[Elecraft] QRN-less Wireless Router?+QRN From Linksys & MFJ Devices

[Jeff]

I'm sorry to go off-topic, but is there a particular model of wireless
router that produces little or no HF noise?

Stan's, W5EWA, comments about his high noise level on HF got me started
looking for possible local contributors to my own noise level, which had
recently increased markedly.  I have found two sources, thus far:

Noise source 1:  My non-wireless Linksys BEFSR41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Router
with 4-port switch, which I started using a few days ago, produces very
strong broadband noise on HF.  I had only one PC connected to the router, so
I don't really need the router at present, but I had heard that having a
router between the cable modem and the PC reduces the likelihood that
someone will be able to hack into the PC via the Internet.  Is this true?
It did seem that my ZoneAlarm firewall reported fewer access attempts while
the router was in the loop.

Two of my family members plan to acquire laptops soon, which will force me
to install a wireless router, although it won't have to be located in my
shack.  So, please let me know if there is a type of wireless router that
seems to produce less HF interference.

Noise source 2:  My MFJ-4225MV switching power supply produces a very
rough-sounding heterodyne that often drifts across my operating frequency.
I noticed it on 80 meters, but it probably happens on other bands, as well.
Although switching power supplies are notorious for producing HF crud, I
would have naively assumed that any power supply designed primarily for the
ham market would be interference-free, but this is obviously not the case.
Anyway, I'm now using a Ten-Tec 937 linear supply, in place of the MFJ unit.

Please note that you may have better luck with the Linksys and MFJ units
than I've had -- I'm currently using an indoor antenna, which inevitably
maximizes pickup of crud from my various indoor devices.  The interference
from the MFJ power supply was not strong, so one might not hear it at all,
if one were using a coax-fed outdoor antenna.

Oh, I do have one on-topic comment:  I found that the K2's internal battery
makes searching for in-home noise sources very quick and convenient!

Anyway, I'm happy to report that my HF noise level is now reasonable, and
I'm on the air!

73 & 72,
Jeff
WB5GWB -- Soon to be replaced by a vanity call with a "2" in it, I hope!
Long Island, NY