How do I contact the FCC about RF interference? HELP!

[BlackFlag1313]

We live about 1/2 mile from several radio towers.  We get unbearable RF inference bleeding through everything.  The subwoofer on my PC makes a thumping sound when it is plugged in to the wall.  My amp picks up strong radio signals constantly.  I can't use several commercial pedals and several of my own that have never suffered RF interference do here.  I can't use my direct out on my amp into my Tascam US122 at all which make recording impossible often.  Even our telephone picks up the radio signal. 

Anybody have an idea on who I should contact?  I can't believe that this is in compliance.

Thanks in advance.

[R.G.]

I would type "FCC" into google.

[BlackFlag1313]

I would type "FCC" into google.

Thanks.  That was helpful  
I've already emailed info at the FCC with no response.  I was hoping that someone had info on an office, form, person, etc.

[markm]

I don't think there's much that can be done about the towers near you as long as they are broadcasting within the limits the said station is licensed for. 

[southtown]

question. who was there first, you or the towers

[BlackFlag1313]

question. who was there first, you or the towers

I can't really agree with the "coming to the nuisance" (a basic concept of tort law) argument.  We should be able to use a telephone without interference.  Here the nuisance is excessive.  Besides - IT'S A TOP 40 DANCE STATION   Why couldn't it at least be jazz or blues?

[R.G.]

Actually, I *was* trying to be helpful.

I did put "FCC" into the google search term, and the first response was the URL to the FCC's web page, but there were several subsidiary links right under it on the web page. The first of these was "Complaints", and that led to the following page: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

That page lists several ways to complain, including phone lines that are supposedly manned by real people.

[markm]

I'm sure if you were to read the back of the device you are trying to use it would state that it must conform to FCC regualtion and accept interference etc. etc.
It's a bummer but, what can ya do?

[BlackFlag1313]

Actually, I *was* trying to be helpful.

I did put "FCC" into the google search term, and the first response was the URL to the FCC's web page, but there were several subsidiary links right under it on the web page. The first of these was "Complaints", and that led to the following page: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

That page lists several ways to complain, including phone lines that are supposedly manned by real people.

Sorry RG - Thought you were joking around.  Thanks!

[southtown]

question. who was there first, you or the towers

I can't really agree with the "coming to the nuisance" (a basic concept of tort law) argument.  We should be able to use a telephone without interference.  Here the nuisance is excessive.  Besides - IT'S A TOP 40 DANCE STATION   Why couldn't it at least be jazz or blues?

fact is you moved into the problem, if its such a issue you shouldnt have moved there. in my hometown the sections near the airport is the new "fancy" place to live, so all the rich people move there, before you know it there complaining that the planes are too loud. i dont mean to be rude. but well its just how it works

[BlackFlag1313]

question. who was there first, you or the towers

I can't really agree with the "coming to the nuisance" (a basic concept of tort law) argument.  We should be able to use a telephone without interference.  Here the nuisance is excessive.  Besides - IT'S A TOP 40 DANCE STATION   Why couldn't it at least be jazz or blues?

fact is you moved into the problem, if its such a issue you shouldnt have moved there. in my hometown the sections near the airport is the new "fancy" place to live, so all the rich people move there, before you know it there complaining that the planes are too loud. i dont mean to be rude. but well its just how it works

I guess that I should have brought my rig along when they were showing the place.  BTW -I believe the FAA sets limits on allowable noise from aircraft operations.

[Meanderthal]

 Sounds like you could use a Faraday cage around your house... could be done, but would be expensive. If you have a room you were going to remodel as a home studio that would be step 1 if it were me.

As far as getting the radio station to do something, I doubt there's anything you can do... Those pricks at the FCC would be all over them for any violations in a heartbeat, the fines are absolutely enormous, and if they were to request a hearing they get shut down til the hearing comes up... In other words, the radio stations and broadcasters can't afford to take any chances, so they dont. They are forced to operate under a very restrictive set of parameters... or else...
Oh, and they can most likely out-lawyer just about anybody but the FCC in the case of a civil suit...

[BlackFlag1313]

Luckily, it's only a lease and is up in August.  We'll probably move then.  I think I literally will bring my rig when checking out the next place that hopefully we'll buy.  Until then, I'm covering the entire room in sheetmetal    I might try giving the FCC a call but I agree that it will be most likely p*ssing in the wind.  Fortunately, it only gets really bad after 7:07 PM every night.  I get some weekend time in at least.   Thanks all.

[JonFrum]

  Until then, I'm covering the entire room in sheetmetal 

I use a tinfoil hat - portable protection.   

[BlackFlag1313]

  Until then, I'm covering the entire room in sheetmetal 

I use a tinfoil hat - portable protection.   

And it stops them from reading your thoughts from space

[Meanderthal]

 Ground the sheetmetal(and cover the floor too) and ya got a Faraday cage... a big shielded enclosure.

[The Tone God]

Andrew

[Meanderthal]

 Heh- good one!

[idlechatterbox]

QUOTE:
"BTW -I believe the FAA sets limits on allowable noise from aircraft operations."

Oh they do, they do. That's why the Concorde went out of business. There were only 2 airports that would let it land (here anyway). But the FAA limits aren't that much consolation; a quiet airplane is still loud.

I feel your pain though. I live near so many towers, stations, and electrical lines.... I pretty much know that my battery clip is soldered correctly on the vero board if I pick up radio stations from the circuit I'm building. Sometimes the volume is loud enough, and the song cool enough, I just leave it be!

I keep hoping someone from "out there" will contact me, but I never get that lucky. Last time it was just some dorky Jamaican dance station, all the way from Long Island. I know you have it rough over there, but have you heard JAMAICAN dance music? 

[The Tone God]

Part of the problem is you are just giving your opinion that the offending transmission is out of spec. You would get better response if you had some factual evidence that they are in fact out of spec. An idea might be to get some readings taken. There might be services for this in your area. Maybe can find your local ham radio club as they will probably have people with equipment to test this and channels to report if there is in fact an infraction. Mind you the club may not be interested in dealing with a non-member with a non-amateur radio problem in a band they have no authority over.

Andrew