[Elecraft] Mac Grounding

[Buck - k4ia]

I found it necessary to ground my computer chassis to prevent the 
incursion of RFI.  I scraped off some paint on the rear and bolted a 
ground strap from there to my star point ground system for the shack.  
It was not an issue of safety ground but of RF being induced into the 
computer from the nearby antennas.  My RFI manifested itself as 
distortion when using the soundcard as a DVR for contests.   The 
recording sounded fine but what went out over the air was distorted.

I also had to perform the pin1 mods to my early serial number K3.  
Anyone having RFI issues should investigate these mods.  Info is 
available on the Elecraft website under Alerts, Enhancements and 
Application Notes.  There are two mods - one to the microphone jack and 
one to the real panel.

After doing the above, I have had no more problems with RFI.

Buck
k4ia


On 4/12/2011 2:07 PM, Edward R. Cole wrote:
> None of my computer chassis are grounded directly to my radio
> grounds.  I made it especially that way to avoid audio ground
> loops.  All the computers are normal appliances with UL rated
> connections to AC mains which are required by code to have a safety
> ground tied to the main service entrance.  You do not see the
> millions of computer users worrying about having extra grounding on
> the computers.
>
> IF your home has improper AC wiring then FIX that.  There is no need
> for extra grounding if your home is properly wired.  Lightning is
> something that no amount of grounding will prevent.  This has also
> been thoroughly discussed for those that want to know how to protect
> equipment from lightning.
>
> More important is that the radio equipment have better grounding for
> RF as well as safety.  I do that thru a #8 awg wire to an outside
> ground rod.  Beyond saying that, the topic of grounding in the ham
> shack has been thoroughly discussed on this reflector (and should not
> need further discussion).
>
> That's my two cents on this topic and all you will hear from me on it.
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
> ======================================
> BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
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