Eliminating RFI

James,

I'm told that one needs to be VERY careful not to get any ERS paper inside any component chassis, because it has conductive particles that can really wreak havoc on the internal circuits of such equipment, with shorting, etc. So, if using on the amp, make sure to put it on the OUTSIDE, one sheet on the top of the unit to start with.

The part of the outlet assembly that I'm referring to is the housing (box) itself, that metal casing that the outlets sit within. I was told to just line the inner surface of this outlet box with a single layer of the ERS material. This means that the sockets would have to be removed, leaving the empty housing box, which would then be lined by the ERS paper. Apparently, the ERS cloth has a high damping factor, so if put TOO close to the signal path, or if used in too large of quantities, it can restrict dynamics. Staying just inside the box's inner surface should be okay, though. You may want to contact Stillpoints about this topic also.

It would seem to me that the first order of business would be to rule out a circuit malfunction on the part of the amp in question, hence the contacting of Singlepower as you mentioned. If that turns up nothing, then I'd proceed to the ERS cloth, and see if that would work.

The helmets would be a last resort......

-Bill

Etbaby said:

"I suggest that you check that the outlet ground is connected and securely tightened. Also other devices connectd on that same electrical line can re-radiate EMI back into that outlet. See what else is on the same line and unplug each device one at a time to see if the problem goes away. Be very suspicious of computers."

Sounds like a very good idea. Another question: Have you checked to see if the problem occurs with the other outlets in that same room (if there are any others in that room)? If none of the other outlets cause the problem, then it's likely that particular outlet. If not, then it's likely that particular room and/or electrical line.*

*This is of such interest to me (in case you were starting to wonder....) because I'm in the middle of dealing with my OWN RFI/EMI problem, which may be solved, not sure yet.

I have checked each and every outlet in this room and the same problem occurs. The problem also occurs in all the outlets in the room next door. I have tried unplugging all other devices, swapping interconnects and powerchords but to no avail. I am no expert on these things so what do I look for to determine if the outlet ground is connected?

"I am no expert on these things so what do I look for to determine if the outlet ground is connected?"

Neither am I. (I THINK there's a copper wire in the middle of the thing that screws down.) Etbaby may know. I'll bet Albert Porter knows, too. I had an electrician install the Porter Ports for the dedicated circuit that we recently added. For me, one of the downsides of attempting something like that as a "do-it-yourself" project would have been the somewhat unpleasant prospect of getting electrocuted.....
-Bill

Vicks7,
Have you made any progress with your RFI problem?*

*My own RFI problem has been largely ameliorated, but not entirely solved. This is an extremely difficult problem given that RFI can be airborne or carried through the lines, or sometimes generated by the equipment itself. Another dilemma is that dampening materials can sometimes cause dynamic range constriction. Also, trying to find a single, coherent source of information on this topic has been difficult for me. So it would improve my morale to know that someone else (i.e., you) has been able to defeat or at least largely tame this beast.