FCC Interference Handbook

FEDERAL

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMISSION

COMPLIANCE & INFORMATION BUREAU

 

INTERFERENCE HANDBOOK

---

.

 

This electronic version of our "Interference to Home Electronic Entertainment

Equipment Handbook" is provided as a service to our customers on the World

Wide Web by the Compliance and Information Bureau of the FCC.

Interference is any unwanted signal which precludes reception of the

best possible signal from the source that you want to receive. Interference

may prevent reception altogether, may cause only a temporary loss of the

desired signal, or may affect the quality of the sound or picture produced

by your equipment.

 

Interference to home electronic equipment is a frustrating problem;

but, fortunately, there are several ways to deal with it. This handbook

provides a step-by-step process for eliminating the interference.

If your problem is not eliminated by following the steps in this handbook,

you should follow the instructions in the owner's manual of your equipment

for contacting the manufacturer. We have provided a list

of manufacturers. If the manufacturer of your equipment is not listed,

look at the beginning of the list for additional help.

---

Table of Contents

I - Check the installation of Your Equipment.

II - Identifying Other Sources

III - Remedies

IV - About Filters

V - Manufacturer List 

---

I. Check the Installation of Your Equipment

Many interference problems are the direct result of poor equipment installation.

Cost-cutting manufacturing techniques, such as insufficient shielding or

inadequate filtering, may also cause your equipment to react to a nearby

radio transmitter. This is not the fault of the transmitter and little

can be done to the transmitter to correct the problem. If a correction

cannot be made at the transmitter, actions must be taken to stop your equipment

from reacting to the transmitter. These methods may be as easy as adjusting

your equipment or replacing a broken wire. These and other simple corrections

may be accomplished without the help of a service technician.

A. Simplify the problem

Begin by disconnecting all equipment from the piece of equipment you

are trying to fix. For example, if you are working with a television set,

disconnect your VCR, stereo speaker wires and video game. Then, reconnect

each of these additional devices individually to determine which device

may be causing the interference to your television. Do the same thing for

a telephone or stereo system. Disconnect all answering machines, telephones,

CD players, facsimile machines, modems, etc. If the problem goes away when

a device is not connected you have found the problem. It may be necessary

to filter the device reacting to the transmitter.

B. Check your connections.

 

Make sure all cables are properly fastened and in good condition. Antenna

wires, interconnecting cables and power cords often act as antennas and

carry the interference into your system. All wires and cables should be

as short as possible. If there are any loose connections or broken and

damaged cables have them replaced or repaired. If you are using cable television

services and have an in-house wire repair contract, contact your cable

company for repair or replacement of the wires.

You should also test all splitters used in your system, if there are

any. (A splitter is a device that provides a signal to more than one location.)

To test the splitter, bypass it by hooking the antenna/cable connector

directly to one TV. If the signal quality is improved or the interference

goes away, the splitter is defective and should be replaced.

C. Check your amplifier.

 

Temporarily disconnect the amplifier and bypass it. By doing this, you

allow the signal from the antenna to go directly to the TV or radio receiver.

If the interference disappears, then the amplifier is causing the problem.

If your TV or radio receiver is connected to a master antenna television

system (MATV), commonly used in large apartment complexes, you should contact

the building management for assistance.

D. Check your antenna system.

 

Even though your antenna does not have moving parts, the wire and the

antenna physically deteriorate due to the effects of time and harsh weather.

Replace damaged or broken antennas. If the antenna is badly corroded clean

or replace it. Check the incoming wire from your antenna for physical damage.

If you are using twin- lead cable, replace it with coaxial cable. If you

are currently using an inside antenna, try to replace it with an outside

antenna to improve the signal.

Twin lead is usually a flat wire that connects the antenna to a receiving

device. It is not shielded and the entire length of wire acts as an antenna.

This may cause some receiving problems such as ghosting. Coaxial cable

consists of two concentric conductors (an inner conductor and an outer

braided sleeve) and is used in cable tv installations to prevent unwanted

leakage from the cable system as well as entry of unwanted signals into

the cable system.

If after following the steps described above your system continues to

react to the interference, you should continue reading this booklet.

---

II. Identifying Other Sources

A. Simplify the Problem

 

As a general rule, the more complex a system is, the more difficult

it is to isolate a problem. Always start with the simplest system possible;

one telephone, one television receiver, or just the stereo receiver.

 

For example, if your television is reacting to a nearby radio transmitter,

remove all accessories, such as video games, VCRs, stereo system connections,

booster amplifiers and even cable boxes. If you are connected to a cable

system, connect the cable input directly to your TV set.

