For several months now (cannot recall the actual time when it first
began), we have been receiving some sort of electronic interference
that is affecting a two electronic components in our household. The
issue has driven me to wit?s end, and I now look to the community to
help me rid this maddening issue.

Payment for question answered will be given for someone who either
provides me with exact cause, the necessary troubleshooting steps to
locate the source of the problem or that can provide me with
recommendations for equipment required to identify the source of the
problem (rented if inexpensive, or reasonably-priced service/company
which can locate issue).

Issue:
Intermittently and at no specific time of day or interval, one set of
computer speakers will begin to emit a loud static noise. Concurrently
in a separate part of the house, if the LCD TV is on, it will display
?screen interference? (i.e., static-like lines on the screen) and
faint static noise at the exact same sequence as the computer speakers
are buzzing (i.e., if it speakers ?buzz static? on for 5 seconds, then
off for 1, then back on for 6, both computer speakers & LCD TV will
emit same sounds at exact same time & sequence).

The actual length of time that the interference can occur for is
random ? sometimes for 1-2 seconds, sometimes for 20-30 seconds. The
can go on for up to 1-2 minutes at a time, usually then stops for as
long as 15-20 minutes, sometimes for hours or days.

The computer is located on the 2nd floor of the house ? at the
opposite end of where the LCD TV is located (which is located on the
main floor of the house). We are in a semi-detached house in downtown
Toronto (and have lived here with the same computer setup for many
years ? this problem is recent). My neighbor is an elderly man (70?s)
who does not have technology such as computers, so I don?t think he
would have anything that could be the source.

The TV and computer are on separate circuits.

I have 2 other computers which do not display this issue ? the
computer?s speakers which are affected are connected to an LCD screen
which does not display the interference.

The LCD TV brand is a Viewsonic 27 inch and was purchased within the
last year. The speakers are Altec Lansing ACS54?s and were purchased
more than 5 years ago.

I have attempted to troubleshoot the issue the following ways:

1.	Turn off LCD, computer with speakers on ? to try to identify
whether TV was source of problem. Problem persisted (on computer
speakers).
2.	Turn off computer (that has speakers with problem) ? to identify
whether computer was source of problem. Problem persisted (on LCD TV).
3.	Turned off my wireless network to see whether it was cause of
interference. Problem persisted. (Note: there are other wireless
networks within range of my house all SSL ? there is a chance that one
could be causing this?)
4.	Disabled (turned off) access points on my wireless network to see
whether one was causing the issue ? access points include an Xbox
wireless receiver, laptop, desktop PC. Problem persisted.
5.	Disabled/unplugged/removed batteries on cordless phone (2.4 GHz) &
base station to see whether it was source of problem. Problem
persisted.
6.	Turned off cellular phones (have both CDMA & GSM). Problem
persisted. Note: I know of the issue with GSM phones and speaker
?chatter? interference & recognize that sound well ? this sound is
entirely different. Additionally, the GSM phone is usually kept off ?
so this problem is not linked in any way as far as I can tell.
7.	Turned off various lights, microwaves, electronics to identify what
could be causing the problem. Problem persisted. I have even heard the
noise in the middle of the night, when almost all electronics (other
than the computer) are off.
8.	Replaced power bars, cleaned up wiring at computer & TV to see
whether one might be causing the interference ? although this felt
like a stretch as they are on separate circuits. Of course, problem
persisted.

The person who can help me identify the problem not only gets the
payment, but my sincerest gratitude for helping me return my sanity.

Thanks.

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 31 Oct 2006 17:22 PST

2ike...

I don't see mention of monitoring any AM or FM radio broadcasts
during times of interference, which might be interesting.

My first thought is that there may be a rogue CB (citizens band)
radio broadcaster in the neighborhood who is broadcasting at a
power level that is higher than is allowed. 

I don't know what the equivalent to the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) is in Toronto, but presumably there is an agency that
provides oversight of transmissions in the city. You might very
well be able to interest them in surveying the frequencies in
your area at no cost to you.

At the least, I would start by interviewing some of your neighbors
to see if others in the area are experiencing anything similar.
The more people that are being affected, the more likely that an
oversight agency will be willing to become involved.

Let me know where this takes you...

sublime1-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by keystroke-ga on 01 Nov 2006 05:32 PST

Hello 2ike,

Do you have your mobile phones anywhere near the electronics in
question when this happens?

Furthermore (assuming you live in the US), do you or your wife have
Cingular or T-Mobile cell phones?

If so, I think this is your problem.

Let me know if this is the case or isn't.

--keystroke-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by keystroke-ga on 01 Nov 2006 05:34 PST

Let me correct myself: I thought you had mentioned a wife but now I
see that you did not! So, you or anyone in your household is what I
meant to say.

--keystroke-ga

---

Clarification of Question by 2ike-ga on 01 Nov 2006 18:01 PST

Thanks sublime1 - the equivalent to the FCC in Canada is the CRTC. I
hadn't thought of radio/CB transmissions that could be the cause of
the problem - I will ask some of my neighbours but am worried that
given only 2 of all of my electronics devices are demonstrating the
issue (extremely annoyingly I might add) all other devices such as LCD
screens, laptops, other speakers, etc do not, and my neighbours may
not have experienced this.

