Section 6
Electromagnetic Compatibility

Source of interference and their effects

6B1 Recall that the more power a station runs, the more likely it is to cause interference.

Some operators who have migrated to amateur radio might well think that operating at 100 watts rather than 10 watts will have no affect on the possibility of interference. The reason for the limit on the operating power level in much of the Foundation Licence is that the higher the operating power output level the greater the possibility of causing interference.

The Higher the power = the higher the likelihood of interference.

Recall that some types of transmission are more likely to cause interference to TV, Radio and telephones than others.

There are many modes of operating in amateur radio and some modes are more prone to causing interference than others.

Recall that AM and SSB modes are the most likely to cause problems, FM and some of the HF data modes are least likely to cause problems

AM and SSB transmissions are MORE likely to cause interference problems as the affected receiving and audio equipment sometimes is able to extract the audio signal and it is heard from the loud speaker.

As you are likely to be using SSB it is essential that you know that you could easily cause interference to others.

FM transmissions are LEAST likely followed by CW PSK31 to cause interference problems because relatively low power is used to maintain contact and even over long distances with CW and PSK31.

The origin of some of the text on this page is from the RSGB with additions by the web master