 

If the reaction stops when you disconnect any device, you have found

the problem. You must now make a decision. You can attempt remedial action,

contact the manufacturer for assistance, or replace the device with one

that does not react to the nearby transmitter. If you choose remedial action

continue with this section.

B. Collect Information about the Interference

 

Some basic information about the interference will help a lot in identifying

its source.

 

1. When do you get the interference?

 

Keep track of the time of day you usually receive the interference.

Do you get interference only at dinnertime? Does the interference occur

day after day at the same time? Does the interference occur at all times

or is it unpredictable?

 

If your equipment is reacting to the transmissions of a nearby radio

operator, you will have the interference only when the radio operator is

talking. The pattern will be much like that of a normal conversation except

that you will hear only one half of the conversation. Usually the interference

will occur for brief periods during specific times of the day.

 

If the interference is on constantly, it is not caused by a nearby radio

operator. You may have electrical, broadcast, or paging interference.

 

2. What does the interference sound like?

 

Listen carefully to the interference. Read this section and see which

part best describes the interference you are experiencing.

Do you hear music and voices from a broadcast station in the background?

If so, try to identify which station you hear.

Stereo and other newer televisions may have separate audio channel capabilities.

A foreign language that synchronizes with the video, a description of what

is happening on the screen, or even continuous traffic reports may indicate

that your television is switched to the separate audio channel. Refer to

your operator's manual for instructions on how to change the audio channel.

 

Do you hear radio operator voices? Are the voices garbled? If the interference

is intermittent and you hear clear or garbled voices, you are probably

picking up the transmissions of a nearby CB or Amateur radio operator.

If so, you will probably be able to see an antenna mounted on their house

or car.

Do you hear static, or a constant buzzing sound like bacon frying? You

may be picking up interference from an electrical device in either your

house or your neighbor's house. You may also be picking up interference

from electrical power lines. If the buzzing noise only occurs for short

periods of time, you may be receiving interference from a household appliance,

such as a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, or electric drill.

Do you hear voices and tones? If so, you may be picking up a nearby

paging system. Paging systems usually operate 24 hours a day, so your equipment

may react to paging interference at any time.

3. What does the interference look like?

 

a. Electrical Interference

 

Electrical interference many times will be seen as two or three horizontal

lines on the television screen and may be accompanied by a loud buzzing

or sizzling sound through the TV speakers or stereo system. Many times

the lines move upwards on the television screen and may be on for hours

at a time or for a few seconds at a time. In severe cases, the entire screen

may be covered with rolling horizontal lines.

 

A simple way to discover if the source of interference is in your home,

is by going to the main fuse or circuit breaker box in your home. Using

your TV set or a portable AM radio, determine whether the interference

is active. Electrical interference will sound about the same on an AM radio

as it does on your TV so you can use a portable AM radio as a detector.

Assuming the interference is occurring, you should follow these steps to

identify the circuit in your house that has the device causing the interference.

Be very careful to avoid contact within anything in the box except the

fuses or circuit breakers. Remove one fuse at a time, or shut off one circuit

breaker at a time. If the interference stays on, turn the circuit breaker

back on and try the next. If you are using your television to know that

the interference is active, when you turn off the power to the circuit

that supplies power to your TV to test that circuit, plug the TV into another

circuit.

 

If the interference stops when a fuse is removed or a circuit breaker

is turned off, go to the area that receives the electricity supplied by

the disconnected circuit. Turn the power back on and wait until the interference

is present. Next unplug each device on the circuit one at a time. If the

interference stops after you unplug a device, you have found the culprit.

The device causing the interference must be repaired or replaced. Remember

that the device might be hidden. For example, you may have a bad amplifier

in your attic, or a defective doorbell transformer that is connected directly

to the power circuit.

 

An alternative method to locating electrical interference is to tune

to a quiet frequency at the lower end of the AM dial. If you hear static

or a buzzing sound, check to see if it corresponds with the interference

to your TV or telephone. If it does, use the portable radio as a detection

device to locate the source of the interference.

 

The noise will be loudest in the room where the interference is originating.

Unplug each electrical device in the room one by one until the interference

stops.

If you cannot locate the interference source in your own house, check

with your neighbors to see if they also receive interference. The house

that has the worst interference will most likely be the source of the interference.

If your neighbor has strong interference, you may wish to try to track

it down with a portable AM radio or run the circuit breaker test described

above.

 

If you determine that the interference is not caused by any device in

your home or that of your neighbors, contact the customer service department

of your local power company.

b. Interference to Television (TVI)

 

The following pages illustrate what

many common types of interference look like on a TV set. Find the one that

best matches your interference.

