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Technical Topics => Equipment => Topic started by: Elf36 on February 05, 2022, 1414 UTC

Title: HF Transceiver/Computer oddity
Post by: Elf36 on February 05, 2022, 1414 UTC
So I have noticed that sometimes when I TX on PSK31, my PC will start doing odd things such as opening blank tabs or things like the calculator? I just had it happen again while operating 20M CW. I turned off the interface between the PC and the rig and it is still happening? Kind of annoying when I'm trying to keep an eye on FLDIGI as well as tabs for QRZ and a DX cluster. I guess I should start by getting some toroids for various cables?

BTW- This just started recently. Maybe in the last 3/4 days
(14:36) Just went to restart my PC and saw that I had 27 Calculators open in the background
Title: Re: HF Transceiver/Computer oddity
Post by: RobRich on February 05, 2022, 1524 UTC
Sounds like common mode. Ferrites on the interface cable, and ferrites on the keyboard cable since this appears to be an input-related issue.

In the meantime, do you perhaps have a different keyboard to try?
Title: Re: HF Transceiver/Computer oddity
Post by: Elf36 on February 05, 2022, 1530 UTC
I will have to look around. My son probably has 3 in his room! I really need to update my PC anyway. I have to reset my drivers for sound all of the time and sometimes I have to disconnect/reconnect my keyboard also. Thanks for the response. I will get some toroids for sure either way.
Title: Re: HF Transceiver/Computer oddity
Post by: Erik Mattson on February 05, 2022, 2023 UTC
I've got the snap-on ferrite chokes on everything. Amazon had a set of 20 of them in different sizes by "Jabinco" for ten bucks. Those and the toroids on the coax just before the receiver and I think I'm good to go.
Title: Re: HF Transceiver/Computer oddity
Post by: Elf36 on February 05, 2022, 2048 UTC
Good afternoon Erik, Thanks for the feedback. I will check into that. We have one electronic store in my city left, that may possibly have some. If not, I'll go the Amazon/Ebay route. I do have some snap-on beads, but I need more. I also need some large-sized ones because my HF rig coax is RG213 and my dual band rig uses LMR-400.
Title: Re: HF Transceiver/Computer oddity
Post by: ~SIGINT~ on February 05, 2022, 2345 UTC
Amazon or eBay are the last places I would purchase ferites or toroids from. You have no clue what you will be getting. Most likely junk or cores intended for winding high frequency transformers or switching power supplies.

If you are going to do it, do it right the first time. Purchase from a reputable dealer. The best place to start is with Palomar Engineers https://www.palomar-engineers.com/ (https://www.palomar-engineers.com/) Some of their products are currently on sale.