Method for detecting the source of radio interference affecting train radio communication in the band of 2.13 and 2.15 MHz

   There are many factors that infl uence the process of organising train movements, quality radio communication being one of the most important. The intelligibility of the dispatcher’s commands to the driver is important in deciding what action to take, and in informing the dispatcher of the train situation on a particular section of the track. Sources of radio interference that have an interfering effect on the quality of the train radio signal are natural and artifi cial interference. The sources are mainly low-frequency interference. One of the constant sources of high-frequency emissions that affect stable operation of train radio communications refers to discharges generated in the high-voltage insulation of power lines, including discharges generated in the insulation of overhead wires. Spark discharges, the source of radio interference, occur both on the surface of the insulator (usually called surface partial discharges (SPD)) and inside the insulation (such discharges are called partial discharges (PD)). In the operation of high voltage insulation, those insulators that contain PD and PPD are called defective insulators. PD and PD diagnostics are carried out twice a year by means of a laboratory car. Discharge registration is performed in the visible and ultraviolet range. There are acoustic methods for registering PD and SPD. It is proposed to register discharges in the electromagnetic frequency range. For prompt detection radio interference, it is recommended to place antennas on the laboratory car, and combine measurements with current diagnostics of high-voltage insulation, that will allow increasing reliability of the results received in the course of diagnostics. To increase the accuracy of radio interference source detection, two antennas are considered to be placed on the laboratory car.