Use this picture for comparison with the other pictures in this section.

 

 

---

TV stations are intended to serve

viewers only within a limited distance of their transmitters. You can improve

picture quality by raising your antenna or using a more directional antenna.

Check your antenna line and connections. Try reorienting your antenna for

better reception. If necessary, consider installing an outdoor antenna

or a booster amplifier. Changing from flat twin lead to round, coaxial

cable may also help.

 

 

---

Double images of a TV program, or

"ghosting", is a common problem with off-air TV reception in urban areas.

Ghosting may be caused by the TV signal being reflected off of a tall building

or mountains. Ghosting may also indicate problems with the TV antenna or

lead in wire. Reorient your antenna, or install a shielded (coaxial) lead

in wire. You may need to install a directional, outdoor antenna.

 

 

---

Images from two different programs

may appear on your TV screen when your set simultaneously receives two

TV signals. Co-channel interference looks much like ghosting, except that

the two images are different, as though one picture has been placed on

top of the other. If the problem is caused by atmospheric conditions, it

is usually temporary. Installing a directional, outdoor antenna, or relocating

your indoor antenna may improve reception. You may also have similar interference

if you are picking up signals leaking from a cable TV system. If you believe

that you are picking up cable TV stations but you are not connected to

the cable system, contact the cable TV company.

 

---

This picture may appear on your TV

screen when your set is reacting to signals from a CB, amateur, police,

or other two-way radio transmitter. The pattern will appear only when the

operator transmits. The "lines" in the interference pattern may be wider,

or may seem to "roll" up through the TV picture. If your TV is reacting

to CB or amateur radio transmissions, you will often hear the operator's

voice, although it may be garbled. If you are very close to the transmitting

antenna, the TV screen may "black out" when the operator transmits. It

is also very common to pick up the CB or amateur operator's voice on the

telephone or on your radio or stereo system. For information about possible

remedies see Section III.

 

 

---

This picture may appear on your TV

screen when your set is reacting to an electrical device operating in or

near your home. Home appliances and electrical equipment, such as hair

dryers, electric razors and electric drills may cause temporary problems.

You may choose to live with this type of interference as it is often expensive

to correct. You may also experience intermittent problems from other home

appliances, such as refrigerators and air-conditioners. For example, you

may notice interference on your TV when your air conditioner cycles on

or off. If the interference is on continuously, it may be caused by power

line equipment. For information about possible remedies, see Section

III.

 

---

Doorbell transformers are a common source of interference to TV reception.

This interference looks like snow or bars on the TV screen. It looks very

much like electrical interference, except it does not cover the whole screen.

It appears as bars of electrical interference. A frying or sizzling sound

comes and goes at about seven second intervals (the intervals may vary).

The interference may also be received hundreds of feet from the source.

If you suspect that you are experiencing interference from your own or

your neighbor's doorbell transformer, and are unable to locate the transformer,

you may wish to contact a service technician.

 

 

---

This pattern may appear on your TV

screen if you are picking up signals from an FM broadcast transmitter.

For information about possible remedies, see Section III.

 

 

---

This type of picture may appear on your TV screen if you operate a computer

in close proximity to the TV antenna. The interference may look like electrical

interference or a series of diagonal dashed white lines among other patterns.

Computer interference will usually occur only when the computer is very

close to the TV antenna. You may try to reorient your antenna or computer

cables, or move the computer or TV set to another location. For information

about possible remedies, see Section III.

 

 

---

Low power radio devices, such as

garage door openers also can cause interference. This pattern may appear

on your screen, if you are picking up signals from a garage door opener

or radio frequency doorbell.

 

 

---

Booster amplifiers are often used to help receive weak or distant TV

signals. Booster amplifiers may be installed at the TV set, at the TV antenna,

or even in the attic. Although booster amplifiers do increase the TV station

signal strength, they may also cause interference to your TV or even your

neighbor's TV. A variety of patterns may appear on your TV screen because

of booster amplifier interference. Sometimes a wavy pattern may appear,

or the screen may black out for a short time. If your antenna system uses

a booster amplifier, you should disconnect it and turn it off. Next connect

your antenna directly to the TV. If the interference disappears, have your

booster amplifier repaired or replaced. If you still have interference

after disconnecting your booster amplifier, you may be receiving interference

from a neighbor's amplifier. If several of your neighbors have interference,

the one with the most severe interference is probably the one with the

defective amplifier.

