[Elecraft] Noise when plugging kx3 into computer

[Don Wilhelm]

You said 'everything is grounded' -- but does that include the computer?
Laptops may be difficult to ground because of plastic cases, but perhaps 
a screw somewhere in the enclosure can provide a grounding point.  The 
key is not necessarily 'grounding', but instead bonding all components 
(including the computer) with large diameter wire or braid to keep 
everything at the same potential.
Plugging the computer as well as the ham gear into the same AC 
receptacle is a potential assist to the situation, but as you have 
observed, it is not a total cure.

Check the RFI information provided by K9YC at 
http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC.htm, it is an excellent 
resource for such problems.

You could try using the 8 kHz RX shift on the KX3 to see if that helps - 
again, not the 'cure' but it can assist.  Replacing the computer (or its 
power supply) may be the only alternative to truely 'fixing' this problem.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 4/18/2013 5:33 PM, AB1SX wrote:
> Never noticed it because while setting up the kx3 I was also setting
> everything up on my computer.  I am a new ham and was getting the logging
> software etc all set up.  I recently was using the kx3 without the computer
> plugged in and the computer was on the other side of the room.  I had very
> little background noise on the kx3.  I finished up what I was doing on the
> computer and brought it back to the kx3 (computer was still on) and I
> started getting back ground noise, when I plugged it in the noise even got
> louder?   I then took the computer away from the area and the noise
> disappeared again?  What's up with that?  Everything is grounded.  Could it
> be because I am plugging the lap top into the same plug outlet as my remote
> power?  The KX3 is set up as a base station in the house, remote power
> source, kx3, antenna tuner and 150 watt amp.  Is there a way I can stop that
> noise through filters on the kx3?   Suggestions would be apprciated.
>
> AB1SX
>
>
>
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