How to stop/reduce ultrasonic sound wave device?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies to disable or reduce the impact of an ultrasonic noise machine that is causing disturbances to a participant. The scope includes practical solutions, legal considerations, and technical approaches to mitigate the noise, with a focus on personal experiences and suggestions from community members.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience with an ultrasonic noise machine and seeks scientific solutions to mitigate the noise.
  • Another suggests using a decibel meter app to measure the sound and confirm its source, as well as discussing the issue with the neighbor.
  • Some participants propose creating counter sound waves to cancel the ultrasonic noise, though this requires specialized equipment.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of using soundproofing methods or noise-cancelling headphones, but notes their limitations.
  • There are suggestions to legally address the issue, including filing a noise complaint or negotiating with the neighbor for a compromise.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices based on personal anecdotes.
  • Discussions about the frequency range of the noise and its effects on humans, including irritability and confusion, are raised.
  • Some participants explore technical solutions such as jamming the device's sensor or obstructing its power source.
  • There are humorous suggestions about using loud music to drown out the noise.
  • Participants discuss the feasibility of various methods to disable or reduce the ultrasonic device's operation, including physical modifications to the device.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices and the best methods to mitigate their impact. There is no consensus on a single solution, and multiple competing views remain regarding both technical and legal approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the situation, including the potential legal implications and the technical challenges involved in mitigating ultrasonic noise. The discussion highlights the need for further identification of the device's specifications and operational mechanisms.

  • #31
IR floodlights are used for some IR (night time) binoculars and, of course, for trail cams. The LEDS must be readily available and cheapish. I have an old night vision monocular and the LED source is only visible as a very dim red light. I will go down the lane tonight and see how many PIRs are triggered by it.

It's interesting that I picture the OP's neighbour as having horns and a tail (we all take sides) but, if he was really nasty, he'd just shoot the squirrels.
 
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  • #32
bluetuliphead said:
I have tried every other avenue regarding this issue
If you have asked the neighbor to stop doing something that is causing you distress and they have refused then they are accepting that you can be the problem too.

One thing you can try is to attract the squirrels. Habituate them to the ultrasonic device. Now the device is not working and the problem is worse and your neighbor has no one to blame but themself.

BoB
 
  • #33
Baluncore said:
Use an ultrasonic generator that is triggered by the dog's bark. The dog will voluntarily provide positive feedback. The dog will get locked up somewhere, out of bark range.

That dog is no longer around. But even if it were I wouldn't know how to do what you describe. How do you make an ultrasonic generator? How do you make it so that there no frequencies emitted that humans can hear? How do you detect barking selectively? Even putting those pieces together isn't trivial for those far less knowledgeable and skilled than you.

If only IKEA sold one.
 
  • #34
JT Smith said:
That dog is no longer around. But even if it were I wouldn't know how to do what you describe. How do you make an ultrasonic generator? How do you make it so that there no frequencies emitted that humans can hear? How do you detect barking selectively? Even putting those pieces together isn't trivial for those far less knowledgeable and skilled than you.

If only IKEA sold one.
Lots of these available online.
 
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  • #35
DaveE said:
Lots of these available online.

I've seen those but I am skeptical that a $30 battery operated hand held device would work except perhaps at very close range.
 
  • #36
Is the frequency range narrow enough that you could deploy passive acoustic resonators ?
The Ancient Greeks enhanced / adjusted theatre acoustics with 'tuned' pots,...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_jar
But I've read that similar may be used for selective frequency absorption in eg loud-speaker enclosures. IIRC, these have a sound-absorbing liner at resonance 'anti-nodes'...
Also, tuned stubs per...
https://acoustics.byu.edu/resonator...sed to,a violin amplifies certain frequencies.

whimsy:
Must be said, it would be so tempting to take pot-shots at the offending device with eg a cross-bow loaded with ice-quarrels...
/
 
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  • #37
Thread closed for Moderation...
 
  • #38
After cleaning up some posts where a newbie was confusing -120dB with 120dB, the thread is now reopened. :wink:
 
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  • #39
In Tokyo's popular Shibuya square young loiterers were repelled by ultrasound. 67 year old me could hear it but just barely.
 
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