RF interference

[Gambit]

Out of the blue all the remotes for my garage doors, alarm and cars suddenly have almost zero range and have to be next to the device to activate. Using a SDR (software defined radio) dongle for my laptop i have narrowed down a strong signal emanating from our electricity distribution board on the 433mhz band which is interfering with our remotes. Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this signal? I have flipped the main switch on the distribution board but the signal continues. Could it be coming from the power grid?

 

[HavocXphere]

Some kind of resonance effect maybe? Nothing in a DB should be emitting rf afaik

 

[quovadis]

Smart meters or smart devices perhaps?

 

[Muttley]

I was also thinking that it has something to do with a smart meter...

 

[sgs]

Also agree - it is your electricity meter most likely. Very unlikely that you'll get a frequency spike from interference - that usually covers a wide frequency spectrum.

If you have a wireless electricity monitor thingie installed (Like the Efergy E2), that might also cause it. They're usually battery operated so won't switch off when you throw the switch.

 

[Gambit]

Thanks for the insights. I don't believe I have a smart meter as it looks old and I have disconnected almost everything in the house with a battery including the alarm. Don't have any electricity monitors either. I have spoken to an electrician and he says I should log an issue with the municipality and have them come check the prepaid meter which is what I have done.

 

[thehuman]

Maybe good photo of your db board

 

[sajunky]

Check outdoor DB to eliminate source from the power grid. It should stop on the electricity meter anyway. Also on magnetic circuit breakers.