[Elecraft] K2, PSK31 & microphone

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Paul,

Connecting all your equipment to a common ground is NOT a mistake.  Whether
you still have to use isolation transformers in the computer audio lines or
not depends on your particular computer - the audio return path is to the
motherboard instead of the computer chassis, so whether or not it is
required in your case depends on the internal construction of your
computer - the transformers will not hurt.

The grounding connection to your tuner is most certainly for an RF Ground
when that is required, but it can also be connected to your common shack
ground and should create no problem - in fact safety concerns dictate that
any exposed metallic surfaces of any equipment should be grounded.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> The posts on this topic mention an isolation transformer to
> "separate" the computer from the PSK audio line. So I might have
> missed the boat a little when I decided to ground the computer
> chassis/case to the common equipment ground. That is, I have a ground
> rod with a wire coming up to a copper tube/pipe behind the operating
> desk. I've attached all available ground connections - on rigs, power
> supplies and antenna tuners to that common copper.
>
> Is that a mistake? Should I disconnect the computer or any other
> equipment from that common ground? What about the wing nut on the
> tuners - note that they are for unbalanced (coax), not twin lead or
> random wire. That is, I think it is supposed to be an electrical
> ground, not and RF ground.
>
> Sort of related is the LCD screen - it came with its own power
> supply, but I run it off an small amp. accessories power supply that
> is also connected to the common ground.
>
> I'm wondering if in my enthusiasm to minimize noise I have actually
> created more. I could and will experiment. But if someone sees a
> clear, "do it this way instead of that" to the setup, I'd appreciate
> knowing.
>
> Thanks and 73,
> Paul