[amsat-bb] RF noise from a passing-by BMW i3

[Jeff Johns]

Typically worn out spark plug wires will cause a lot of QRM but as more cars use a coil on each cylinder this isn’t as much of a problem as it used to be. 

Jeff WE4B

> On Jul 9, 2019, at 6:24 PM, John Brier via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> 
> My Mom's Prius V definitely puts out some intermittent QRM I can hear on 2m
> FM with my HT inside. I don't think it's enough to be a problem though.
> 
> I am looking to get a car and was looking at the Honda Insight which is
> also a hybrid. I was planning on taking a second test drive but making the
> salesperson drive it so I could tune around on the HT and check for
> interference. Was also thinking of taking an SDR and laptop which would be
> easier and more effective but I don't have one currently. That would
> probably be their most unusual test drive but I'm sure they would
> accommodate it since they want your money.
> 
> Now I'm thinking of getting a regular used car so I'm not as worried. But
> I've definitely been passed by regular cars with my mobile on in the past
> and gotten wiped out. It makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with their
> car or how I'd deal with it if it was mine!
> 
> 73, John Brier KG4AKV
> 
> On Tue, Jul 9, 2019, 00:25 STeve Andre' via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
> wrote:
> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On 7/8/19 6:16 PM, Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB wrote:
>>> 
>>> For those of you considering operating around electric vehicles, beware
>>> of the copious noise emitted by the BMW i3.
>>> 
>>> I was sitting in a parking lot, engine off, operating mobile on 10m
>>> during the recent band openings. Rather abruptly, the band's noise floor
>>> increased to mid-scale on the S-meter. I briefly wondered if propagation
>>> had suddenly changed, and then I noticed a BMW i3 pass behind me and
>>> leave the lot.
>>> 
>>> The noise left as well... I was back to a nice quiet band floor.
>>> 
>>> I didn't have time to switch over to 2m/70cm SSB and see how far up the
>>> racket extended.
>>> 
>>> I stumbled across an article relating much of the same, today.
>>> 
>>> 
>> https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098893_bmw-i3-electric-car-quirk-no-am-radio--but-why
>>> 
>>> 
>>> So, save the planet or save the spectrum. Perhaps not both at the same
>>> time? :-)
>>> 
>>> --- Zach
>>> N0ZGO
>> 
>> Along these lines, I need a new car.  My Sonata has 404K miles and I
>> would like to replace it before it dies.
>> 
>> I'm really looking at the Prius Prime +.  Does anyone know if this emits
>> obnoxious things, and how radio-friendly it is, overall?
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> --STeve Andre'
>> wb8wsf  en72
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
>> expressed
>> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
>> AMSAT-NA.
>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
>> Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb