Cable TV Problems
If you are experiencing reception problems with cable TV
channel 6, try tightening the connections to your TV, VCR and
cable converter box. In some cases, the cable connecting your
TV or VCR may not be properly shielded. Call Time Warner Cable
for a service appointment if tightening the connections does
not work. Another possible solution is a filtering device.
There are several ways to do this, but the most effective
device is a tunable FM trap designed specifically to
eliminate the 88.3 MHz frequency. This device connects to the
back of the TV set where the cable connects. Screw the filter
onto the set and then connect the cable to the filter. For
more information on this device you can contact Microwave
Filter Company at 437-3953.
Interference to Channel 5 (Non-Cable)
If you are experiencing reception problems on TV channel 5,
try a FM trap available at Radio Shack. It is a small silver
box (3 inches) that connects to the back of your set. You will
need a coupler to connect it to the set. The sales person can
help you locate one. A more effective device would be the
tunable trap mentioned above.
VCR Interference
Sometimes the interference can occur only to your VCR and
not your TV. To determine if your VCR is receiving the
interference and not your television, turn your TV on, and
your VCR off. If the interference continues, the unwanted
signal may be entering through your TV set or antenna system.
If the interference disappears, your VCR is picking up the
signal. This could be entering through the VCR case, the
connections and\or cables or through the power cord. Possible
solutions include replacing wires with shielded cables
(coaxial cables) and replacing push-on connectors with
screw-on connectors. These wires can be purchased at your
local hardware or audio video store.
Telephone and Answering Machine Interference
There are a number of ways in which a radio signal can
enter a telephone. Check the handset cord to see if it has
been stretched too much. Try replacing it if it has. Most of
the interference to telephones occurs to the internal
mechanisms of the phone. Some manufacturers make telephones
without adequate shielding from strong RF signals. The FCC has
provided a list of telephones that should be interference
free. I am enclosing the list for your convenience. For
answering machines, snap on filter chokes (explained below)
have been successful at eliminating RF interference. Wrap the
power cord around the choke as close as possible to the back
of the unit. If the machine utilizes a cassette tape, it may
be necessary to replace it with a tapeless unit.
Radio and Stereo Interference
If you hear WAER when you play your compact disc player or
cassette player, most likely the interference is to the audio
amplifier of the system. What may help alleviate this problem
is a choke that can be found at Radio Shack. It's called a
"Snap-On Filter Choke." The catalogue number is
273-104. By wrapping the speaker wire or power cord around
these chokes, you may reduce or eliminate the interference to
your equipment. It may be necessary to resolve the problem by
installing an external antenna and a rejection filter. Most
equipment that is not equipped with a three wire cord should
have it's chassis and cabinet grounded with a separate ground
connection. It is generally safest to connect all grounds to a
good earth ground, such as a metallic water pipe or a driven 8
foot ground rod.
