Question Hello,
I am writing to ask about possible interference between Ham Radio signals and wireless burglar alarm systems.
I have an alarm system installed with quite a few wireless devices. We had to remove all the wireless window screens from the system as it would false frequently. We found that the home is sandwiched between two Ham Radio operators with large towers in their yards.
We are now finding falsing on wireless windows and motions, and continuous power drains on all the wireless device batteries. Batteries that should last 4 years are barely lasting 1 year. We have replaced many of the devices and check for battery freshness. We have checked programing and redone everything we can think of.
The only constant left is the two ham radio users transmitting and facing the antennas at the house.
Can the radio waves cause these problems? Our security manufacture hasn't run into this and is puzzled also. Of our 1000+ clients, we have never had such a perplexing issue.
Please offer any advice you may have.
Thank you very much in advance!
Brenda & Alex Smith
Answer There really is no reason that amateur signals should interfere with your wireless security system and positively no reason they would affect your batteries. The only thing I can imagine is that, theoretically, a "harmonic" of their transmitting frequency might activate the wireless security. To figure that out, find out what frequency your wireless system uses and then multiply the frequency of popular amateur bands by 2 to see. For example, if your wireless security operates on 300 Mhz, it's theoretically possible for a very strong signal at 150 Mhz to activate your system. (150 times two equals 300.) Unlikely to be sure, but it's theoretically possible. There is, however, no way that would drain the batteries. Batteries neither emit nor receive RF (radio frequency) signals. Hope that helps.
