Interference effects on TV

Interference mechanisms

Interfering signals can arrive at the television, radio or other domestic entertainment equipment by one or more of the following paths:

Via the aerial and the co-ax feeder downlead

The signals are fed directly from the aerial via the downlead to the receiver RF stages. Dependent on the received signal strength, frequency and other characteristics of the signal. together with characteristics of the receiver PP stage, various effects such as overloading, intermodulation, or spurious responses can occur See Check Chart 2. A high-pass filter will remedy most problems.

Via the braid of the downlead

The interfering signals are induced on the braid of the aerial downlead. acting much as a long wire aerial. The signals cause currents to flow through the chassis or earthy parts of the receiven causing radio frequency voltages to be developed across parts which should be at equal potential. These unwanted RF voltages have a direct eftect on the correct functioning of various circuits to produce interfering effects. In particular the colour decoder circuits (colour sub-carrier on 4,433 MHz) are affected by amateur radio transmissions on the 3.5 and 7 MHz bands. See Check Chart 2. Fit a braid-breaker.

Via the IF lead from the tuner

The intertering the IF and subsequent circuitry to result in various effects including toss of colour, poor synchronisation of the picture and patterning. See Check Chart 2. Internal receiver checks are necessary.

As direct pick-up

The unwanted interfering signals, which may be at high level from a nearby transmitter, are picked up directly by various parts of the receiver circuitry. In some cases they may be demodulated and amplified by the audio circuits, resulting in interference to the sound output. See Check Chart 3, Internal modifications may be necessary.

Via the mains lead

Interference signals on the mains supply can be conducted via the mains lead to any section of the receiver circuitry. Alternatively the interfering PF signals can be induced directly into the mains lead to have the same effect. See Check Chart 2. Fit toroidal ferrite.

Other leads

All interconnecting leads associated with the system used eg. inter-unit connection leads and leads to loudspeakers. can pick up unwanted signals. The interference is conducted via these leads to any part of the system circuitry.

Broad band (impulsive) interference is readily recognised as bands of spots on the picture. Two picture examples are given on page - of Part 1. There is no recognisable pattern in the spots whose size and brightness are completely random. The picture interference is usually accompanied by a continuous buzz on sound where the interfering device is a commutator moton or a short buzz or click where the cause is a thermostat or other type of switch. A similar continuous interference effect can, but rarely be caused by a faulty insulator on high voltage overhead power lines.

Narrow band radio transmitter type interference can be displayed on the screen in various forms, dependent on the transmitter mode of modulation. Appendix 1 details radio spectrum occupancy and related modes of modulation.

The various modes of modulation and their screen effects are given below;

a. Amplitude Modulation (AM) The amplitude of the modulated carrier varies in sympathy with the intensity of the modulation, but the frequency of the carrier remains constant. The interference takes two forms:

  1. ) A beat pattern from the carrier.
  2. )Moving horizontal white bands in sympathy with the transmitter modulation.

b. Frequency Modulation (FM) The amplitude of the carrier remains constant but the frequency of the carrier varies with the modulation. The interference appears as a beat pattern varying in sympathy with the transmitter modulation. The effect is similar to the sound" chroma beat seen when a receiver is detuned.

C. Single-sideband (SSB) As for an AM transmission but wflh the carrier and one sideband suppressed. As the carrier is suppressed,

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