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Author Topic: Microwave oven interferes with Bluetooth headset  (Read 286 times)

KE2KB

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Microwave oven interferes with Bluetooth headset
« on: September 17, 2021, 09:00:10 AM »

Hey guys;
I have noticed that when I am in the kitchen wearing my Jabra Elite Active 75t wireless earbuds and the microwave is running, the signal from my phone (which is attached to my waist) starts to cut out when I am within about 6ft or so from the microwave.
I recently replaced the microwave (table model) with a more powerful one. I'm not sure what the wattage is, but I think it's at least 1200W.

While I understand that Bluetooth is a very weak signal and is more susceptible to even a weak RFI signal from the microwave, I'm a bit concerned that there could be some leakage from the seals on the oven. So I'm thinking perhaps I should buy a microwave leakage detector to test the seals.

If I do buy a detector, is there anything I could get that would be more useful than only testing for microwave leakage? For example, a more sensitive meter that might help to locate other sources of RFI that might interfere with my HF reception?

I own a SDRPlay (RSP1) but don't own a laptop or tablet, so running SDRUNO is not an option. I had tried running an Android based SDR on my phone, but it wasn't of much use - although it was technically working with my SDRPlay and Android phone.
Besides that, the SDRPlay probably won't cover the frequency range used by the microwave. Perhaps one of the newer SDR receivers would - but then I need something portable.

What is your opinion / suggestions on this?

Thanks
Frank <KE2KB>
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W7CXC

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Re: Microwave oven interferes with Bluetooth headset
« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2021, 09:50:22 AM »

Run away Run away (RE: Tele Tubbies ) around 2.4 or 2.5 Gc as I recall.
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N2QLT

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Re: Microwave oven interferes with Bluetooth headset
« Reply #2 on: September 17, 2021, 10:16:46 AM »

I think they operate at a similar frequency. Most microwaves now seem to be cheaply made. Maybe it's just not shielded enough. If it were me, I wouldn't sweat it.  I've heard of them interfering with wifi as well. But I'm certain that there's someone out there who knows a lot more than I do.
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KE2KB

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Re: Microwave oven interferes with Bluetooth headset
« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2021, 10:52:48 AM »

Thanks for reminding me that microwave ovens share the freq spectrum with BT and WiFi. I had read it somewhere, but had slipped my mind.
Maybe a mw leakage detector would be an interesting toy to play with...?
Like to test my WiFi signal strength?
Except that most that I see for under $100 will not display actual signal strength, but only whether the radiation falls within allowable levels.
That said, I'm probably better off spending that $100+ on a new SDR receiver. My RSP1 is quite limited - although my antenna system is even more so  :(
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K0RDG

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Re: Microwave oven interferes with Bluetooth headset
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2021, 06:30:14 AM »

For around 100 bucks you can get a "dirty EMI detector" from Amazon which, depending on your particular environment can be a good thing to use...but, given your situation, you presumably didn't have this problem before the new microwave and you have it now...so you know what is causing it.  It might be cheaper to try a couple of ferrites on the new microwave power cord. otherwise check these out:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=emi+detector&hvadid=203271696474&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019748&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12865340881933959208&hvtargid=kwd-297044244909&hydadcr=13184_9591509&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_3n27dtxm5l_e
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