Power Line Radio Wave Reflectors

One of my readers, a ham radio operator named Steve, recently asked me a question about a previous article (Power Lines as Psuedo-Yagi Reflectors) which you can see by clicking here.

Here's Steve's question:

Dear John,

What bands seemed to show this effect more?

In Alaska, out in the Aleutians, on a LORAN-A Station (1850 Khz), there were no overhead power lines, but we had issues with the metal in Air Ducts and in the Suspended-Ceiling frames.

RF signals LOVE to resonate!

Answer to Steve's Questions

Steve, thanks for your note and this great question!

In my article I had described an unusual but perfectly explainable phenomenon I ran across by accident while driving my car near on open-country roads adjacent to power lines.

Power Line RF Reflectors

I noticed that while driving in my car a certain distance from these power lines, my incoming 10-meter ham radio signals seemed to strengthen, and then later weaken. I later deduced my radio's signal reception strengthened as I drove more or less exactly one wavelength's distance from the power lines adjacent to the road. Conversely, as I drove my car somewhat off-wave from the power lines, the incoming signal would weaken.

Go with One Exactly Wavelength

To answer Steve's question: For optimal results, position your antenna exactly one wavelength away from the power lines with which you're working. It goes without saying that this task is easier done when operating on frequencies using longer radio wavelengths - such as 20, 30, 60, or even 80 meters. By more or less positioning your car's antenna one wavelength (or multiple thereof) from the power lines, you are more apt to observe RF reflection from the power lines.

Tolerance for Error

Naturally, if you are a little bit off the mark on distance, the amount of forgiveness is greater with longer wavelengths, while you can see less such leeway with shorter RF wavelengths. It goes without saying: this phenomenon won't work at all at the higher frequency bands. The tolerance in positioning won't allow for much error at all.

Steve, thanks again for your question! 73's!

- John

Read about John's Trash Can Antenna Ground Plane

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Melendez is a ham radio operator and freelance writer reporting on technology, environment, sustainability, and "green" issues. John Melendez is a writer for hire. To email him, go to http://www.emailmeform.com/fid.php?formid=19595

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