 

Amplifiers may also generate interference when used near strong signal

sources, such as TV and radio broadcast stations, paging transmitters,

or two- way radio stations.

c. Summary of Possible Interference Sources

 

1) Broadcast

AM Radio Station

FM Radio Station

TV Station

2) Two-way Radio Transmitters

Citizens Band (CB)

Amateur (Ham)

Taxi

Police

Business

Airport/Aircraft

3) Paging Transmitters

 

4) Cable TV

 

5) Electrical Devices

Doorbell transformers

Toaster Ovens

Electric Blankets

Ultrasonic pest controls (bug zappers)

Fans

Refrigerators

Heating pads

Light dimmers

Touch controlled lamps

Fluorescent lights

Aquarium or waterbed heaters

Furnace controls

Computers and video games

Neon signs

Power company electrical equipment

Alarm systems

Electric fences

Loose fuses

Sewing machines

Hair dryers

Electric toys

Calculators

Cash registers

Lightning arresters

Electric drills, saws, grinders, and other power tools

Air conditioners

TV/radio booster amplifiers

TV sets

Automobile ignition noise

Sun lamps

Smoke detectors 

---

III. Remedies

WARNING - - TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK, ELECTRIC OR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

SHOULD BE MODIFIED ONLY BY QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIANS

 

Before you attempt any of the following solutions, you should see if

moving or reorienting the affected device eliminates the interference.

This often will prove to be a simple, but effective solution. For example,

you may notice that your living room TV has perfect reception, while the

bedroom TV has horrible interference. The farther away the affected device

is from the interference source, the less severe the reaction will be.

 

If you believe that you are picking up interference through connecting

cables or the antenna lead, you may wish to wrap several turns of the cable

through a snap- together ferrite core.

 

It is always best if the affected device is modified in your home while

it is reacting to the interference. This will enable the service technician

to determine where the interfering signal is entering the equipment.

A. OFF-AIR or CABLE TV RECEPTION PROBLEMS

 

If you have reception problems such as a weak TV signal, ghosting, or

co-channel interference, see Section II.B.3.b of this booklet.

B. TWO-WAY RADIO INTERFERENCE

 

The steps listed below may help you to eliminate TV interference that

you experience from CB, amateur or other two-way radio stations. High-pass

filters, common-mode chokes (choke filters), snap-together ferrite cores

and ac-line filters are available from local electronics and department

stores. A list of sources of filters is also provided at the end of this

book. Remember, if your TV set or VCR has insufficient filtering or shielding,

you may not be able to correct the interference yourself. You will have

to obtain help from the manufacturer.

 

1. CB or Amateur Interference: Check to see if the TV volume control

affects the interference level. If it does, install a "high-pass filter"

at the antenna leads. This is a filter which will not allow signals in

the the low part of the radio spectrum to pass through it. The name "high

pass filter" is all you need to know to purchase one. If the TV volume

control has no effect on the interference level, go to step 4. If you still

receive the interference after installing a high-pass filter, go to step

3.

 

2. Two-way FM Interference: If you are receiving two-way FM transmissions,

such as police or taxi, you may need to install a "notch" or "band-reject"

filter at the TV antenna leads. The filter must be designed to reject the

specific transmissions that you are receiving. The electronics dealer where

you purchase the filter should be able to assist you with your selection.

If you still receive the interference after installing a notch filter,

continue to the next step.

3. Install a common-mode filter (see list) and/or common-mode choke

at the TV input. If you still receive the interference, go to the next

step.

4. Disconnect the antenna lead from the TV set. If you still have the

interference with the antenna disconnected, install an ac- line filter

at the electrical outlet your TV is plugged into.

 

Try wrapping three or four turns of the TV set's power cord through

a ferrite core. Do this as close to the TV set as possible. You may also

install a ferrite core on the antenna coaxial cable where it enters the

TV set. You local electronics store will know what a ferrite core is and

willl help you select one.

 

C. FM BROADCAST INTERFERENCE

 

There are three common interference problems that involve FM broadcast

stations. The first problem may arise when you are receiving a distant

TV signal and a new FM station begins operating in your area. The FM signal

may overpower the weak TV signal. This problem often shows up as interference

to TV channel 6 only. FM stations may also cause interference to radio

receivers in your home.

 

The second problem is called "blanketing." It occurs when electrical

or electronic devices are very close to the transmitter and where the FM

signal is very strong. Operators of new FM stations are required to respond

to all reasonable interference complaints in the immediate vicinity of

the station. If the station is more than a year old or you live outside

of the protected area, installation of an FM broadcast band rejection filter

at your TV and/or stereo receiver antenna input leads, as well as use of

a highly directional antenna may reduce your problem. You may also wish

to reposition the location of your equipment to attempt to minimize or

eliminate the problem(s).