Keystroke: I am aware of the GSM "chatter" issue with mobile phones &
speakers as originally stated in my question - I can confirm that this
is not a similar noise, nor is it linked.

borisshah - you mention an electronic device that I could use to
monitor frequencies but I am unfamiliar with one that would help me
troubleshoot this issue.

I'm really hoping some wizard out there can assist?

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 01 Nov 2006 18:54 PST

2ike...

What's really needed is an RF field strength analyzer, like this one:
http://www.lessemf.com/rf.html#115

Others are on this page:
http://www.lessemf.com/guide.html#rf

But, as you can see, they're expensive. That's why I was suggesting
that, with some confirmation by your neighbors, the pros could come
do it with equipment they already own.

sublime1-ga

---

Clarification of Question by 2ike-ga on 22 Nov 2006 18:52 PST

see comment posted today

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 22 Nov 2006 20:47 PST

2ike...

I'd wonder if the fridge is properly grounded. If it doesn't have
a 3-pronged plug, you would need to ground it manually. Perhaps
it has a 3-pronged plug, but the ground plug is broken off. If
it has a 3-pronged plug with the ground plug intact, it might
be that it's not functioning effectively due to an internal
disconnect.

Another possibility is that the two non-ground wires are reversed
on that outlet so that the electricity from that receptacle is out
of phase with the rest of the house wiring. This is not uncommon
in some older houses, and an electrician can check the receptacle
(and others, if you like) and fix it if that's the problem.

Once the fridge is properly grounded, or the phase is corrected,
the power bar should no longer be necessary.

Unless...

Perhaps the fridge motor is bad to the point of drawing so much
current as to be causing an abnormal fluctuation in house voltage
when it first kicks on - but this seems less likely to be a cause
of noise.

Let me know where this takes you...

sublime1-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 22 Nov 2006 20:53 PST

P.S. You could check the theory in the second paragraph above
by running a 3-pronged extension cord to a different outlet,
and plugging the fridge into that, without the power bar. If
the noise goes away, it likely means the usual fridge outlet
is out of phase.

sublime1-ga

2ike...

I'm going to go ahead and post a formal answer, since you won't
be able to post another question as you intended, as GA is 
closing to new questions after tomorrow.

I think we've taken you where you wanted to go, and I think my
latest Clarifications may resolve your problem without the need
to hire an electrician. I'll repost here for the sake of future
readers.

----------------------------------------------------------------

I don't see mention of monitoring any AM or FM radio broadcasts
during times of interference, which might be interesting.

My first thought is that there may be a rogue CB (citizens band)
radio broadcaster in the neighborhood who is broadcasting at a
power level that is higher than is allowed. 

I don't know what the equivalent to the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) is in Toronto, but presumably there is an agency that
provides oversight of transmissions in the city. You might very
well be able to interest them in surveying the frequencies in
your area at no cost to you.

At the least, I would start by interviewing some of your neighbors
to see if others in the area are experiencing anything similar.
The more people that are being affected, the more likely that an
oversight agency will be willing to become involved.

---

What's really needed is an RF field strength analyzer, like this one:
http://www.lessemf.com/rf.html#115

Others are on this page:
http://www.lessemf.com/guide.html#rf

But, as you can see, they're expensive. That's why I was suggesting
that, with some confirmation by your neighbors, the pros could come
do it with equipment they already own.

---

I'd wonder if the fridge is properly grounded. If it doesn't have
a 3-pronged plug, you would need to ground it manually. Perhaps
it has a 3-pronged plug, but the ground plug is broken off. If
it has a 3-pronged plug with the ground plug intact, it might
be that it's not functioning effectively due to an internal
disconnect.

Another possibility is that the two non-ground wires are reversed
on that outlet so that the electricity from that receptacle is out
of phase with the rest of the house wiring. This is not uncommon
in some older houses, and an electrician can check the receptacle
(and others, if you like) and fix it if that's the problem.

Once the fridge is properly grounded, or the phase is corrected,
the power bar should no longer be necessary.

Unless...

Perhaps the fridge motor is bad to the point of drawing so much
current as to be causing an abnormal fluctuation in house voltage
when it first kicks on - but this seems less likely to be a cause
of noise.

---

P.S. You could check the theory in the second paragraph above
by running a 3-pronged extension cord to a different outlet,
and plugging the fridge into that, without the power bar. If
the noise goes away, it likely means the usual fridge outlet
is out of phase.


If we haven't resolved your problem, feel free to post another
Request for Clarification...

sublime1-ga

See if you can get a meter or device to monitor any signals and
frequencies in your house and maybe outside as well. Things like
AM/FM, the wireless networks you mentioned, the CB radio's that
sublime-ga mentioned and so on. Should'nt be too expensive and when
the noises start, you can monitor all the frequencies and compare them
to a static and noise free moment. Ham Radios perhaps could set all
your devices off.

