[Elecraft] Noise when plugging kx3 into computer

[Kenneth A Christiansen]

I have been able to kill my computer noise to my K3 by putting a USB hub between my computer and the USB to serial converter to my K3.

It is worth a try as the hub was cheap and I discovered it by accident.

73 and good luck

Ken W0CZ

Sent from my iPad

On Apr 18, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> 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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