 

Third, problems may occur when you are using an amplifier. Amplifiers

are devices used to increase signals from distant stations and frequently

react to strong nearby signals. If you suspect this is the case, you should

install an FM band rejection filter or a tunable FM rejection trap in the

antenna line between your antenna and booster. Some booster amplifiers

have built in filters you simply switch on or off. Consult the instruction

manual of your product. In extreme cases it may be necessary to install

a second filter. Repair or replace your booster amplifier if it is defective.

 

D. PAGING SYSTEM INTERFERENCE

 

You may hear tones or voice transmissions from a one-way paging system

coming through your TV set. The FCC requires paging system operators to

assist in resolving interference caused by their transmissions only while

the paging system is in the developmental licensing process. This is usually

only within the first year of operation. Further, the FCC requires paging

companies to resolve all interference complaints they may cause to television

channels 4 and 5. If you know who the paging operator is, you may contact

them directly. A band-reject, or "notch" filter designed to reject the

paging frequency may be installed at the TV set input. If you need further

assistance, you can contact your local FCC office listed in this handbook.

 

E. INTERFERENCE TO VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS (VCRs):

 

Your VCR is really a television receiver without a screen. If your VCR

is receiving interference, replacing connecting wires with shielded wire

(coaxial cable) or replacing push- on connectors with screw-on connectors

may solve the problem. The solutions for interference from two-way radio,

broadcasting, and paging, described for television interference above,

also apply to VCR interference. If these do not work, contact the VCR manufacturer

for alternative solutions.

 F. COMPUTER INTERFERENCE:

 

Computer interference will normally disrupt only your TV reception.

Check all computer connecting cables. You should especially be on the lookout

for loose or unterminated cables. Greater distances between the TV and

computer may solve the problem.

Occasionally, your computer may cause interference to your neighbor's

TV reception. If this happens, you are required to discontinue using your

computer system until you can eliminate the interference problem. Consult

your owner's manual, the computer dealer, or the manufacturer for suggestions

on how to resolve the interference.

 

G. TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT INTERFERENCE:

 

Telephone interference generally happens because telephones are not

designed to operate near radio transmitters and the telephone improperly

operates as a radio receiver.

You may contact the nearest FCC Office and request FOB Bulletin No.

10, "Telephone Interference". You may also try the following:

 

1. Contact the telephone company if you are using a leased phone. The

telephone company may have responsibility for correcting interference to

their leased phones.

2. Disconnect all of your telephones and accessories such as answering

machines and take them to one telephone jack. Connect each instrument,

one at a time, and listen for the interference. If you hear the interference

through only one telephone, the interference is being generated in that

unit.

3. Install a filter on the telephone line cord at the end nearest the

telephone and/or at the telephone handset cord.

Filters are very selective. (See Section IV.) They

must be designed for the type of interference your are experiencing or

they will not work. For example, if your phone is reacting to an Amateur

or a CB radio transmitter, install a filter designed for that purpose.

FM broadcast interference requires a filter designed to reject FM broadcast

stations. AM broadcast interference requires a filter designed to reject

AM broadcast stations, etc.

 

4. Filter the incoming telephone line with ferrite beads and snap-together

ferrite cores. You may need to experiment to find the best style of bead

or core and the best location on the cord.

 

5. If you cannot eliminate the interference using the above techniques,

you should consider purchasing a interference free telephone which has

been specifically designed to be immune to interference.

 

Cordless telephones use radio frequencies and have no FCC protection

from interference. If you are receiving nearby transmissions on a cordless

phone your only recourse is to contact the manufacturer for assistance.

The remedies above will not be of any use.

H. ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE

 

If you have determined that the electrical interference is coming from

within your home or one of your neighbor's homes, you should disconnect

the defective equipment and replace it or have it repaired.

Devices such as electric razors, hair dryers, electric drills and saws

can also cause temporary interference problems. You may choose to tolerate

this type of interference since it is temporary and often expensive to

eliminate. You may wish to contact the manufacturer for assistance.

 

If you determine that the interference is not caused by any device in

your home, or a neighbor's home served by the same transformer, contact

the service department of your local power company. Most power companies

will investigate the problem and take steps to correct it.

 

I. INTERFERENCE TO OTHER EQUIPMENT

 

Stereos, electronic organs, and intercom devices, among others, can

react to nearby radio transmitters. When this happens, the device improperly

functions as a radio receiver. You should first determine what type of

interference you are receiving. See IV. About filters:

Most filters are very selective. A filter designed to eliminate AM broadcast

signals will have no effect upon an FM broadcast signal. Choose a filter

designed for your needs. If you have doubts contact the manufacturers listed

below to find a filter appropriate to your needs.

