Interference

Interference to other equipment.
Any radio transmitter can potentially cause interference to other electrical or electronic devices. To minimize the chances of interference, all radio services are controlled by one Government department, who decide which frequencies are used by who and what power can be used. Presently, the UK Government department is called Ofcom.

Types of interference.
There are several possible types of interference to electrical or electronic equipment. Some may be the fault of the CB equipment, some may be the fault of the equipment getting the interference... and some are nothing to do with CB equipment, but the person suffering will assume it is and will blame it on the first big antenna they see. On the left, is a list of some types of interference.

Specific tips.
Below are a few common problems, with links to the most likely causes and cures.

Television and video problems.

• Patterning effect on several TV channels, remains constant whatever CB channel you use.
• Patterning effect on TV whenever computer is on.
• Patterning effect on just one TV channel, may change as you change CB channel.
• Television has dark horizontal lines.
• Television has double image - like you are seeing double.
• Television has two different images mixed on the screen.
• prominent white speckles on TV picture.
• Interference when playing videos - watching TV is fine.

Sound problems.

• You can be heard on a stereo system when you transmit.
• Buzzing on stereo system when you transmit.
• Crackling sound through speakers of radio or TV.
• Interference to a wired telephone (not a cordless type).
• Whistling on MW radio.

Burglar alarms.

• Alarm being triggered for no apparent reason.

Reporting interference.
Unfortunately, reporting interference is not as simple as it should be. The authority responsible for radio is Ofcom, you cannot simply call local authorities.
First of all, Ofcom will not deal with interference to certain equipment, such as MW radio and telephones. Then they usually insist that you show that you have already tried your local electrical dealer and that they could not help. Naturally, electrical dealers will charge for their time (and call-out fee).
If your problem is one they will deal with, your dealer was unable to help and you still have some spare cash, Ofcom may get involved - for a fee. However, they usually just fit a filter, which can be purchased for a fraction of their charge.
More information may be available on theOfcom Website.