I have three devices in my house that cause problems with AM radio band
reception, but not due to emissions,

In each case, the device adds modulation to strong AM signals, synchronous
with the power line.

The three devices are: 1. A stereo adaptor for a Beta VCR, 2. A dishwasher
with electronic controller, 3. An electric toothbrush charger.

I can see a possible mechanism for the first two devices - the periodic
connecting and disconnecting at radio frequencies of two large metalic
structures via the power supply rectifier diodes. The power wiring is one
structure. For the VCR, the other structure is the cable TV wiring, and for
the dishwasher the pumbing is the other structure. The electric toothbrush
charger must do it all through the wiring.

This is definitely modulation - the radio station having the worst
modulation goes off the air for about 1 second at dawn and dusk while they
change antenna pattern, and the interference goes away. It the problem were
emissions, the interference would be very audible with the radio station
off the air.

I haven't had the time to try filtering the power line at the devices to
address the problem, but that is not what this posting is about.

My question: Are there any regulatory standards that address modulation
interference like this?

Don Borowski
Schweitzer Engineering Labs
Pullman, WA



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