A. High pass filters

 

Channel Master . . . . . . . .Several Models

Industrial Park Dr.

Smithfield NC 27577

(919) 934-9711

Cornel Dublier Electronics

1605 E. Rodney French Blvd

New Bedford, MA 02741

(617) 996-8561

Industrial Communications Engineers . . .Model 430 series high-pass

P.O. Box 18495

Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495

(317) 545-5412

N6YHY TVI Filters . . . .Model YAK-plus TVI filter

928 Yellow Brick Road

Modesto, CA 95351

(209) 531-1236

Radio Shack . . .Catalog: 15-579 for coaxial cable; 15-582 or 15-581

for twin lead systems

Ten Tec . . . .Model 5060

1185 Dolly Parton Parkway

Sevierville, TN 37862

(615) 453-7172

Winegard . . . . . Model HP-2700

3000 Kirkwood Street

Burlington, IA 52601 1007

B. Common mode filters

Industrial Communications Engineers

P.O. Box 18495

Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495

(317) 545-5412

N6YHY TVI Filters . . . . Model Gorilla TVI Choke

928 Yellow Brick Road

Modesto, CA 95351

(209) 531-1236

Starplex Inc. . . . . Model Ghost Buster dual-ferrite Choke

1912 Falcon

Hanley Hills, MO 63133

(314) 423-5756

TCE Labs . . . . Model # BX#2S

RR9 Box 243D

New Braunfels, TX 78133

(800) KILL TVI

C. Notch filters (band reject filters)

Notch filters are very selective. To be effective notch filters must

be tuned to the frequency of the offending transmitter. Therefore your

service technician or the manufacturer should do the installation.

Communications and Energy Corporation . . . . channel reject traps

7395 Taft Park Dr.

East Syracuse, NY 13057

(315) 452-0709 FAX (315) 451-0732

Microwave Filter Company

6743 Kinne St.

E. Syracuse, NY 13057

RMS Electronics

621 Route 46

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07064

(201) 288-8833

Star Circuits

P.O. Box 94917

Las Vegas, NV 89193

(800) 433-6319

US Electronics

600 D No Bicycle Path

Port Jefferson, NY 11776

Winegard . . . . Model UT-2700 notched between 4700 and 800 Mhz; BF-1700

attenuate 110 -170 Mhz

3000 Kirkwood St.

Burlington, IA 52601-1007

D. Ferrites and beads

Amidon, 2216 E Gladwick St.

Dominguez Hills, CA 90220

(310) 763 5770

Fair-Rite Products Corp. . . . Call to locate nearest distributor

Division of Dexter Magnetic Materials

10 Fortune Drive

Billerica, MA 01865

(800) 345-4082

Kilo-Tec

P.O. Box 10

Oakview, CA 93022

(805) 646-9645

MFJ

P.O. Box 494

Mississippi State, MS 39762

(601) 323-5869

Ocean State Electronics

P.O. Box 1458

Westerly, RI 02991

(800) 523-0667

Palomar

P.O. Box 462222

Ascended, CA 92046

(619) 747-3343

Radio Shack . . . . Catalog # 273-105 and 273-104

E. AC line filters

 

