RE: CELL TOWERS AND RADIOS
fritoman,
The likelihood of that cell tower being the problem is very small. It would be more likely to see problems when using a cell phone near an R/C model, which is about as unlikely as the tower. That certainly doesn't rule out your radio from getting interference from somewhere, just not the 'C' tower.
About using an extension on your receiver. I seriously doubt if it would be the reason for the 'glitches' as long as the connection is a good one. If that connection isn't very good, it it sort of 'wiggles', then it could possibly be a problem. "mfr02" sort of covered that in his post. That sort of thing is called "bi-metal" rectification and results from two different metals rectifying a current and producing an unwanted signal in a circuit. Or, because the connection isn't 'good'/firm or is intermittent for whatever reason, as in it ain't soldered very well (or two wires twisted together real tight). Corrosion happens, there's that 'bi-metal' thingy again. Possible, just not too likely. I think your best bet would be to look around for another signal source (or lack of a signal source) for that 'glitching'.
To carry this to a sort of 'extreme', the differences in conductivity between various metals commonly found in electronics is negligible. One doesn't conduct any better than another for all practical purposes. Not something to worry about, at least at any R/C frequency.
And before I get too carried away with all this, I'll quit. Lack of enough coffee can make for some really 'far out' ideas at times. I ain't had enough yet.
- 'Doc
PS - Me and ol'Einstien had a lot in common, besides gray hair... neither of us cared for water skiing much.