A (Much) Less Expensive Ultrasonic Line Arc Detector

Arcing in power line equipment can cause significant broadband radio interference, and poses a potential fire hazard as well. WA9PYH shows us how to couple a surplus satellite TV dish with a previously-described circuit to help you become a successful arc detective.

JIM KOCSIS

This article describes the use of a satellite TV dish along with a circuit described in an earlier article in QST that can be used to locate arcing on power poles. The original article can be found in the QST archives (April 2006, “A Home-made Ultrasonic Power Line Arc Detector” by James Hanson, W1TRC). I highly recommend reading it to get a full understanding of this project. A circuit board is available from FAR Circuits for $5.50 and includes an updated parts list and extensive instructions.1 Using that circuit board will prevent wiring errors, make the electronics compact and speed construction time. The $5.50 is well worth the price. No special parts are used in this project. Project History My ham friend and fellow homebrewer, Bob Sumption, N8RS, built the…

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CQ Amateur Radio (Digital) - 1 Issue, October 2023

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