Industrial Communications Engineers . . . . Model 472 isolator

P.O. Box 18495 Model 400 series

Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495

(317) 545-5412

Radio Shack . . . . Catalog: 15-1111 brute force AC line filter; 26-1395

surge-protection filter

TCE Labs . . . . Model KW-1

RR9 Box 243D

New Braunfels, TX 78133

(800) KILL-TVI

F. Telephone filters

AT&T . . . . Model Z100B1

(800) 222-3111

Coilcraft

1102 Silver Lake Road

Cary, Il 60013

(800) 322-2645

Engineering Consulting . . . . Model TRIF

583 Candlewood St.

Brea, CA 92621

(714)671-2009

Industrial Communications Engineers . . . . Model 460 series

P.O. Box 18495

Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495

(317) 545-5412

K-Com . . . . Model RF-1 for modular phones; RF-2 for wired phone connections

P.O. Box 83

Randolph, OH 44265

(216) 325-2110

Kilo-Tec . . . . Model KT-RTK

P.O. Box 10

Oak View, CA 93022

(805) 646-9645

Richard Measures

6455 LaCumbre Road

Somis, CA 93066

(805) 482-3034

N6YHY TVI Filters . . . . Model Zebra telephone filter

928 Yellow Brick Road

Modesto, CA 95351

(209) 531-1326

Southwester Bell Freedom Phone Accessories . . . . Model ZM04223

7486 Shadeland Station Way

Indianapolis, IN 46256

(317) 576-6847

Sparrevohn Engineering . . . . Model F-1 Single line model; F-2 two

line model

143 Nieto Ave SW #1

Long Beach, CA 90803

(714) 642-7323

(310) 433-7240

TCE Labs . . . . Model TP05301 Single line modular; TP-5302 two line

modular

RR9 Box 243 D New Braunfels, TX 78133

(800) KILL-TVI

Telecom Industries . . . . Model 831-W1

1385 Akron St.

Copiage, NY 11726

(516) 789-5020

G. Interference resistant telephones (These are much less susceptible

to interference than others, but we do not guarantee they will receive

no interference.)

 

PRO Distributors

2811-B

74th St.

Lubbock, TX 79423

(800) 658-2027

TCE Labs . . . . Model TXPL One line wall or desk phone; TPXL-2D Two

line Desk phone

RR 9 Box 243D

New Braunfels, TX 78133

(800) KILL-TVI

---

V. MANUFACTURER LIST

Some manufacturer mailing addresses and contact points are listed below.

It is suggested that you provide the model number of your device, the serial

number, and any information concerning the specific problem.

 

For listings of consumer electronics manufacturers not provided in this

book, you may want to contact the Electronics Industry Association/Consumer

Electronics Group, 2500 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 907-7600.

 

BANG AND OLUFSEN OF AMERICA

Customer Service Department, tel. 1 800 323-0378

 

CARVER CORPORATION, INC.

 20121 48th Avenue, Lynnwood, WA 98046, tel. (206) 775-1202

 CONCORD (A HARMAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY)

 80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797, attention: Customer

Service, tel. (516) 496-3400

 

CONN KEYBOARDS, INC.

 Contact your local Conn dealer or Organ Service Department, P.O.

Box 352, French Lick, IN 47432, tel. (812) 836-9200

 

CONRAD-JOHNSON DESIGN, INC.

 2733 Merrilee Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031, tel. (703) 698-8581

 

CROWN INTERNATIONAL

 Technical Services Department, 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart,

IN 46517, tel. (219) 294-5571

 

CURTIS MATHES

 Contact your retail-dealer or write to Consumer Relations Division,

1220 Champion Circle, Suite 100, Carrolton, TX 75006.

 

DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 Anne Conaway, Definitive Technology, Inc., tel. (410) 363-7148

 

DELCO ELECTRONICS (DIVISION OF GM CORPORATION) SEE GM CORP.

 P. O. Box 9005, Kokomo, Indiana 46904-9005, Attention: Steve Butler

 tel. (317) 451-3372

 

EMERSON RADIO CORPORATION

 9 Entin Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054, Attention: Mr Jim Flatt, tel.

(201) 428-2125.

 

EPI (A HARMAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY)

 80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797, Attention: Customer

Service, tel. 1 800 343-9381.

 

EPICURE PRODUCTS, FORMERLY ELPA MARKETING INDUSTRIES, INC.

 Mr. Jim Orman, National Service Manager, 25 Hale St., Newburyport,

MA 01950, tel. 1 800 225-7932

 

FANNON COURIER CORPORATION

 Mr. Mike Santana, Vice President of Engineering, 15200 San Fernando

Mission Blvd., Mission Hill, CA 91345, tel. (213) 365-2531.

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

 Consumer Relations Department, Mail Drop 43, Consumer Electronic

Business Operations, Portsmouth, VA 23705, tel. (804) 483-5652.

 

GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

 Seek assistance at your GM dealership or contact Steve Butler

of Delco Electronics, Subsidiary of GM Hughes Electronics, P.O. Box 9005,

Kokomo, Indiana 46904-9005, tel. (317) 451-3372.

 

H.H. SCOTT, INC.

 9 Entin Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Attention: Mr. Jim Flatt,

tel. (201) 428-2125

 

HARMAN/KARDON, INC.

 80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797, Attention: Customer

Service, tel. 1 800 422-8027 or 1 800 343-9381 (video division).

 

HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC.

 Customer Service Relations, 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross,

GA 30093, tel. (404) 279-5600, extension 22 or contact Mr. Chris Fabian,

National Service Manager, ext. 145, 9am-5pm EST, M-F.

 

JBL CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.

80 Crossways Part West, Woodbury, NY 11797, Attention: Customer Service,

tel. 1 800 336-4JBL (4525), or contact JBL Consumer Products, Inc., Mike

Christian, tel. (516) 496-3400, Ext. 233.

