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BCB DX'ers-Beware of Whirlpool...

B

Big 121

A really irritating wide-band r.f. noise appeared when I was trying to ID a TIS on 1610(@ 1a.m.) the other morning. Oddly spaced carriers
across the X-band, and "birdies" scattered down to 570. Intermittent. Tracked it down the next morning--to MY kitchen. The new Whirlpool
refrigerator was the source of the QRM! But,only when the compressor was on. Pulled off the back cover and discovered that
Whirlpool is sourcing the compressor from "Embraco", Brasil. It's rated 230V.... and mounted to the side is a solid state voltage converter box
with input of 120 volts/output of 230 volts to power the compresser.
Another source of man made interference I'd rather not have. Will try a PI filter at the box input soon.

Big 121
 
Grr... another case of the FCC allowing too much QRM. :( I personally think man-made interference like that, for example, should have a field strength limit something like 60dB below the level of atmospheric noise, as measured on the inside surface of the cover. (If that could be retroactive so the QRM could be cleaned up, that'd be nice, but somehow I don't see that happening. :( )
I have more QRM around here than I like, as well. Many of the stations I listen to have maybe at best a 1 or 2 dB SNR even during a local/regional power outage (when man-made noise is basically turned off), and with the noise there isn't even a trace in some cases. It also doesn't help that some of those weak ones happen to be 10kHz away from strong locals, especially when I sometimes am within 0.1km or so of those 50kW and/or IBOC pests. :(
 
Not only is this a major flagrant violation of Part 15 unintentional radiator limits, but it's a design just aching for a service call.
It's hard enough to start and run a compressor, using a solid state "converter" to drop voltage is adding a really stupid place for a failure mode. I'd rip it out and put in a big 'ol transformer ASAP. It will cost less than a fridge full of rotten food, which WILL happen on an August weekend, Friday night, 2 hours after you leave the house for a weekend away.

If it's new enough, I'd simply tell them to come get the d*^% thing outta here, and WHY.
 
Changed my mind about adding a filter at this time. THAT probably voids any warranty claims. Instead, I'll use a switched power strip under
the cabinet next to the Whirlpool. I'll switch it off for serious DX, and post a red piece of paper on the fridge to remind myself to turn it back on.
By the way, my FridgeAire front loader washer uses a similar feature- a PWM switcher driving the direct drive drum motor. Worse QRM than
fridge.. but only lasts 40 minutes or so.
Yeah, NO Part 15 warnings on these things....

Big 121
 
Re: No warnings....How DO they get awy with it?
What ARE they doing in the FCC to allow this &^%$ to be sold here?

Couldn't they fine these manufacturers, and reap big money?
Who pulled the teeth out of the FCC?
 
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