AirNav Systems Forum

AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com => AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com Discussion => Topic started by: 54901 - Jim on February 09, 2012, 11:51:10 AM

Title: The RadarBox and Power Supplies
Post by: 54901 - Jim on February 09, 2012, 11:51:10 AM
I've had the RadarBox for several years ... it's the best! I recently changed the layout of my office ... moving the RB and the computer that it uses, but not changing the position of my indoor antenna. As a space-saving measure, I placed the RB on the handy open spot on top of the computer (unfortunately, in close proximity to the power supply).  As it was a busy week, I didn't pay too much attention, but a couple of days ago, I noticed my numbers were way down and the polar diagram seemed to indicate that I could only see those aircraft I could see ... looking out my window!  I've since moved the RB to another position as far from the computer as is possible and all is well! A lesson learned!
Title: Re: The RadarBox and Power Supplies
Post by: RodBearden on February 09, 2012, 01:25:14 PM
Interesting - my box has always been right on top of my computer.

I'll have a play...

Rod
Title: Re: The RadarBox and Power Supplies
Post by: 54901 - Jim on February 09, 2012, 01:50:41 PM
Rod:

Additional information ... the PC's (Dell) power supply is not a factory original, but a larger capacity replacement (Antec) that I installed. Maybe that's the difference?

Jim
Title: Re: The RadarBox and Power Supplies
Post by: Seneca Driver on February 10, 2012, 12:33:08 PM
Computer power supplies can sometimes put out a significant amount of R/F noise which can interfere with weak signal reception.  This can be particularly true for external laptop power supplies which use a switching type of circuit.  Antennas usually provide optimum performance when kept as far away from computers/power supplies as possible.  (I'm an Extra Class Ham radio operator, I have suffered from computer noise many times with my radio equipment).
Title: Re: The RadarBox and Power Supplies
Post by: 54901 - Jim on February 16, 2012, 09:33:58 PM
I added a ferrite choke to the PC end of the supplied USB cable today.  My numbers are higher than previous days this week. Can't prove the choke is the reason, but I'm not going to remove it. FYI.