[RTTY] RadioShack isolation transformer replacement

Wed Apr 4 04:00:43 PDT 2012

Don, et al

I have used this product in between the sound card and the mixer board to effectively eliminate a ground loop. The only issue I had was having to use RCA to 1/4" phone plug adapter which is no big deal.  Price wise, they are more expensive than the original I.T. but just as effective.  

Anthony J Cioffi (N2KI)
Sent from BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Don Hill AA5AU" <aa5au at bellsouth.net>
Sender: rtty-bounces at contesting.com
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2012 23:18:30 
To: 'RTTY'<rtty at contesting.com>
Subject: [RTTY] RadioShack isolation transformer replacement

Since I couldn't operate because of weather last night, I took time to fabricate a RadioShack audio isolation transformer that I had
in the junk drawer (was p/n 273-1374) into a small plastic project box with two RCA jacks so I could use it on a 2nd radio for JT65
AFSK transmission.

Today I decided to check the local RadioShack store to see if they still sold this transformer and I couldn't find it. I looked
online on their website and that part number is no longer valid and I could not find the transformer. Instead I found what they are
calling a "Ground Loop Isolator". I have a strong suspicion that it's basically the same thing built into an enclosure with leads
coming out of it with RCA audio plugs. It's on their website as p/n 270-054, shown here:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062214

I wonder if anyone is using one of these to route audio to/from their PC to their radio? Seems like a slick solution. I need to
update my RTTY webpages if indeed this "Ground Loop Isolator" will replace the old audio isolation transformer. I read through all
the reviews. All but two were positive at getting rid of hum on audio but all were from those using it with sound systems and none
from hams. I see no reason why it wouldn't work for us hams.

The only problem I see with it, is that you would have to use an RCA female to 1/8" phono plug adapter in order to plug it into your
PC sound card or else cut off the RCA plugs install your own 1/8" phono plugs.

Some of us still use homebrew interfaces and audio cables!

Thanks!

73, Don AA5AU
http://www.aa5au.com
http://www.rttycontesting.com

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