Receiver & Station-Generated Noise

Internal noise sources that degrade reception.

Thermal Noise

• Source: Random electron motion in components.

• Characteristics: Uniform, white-noise-like across frequencies.

• Identification: Measured as receiver noise figure.

• Mitigation: Use low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), minimize resistance in circuits.

Common Mode Current Noise

• Source: Poor grounding, unbalanced feedlines.

• Characteristics: Appears as unwanted signals on coaxial shields.

• Identification: Measured with a current probe, changes with grounding.

• Mitigation: Use common-mode chokes, proper station grounding.

Intermodulation & Mixing Products

• Source: Nonlinear components like corroded metal contacts.

• Characteristics: Creates phantom signals from real transmissions.

• Identification: Signals appear at sums/differences of strong stations.

• Mitigation: Remove corroded components, use high-quality connectors.