Best of Luck!!!

This doesn't sound like wireless interference to me.  The level you
get sounds more like motor noise being transmitted through your house
wiring.  The culprit might be a fan, air conditioner, garage door
opener or the like.  I'd recommend checking the voltage on the
computer speakers (probably 9-12v, but usually pulled out of a wall
converter - the actual voltage will be listed on the converter as will
the polarity of the plug), making up a battery pack for them and
operating the speakers off of the battery when the TV is making the
static.  If the problem goes away on the speakers its a power problem
and you can solve it by using a back up power UPS inbetween your tv
and the wall.  They're available at computer stores for $25 or less on
sale.

A couple of other things to consider checking (or having someone
qualified check for you):

1. Are the LCD TV and your computer speakers on the same phase of your
home's AC supply? This can be checked at the breaker panel; if so, it
may indicate power issues on the supply from Toronto Hydro. You can
try to eliminate this as a cause, by temporarily moving one of the
affected devices over to a circuit that is served by the other phase,
such as by using a long extension cord to power the LCD TV from a
counter plug in your kitchen for example.

2. If you have a cheap, battery-powered AM/FM radio, can you tune it
to a frequency that is between stations (ie. static/white noise), then
when the phenomenon occurs again, see if you can hear it through the
radio as well, in the form of pulsing of the static/white noise. Not
guaranteed to work, but it's a cheap and dirty tool, if there's
something putting out enough electrical noise to affect your LCD TV's
screen, it might be broad spectrum enough affect a battery-powered
radio, and at least will let you confirm if it's radio interference or
power-related.


To build on the comment above from robotguy-ga, definitely look into
getting a UPS, preferably one with automatic voltage regulation (AVR),
and protect your LCD TV with it. If the source of the problem is dirty
power from a compressor or motor kicking in, prolonged exposure to it
will damage your TV's electronics beyond repair. And, given the fact
that you live in Toronto, where electrical storms do occur regularly,
it's good insurance against spikes and blackouts, too.

Final thought - there's a possibility of a grounding problem for the
electrical system, so while you (or someone qualified) are inspecting
the electrical system in your home for item 1 above, also confirm that
the ground connections are good.

Good luck,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

First you have to figure out if it's Electromagnetic Interference, see
if your neighbors have ever had the problem. If there is a big
broadcasting tower somewhere nearby that's probably it. If there is a
large distance separating the two electronics, it is probably
something high powered,i.e. not your wireless router or cellphone,
something that's broadcasting a long distance. Try to plug the items
into different places in the house and see if you get the same result.
Try a different set of speakers and see if you get the same result.
Call your power company and tell them your electricity is behaving
erratically, they will fix it if it is that. If none of your neighbors
have had a problem, they it is your wiring, not interference.

The fastest way to fix it is to call the power company and try to get
them to inspect it, then call an electrician and try to get them to
inspect it. Then call your wireless commission and complain about
radio interference.

I have a similar interference problem with short burst lasting only 2
or 3 seconds like machine gun fire only buzzing coming from my powered
subwoffer connected to my PC which is on a wireless network.  It is
very loud, makes you jump out of your skin if you are not always ready
for it.  Usually happens once an hour sometimes more often.  Day or
night, computer on or off wireless router and extender on or off.  The
only time I know it will not suprise me is when I unplug the power to
the subwoffer.  Turning it off will not stop it.  I am going to move
the sub to the other end of the house and just plug in the power and
see if it still happens.  Does this sound similar to your noise?

First, apologies for the apparent lack of response on my part. Rest
assured, I was still using some of the guidance I had received here, I
just haven't had time to provide an update.

mustang_89-ga: The issue you're describing sounds very similar to
mine. Again, my issue affects my speakers (not the subwoofer) but yes,
buzzing intermittent. Hopefully my update helps in your case.

Here's what I've done so far:
1. Went out and bought a power supply with AVR as aht-ga suggested
(although mine wasn't a UPS, just a line conditioner which I found on
Tiger Direct Canada (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1779381&CatId=232).

2. Tried the line conditioner on the computer speakers - still had the
problem. Tried the line conditioner on the LCD TV, still had the
problem. So, I feared this was electromagnetic interference.

Then, a funny thing happen to me on the way to the fridge a few days
ago. I noticed a faint buzzing noise coming from there.

The fridge was plugged into an outlet and was also serving my water
cooler. I unplug the water cooler (hoping that was the cause) and
still experienced the issue (although it may be my imagination but it
seemed less frequent).

In the last 24 hours I've now plugged the fridge into the same outlet
as it was (without the cooler plugged in), but plugged it into a power
bar. My fingers are crossed, but so far it seems to have stopped. This
could be a fluke - or it could be that the fridge is somehow the root
cause per what robotguy suggested (motor transmission through house
wiring).

If that turns out to be the problem, I guess the next question becomes
what's the root cause and how do I fix? That might require me to
re-post a new question (since this one is close to expiring) ...

Huge thanks to everyone that's assisted thus far!