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Why do I keep hearing morse code from audio gear?

Fuzzbass

Fuzzbass

P5 with overdrive
Gold Supporting Member
Dec 13, 2001
22,594
28,597
Maryland, between DC and Bawlmer
#1
I'm referring to a blippy tone lasting a couple of seconds, about 1kHz frequency, that randomly comes from instrument rigs, computer speakers, car radios, etc... not just mine, but other people's. It's rather distressing... makes me think the gear is failing. Could it be from faulty transistors? Static electricity? Sunspots? Encoded transmissions from either the NSA, or the Blitnarfs on planet Hontel Fufni?
 
#9
ADbassman said:
It's cellphones alright. Gets pretty annoying at practice, but atleast I know I have a call coming!quote]

BartmanPDX said:
It doesn't have to be in use (texting or talking) to produce that sound. It happens to me whenever any of my gear is within about 2-3 feet of my cellphone when it's on, whether it's actually in use or not.
Click to expand...

If you're not actively using the cell phone, you're hearing the phone "pinging" the cell tower.........this has to happen every few minutes, it's how the cell phone network knows where you are (actually, where your phone is.)
Click to expand...
 
#11
The answer is that your mobile emits a constant signal to let the phone company where it is and also to lock onto the best phone signals. So what your amp is picking up is this signal.
This happens due to electromagnetics. Amplifiers and speakers use piezoceramic materials to transmit sound, whihc rely on sound being translated to electrical currents to work, which is then ran over the piezoceramic plates to make them vibrate and make the sound. Mobile phones have their own electromagnetic radiation being emitted constantly, and this is what is picked up by the piezoceramic plates.
Also, the magnetic force of the phone may be interfering with the amp wire's natural magnetic field. All wires have a natural magnetic field, allowing such things as electromagnets. If a strong source of electromagnetism is then placed near to it, this will interfere with the natural electric force, creating anomalies in the electric flow, which causes the blips.
 
#16
Mr. Boo said:
It's the cellphone digital signal. Shutoff cellphones near stage!!
Click to expand...
We have this issue every-single-week at church. The rule is for rehearsals and of course the services, all cell phones are shut off completely upon entering the sanctuary area as they 'bleed' all over the PA.. man it sounds terrible. Even as they are being shut down, they seem to want to have the "final word" as they throw one more signal out thru the mains.
 

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