High frequency radio noise survey at three communication sites in the Ottawa area

Radio noise measurements have been carried out over two week periods during each of the four seasons to establish existing day time noise levels at three high frequency communication sites in the Ottawa area. The parameters used were the average available noise power spectral density, and the ratio of the rms to the average voltage of the noise envelope. By comparing the results to those expected at a quiet receiving site it has been possible to rate quantitatively the site effectiveness or degree of degradation of each site. As well, noise measurements have been made in the evenings at one site. By using these night time values as representative of the Ottawa area, the day-night difference in noise levels at 2.5 MHz was computed. These differences were also used to rate quantitatively the degree of degradation of each site.