 

LONESTAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.

 920 South Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, Attention: Arlene

Vittore, tel. (516) 939-6116

 

MAGNAVOX (SEE PHILIPS CONSUMER ELECTRONICS COMPANY)

 

MARANTZ AMERICA, INC.

 Marantz America Service Department, 440 Medinah Road, Roselle,

IL 60172-2330, tel. (708) 307-3100, fax (708) 307-2687

 

MITSUBISHI ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC.

 Consumer Relations Department, tel. (714) 220-1464

 

NAIM AUDIO NORTH AMERICA, INC.

 1748 North Sedgwick Street, Chicago, IL 60614, tel. (312) 944-0217,

fax (312) 944-0255

 

NINTENDO OF AMERICA INC.

 4820 150th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, tel. 1 800 255-3700, hrs

4AM -Midnight PST, M-Sat, 6AM - 7PM, PST on Sundays. Contact is Dorothy

Caravias tel. (206) 861-2796

PANASONIC (MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA)

 One Panasonic Way 2F-3, Secaucus, NJ 07094, Attn: Customer Satisfaction

Center, tel. (201) 348-9090

 

PHILCO - (SEE PHILIPS CONSUMER ELECTRONICS COMPANY)

 

PHILIPS CONSUMER ELECTRONICS COMPANY/PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NORTH AMERICAN

COMPANY

 Dick Hovermale, Information and Consumers Affairs Center, 401

E. Old Andrew Johnson Highway, P.O. Box 555, Jefferson City, TN 37760,

tel. (615) 475-8869 or (615) 475-0063, fax (615) 475-0203

 

QUASAR (MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA)

 50 Meadowland Parkway 2F-3, Secaucus, NJ 07094, Attention: Customer

Satisfaction Center, tel. (201) 348-9090

 

ROTEL OF AMERICA

 J. Laliberte, National Service Manager, P.O. Box 8, North Reading,

MA 01864-0008, tel. (508) 664-3820

 

SONY ELECTRONICS INC.

 Sony Customer Relations Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ

07656, tel. 1 800 282-2848 or Technical Services Department, tel. (201)

930-1000

 

THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

 Larry Elkin, Thomson Consumer Electronics, P.O. Box 6127, INH-315,

Indianapolis, IN, tel. (317) 231-4151

 

TOSHIBA AMERICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.

 Contact the nearest regional office listed below:

 

Mr. M. Pluchino, Eastern Regional Service Manager, 82 Totowa Road, Wayne,

NJ 07470, tel. (201) 628-8000.

 

Mr. R. Fisher, Midwest Regional Service Manager, 1010 Johnson Dr., Buffalo

Grove, IL 60089, tel. (708) 541-9400.

 

Mr. A. Marquez, Western Regional Service Manager, 5490A East Francis

St., Ontario, CA 91761, tel. (909) 988-5303.

 

Service Division, 1420 Toshiba Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087, Facsimile:

(615) 444-7520, tel. (615) 449-2360

 

VEHICLE SECURITY ELECTRONICS, INC.

 Rudy Sanders, President, 21540-F Prairie Street, Chatsworth, CA

91311, tel. (818) 700-7900, fax (818) 700-7926

 

VIDEONICS, INC.

 Videonics' Help Line, 1370 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, tel.

(408) 370-9963; 8am - noon and 1pm - 5pm, Pacific Time

WADIA DIGITAL CORPORATION

 Service Department, 624 Troy St., River Falls, WI 54022, tel.

(715) 426-5900

 YAMAHA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, USA AND YAMAHA CORPORATION

OF AMERICA

 Mr. Bill Bower, Electronic Service Manager, Electronic Service

Department, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620, tel. (714) 522-9100.

 

TELEPHONE MANUFACTURER CONTACTS

AT&T National Sales and Service Center

(800) 222-311

Cobra Comm

(800) 262 7222

Code-A-phone

(503) 655 8940

Fun Products

(415) 540-0334

General Electric

(800) 447-1700

ITT - Technical Assistance

(601) 287-5281

Lonestar

(516) 939-6116

Northern Telecom

(919) 992-5743

Pac Tel

(800) 426-2372

Panasonic Consumer Electronics

(800) 221-3438 ext. 6881

Phonemate

(800) 247-7889

(213) 320-9810

Plantronics

(800) 538 0748

(800) 662-3902 CA

Sanyo

(800) 524-0047 ext. 502 or 520

Soundesign Corporation

(201) 434-1050

Swisstel

(201) 470-5706

Toshiba

(714) 583-3700

TT system

(914) 968-2100

Uniden Corp.

(317) 842-2483