated for S-9 = 50 microvolts) and
is vertically polarized everywhere (no "skewing" due
to propagation which would make it about as strong on
a horizontally polarized antenna), no Doppler shift,
etc., this pretty much points to a geostationary
orbit.

Also, people who live in the "sticks" with no other
houses within miles are also getting the signal. 
Several of these amateurs have not only "killed" the
power into their houses but have gone so far as
removing battery backups from computers, clocks, etc. 
All are getting the same signal vertically polarized.

With the interest generated by the Yosemite Sam
signals a few weeks ago this "new" signal has become
of interest.  Of course I have no idea as to how long
it has been on the air since I only "discovered" it a
few days ago.  However, there was a similar signal
reported on the same frequency in December of 2003
that disappeared after a while.  I have no idea as to
whether or not this is the same signal or what is the
actual source.  However, it definitely is NOT a local
consumer device.

Glen, K9STH



--- "John H. Klingelhoeffer" <WB4LNM at AOL.COM> wrote:

Your interfering signal on ~28.635 MHz is probably a
whole lot less  sinister than being extraterrestrial!

=====
Glen, K9STH

Web sites

http://home.comcast.net/~k9sth
http://home.comcast.net/~zcomco

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