Interference tips.

General tips for radio operators.
Apart from the specific cures, mentioned in the pages linked above, there are some general tips for limiting the chances of these problems happening:

1. Be helpful: If you do find that you are causing interference to a neighbour, please try to sort out the problem in a friendly manor. Even if it is not your equipment to blame, you could try explaining the problems or coming to some agreement over a filter for an affected TV.
2. Antenna position: Wherever possible, your antenna should be mounted as high as possible, above television and radio antennas. Also, as TV antennas are directional, placing your CB antenna behind them, rather than in front, may help to reduce the amount of signal getting to the TV.
3. Antenna condition: Make sure that all your connections are fine. This includes plugs, sockets, and connections between any sections of your antenna.
4. Antenna tuning: Poor tuning of the antenna can cause the coax to radiate signal, which will be lower to the ground and closer to other equipment. It is in your favour to make sure that as much of your signal as possible is sent out at the antenna.
5. Coax. The use of old or cheap coax may cause more signal to be radiated by the coax, rather than the antenna. This signal may be picked up by other electrical or electronic equipment.
   The position of your coax can also be important. It should not be placed next to TV or radio coax.
6. Do not leave your SWR meter in line: As the SWR meter can cause losses and produce harmonics, it should only be connected while testing the antenna. In the UK, it is a legal requirement that you must remove the SWR meter during normal use.

General tips for interference sufferers.
It is important to remember that most cases of interference are not caused by a faulty transmitter, but by poorly designed home electronics equipment. However, there are steps that you may be able to take to minimise the chances of the problem occurring.

1. First of all: Please do not go to the neighbour, all guns blazing, blaming them... this may lead to them taking a defensive position and telling you where to go. Do try to reason with the person.
2. Check your systems: In many cases, the problem is with the equipment getting the interference, as it should not pick up CB transmissions at all.
   Please be sure to check that your antenna is in good condition, correctly fitted, and plugged in correctly. Set-top TV aerials are known to be a problem, to the point where Ofcom will refuse to deal with complaints from users.
3. Tips for them: Even if their equipment is not at fault, there are things they can do to minimise the chances of interference. Some are listed above, and some of these may also help them to get a greater distance.
   If you wish to print this page, offering them a copy, please remember to include details of the site and URL. This allows the person to check the information and look over more pages.
4. Filtering: If attempts to cure the problem do not seem to help, a filter in the television antenna cable may cure the problem. The best type of filter for this is a "braid breaker" with a high pass filter. This combination (in one small package) is more effective than simple filters.
5. Getting help: You may be able to get a local electrical dealer to look into the problem, and try to cure it. Please note that this step may be required before the matter can be referred to Ofcom for investigation.
6. Reporting the problem to Ofcom: Before reporting the problem, it should be remembered that, unless the transmitter causing the problem is illegal or you get a free TV licence, there will almost certainly be a charge for reporting the problem to Ofcom for investigation.
   At the time of writing, the charge is £50. Because of this and the possible fall out with the neighbour, this should really only be a last resort.
7. What will Ofcom do: In most cases, the investigation service will simply fit a filter. If the offending transmitter is illegal, it may be confiscated. If there is enough evidence for a successful conviction, then the offender may be taken to court.
   Court action has always been incredibly rare (count them on your fingers), with some written warnings and mostly verbal warnings given. However, if they take court action, they love to boast of their 100% conviction rate.