[TenTec] Re: Orion - Jupiter Mic Ground and Other Stuff

[Mark Erbaugh]

John,

Thanks for the tips. While I'm sure the reflector would appreciate your
write-up, you might consider sending it to one of the ham radio mags.

Also, a tip about computer monitors. While they are more expensive, LCD
monitors are a lot quieter RF-wise than CRT ones.  The prices are coming
down. I just bought a 17" Benq from PC Connection for under $400.  It works
fine.

When you mention a dedicated 120V circuit, should other shack equipment be
on the same or a different circuit?  When you mention not using different
receptacles, do you mean on the same or on different circuits?  I currently
run my shack (except for the amp) from one receptacle (by necessity - it's
the only one there) using a power strip to plug in multiple devices.  The
only other receptacle on that circuit is at the other end of the room where
the shack is and is usually only used when I'm watching TV in the shack.
I'm planning on rewiring the shack and placing  multiple receptacles around
the walls to get rid of the power strips. I had originally planned on adding
two new circuits, one for each side wall (the existing circuit is on the end
walls). Including the existing circuit, that would make three. Perhaps I
should just add receptacles to the existing circuit. I don't have a problem
with current capacity, though I plug in a lot of items, only a few of them
are on at one time, I just want to have receptacles close to where the
equipment is.

73,
Mark

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <N0KHQ at aol.com>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2004 1:07 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Re: Orion - Jupiter Mic Ground and Other Stuff


> If you experience a "hum" using an SDR type of rig. You need to check the
> 120vac you are using. I strongly suggest that these rigs use a dedicated
120vac
> circuit. I use the same circuit that our clothes washer is using. That
way, if
> the washer is not running the circuit is clean. Avoid using multiple
> receptacles for your station.......instant ground loop. Avoid using the
same power
> circuits that may be tied into other appliances. Instant TVI and other bad
stuff.
> Keep your computer monitor as far away from your station as you can. If
you
> cant then you will have to change the monitor refresh rate......try 85hz.
>
> Another thing you will want to do is to use a TT-1251 RF Counterpoise
Tuner
> with buried radials for each band/frequency you plan on using. It works!!
>
> If you look inside the Orion, Jupiter and Peg you will notice that the mic
+
> and Mic Grnd go to a board, and from there......who knows.
>
> I suggest that a ground wire be attached to the mic connector (on the
inside)
> and then grounded to the chassis. The shield of your mic cable will ground
to
> the mic cable connector. This will provide a balanced input for your mic.
>
> For more information on grounding and providing power to computer systems
> please visit the Internet and start reading.
>
> If you use an audio transformer such as a Jenson your mic will not be
> physically connected to the rig......it will be connected magnetically.
>
> Once you get a handle on how to provide proper grounding and proper power
for
> SDR type rigs your problems will go away.
>
> If you are unhappy with your Orion/Jupiter and you dont want to invest the
> time to correct the above issues then I suggest you send the rig back to
TT or
> sell it.
>
> These rigs are computers in an RF environment and should be treated as
such.
>
> To those hams that are not experiencing any grounding or power
> issues......thats great.
>
> I'm going to do a small write up and possibly to have it published on the
> Unofficial Ten-Tec site soon.
>
> Have a good day. :-)
>
>
> 73
> John / N0KHQ / St. Louis
>
> Always on 18.130
>
> Antennas:
>
> You can build 'em better than you can buy 'em
> Please visit the sites below:
> http://www.hamuniverse.com/17mcoaxmox.html
> http://www.cebik.com/n0khq.html
> http://www.ssb-audio.com/forum/
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