Howard:

This is a great suggestion, and I'm going to keep it for future reference.

Personally, I am almost somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have never 
swapped out a computer power supply, but I guess I never saw the need to do 
so.  The computer in question is a standard HP mini-tower computer, and you 
make it sound so easy that I'm sure I can pull it off.  I have done much 
more complicated stuff than that with my ham gear over the years.  (smile)

Thanks again, and I'll keep you and everyone posted.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Howard, W A 9 Y B W" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 5:34 PM
Subject: Re: Anoying Interference Issue


> Tom,
>
> If all the other suggestions mentioned do not solve your problem, consider
> this.
>
> I had some noise show up here at home that I first noticed on the A M
> broadcast band.  After some investigation I tracked it down to a P C's 
> power
> supply.  That computer had been here for years and suddenly started this
> problem.  A trip to the computer parts store netted me a new power supply.
> Less then 10 minutes later and $40 poorer, the problem was solved.  Power
> supplies are mounted with 4 screws and all the cabling are plug-in type
> connections so the swap-out is a piece of cake.  Unless you have some 
> super
> compact unusual computer, most power supplies are fairly standard.
>
> Is this a mini tower type computer?  If so, it should be a standard type 
> ATX
> style power supply.
>
> There will be a power connection to your hard drive,
> CD/DVD drive, and possibly 1 or 2 to the motherboard, that's all there is
> to it.
>
> I have built about 6 computers over the last 10 or so years.
>
> You can do it.
>
> Howard #3
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 7:30 AM
> Subject: Anoying Interference Issue
>
>
>> Hi, all.
>>
>> As I think many of you know, I am currently in the process of switching 
>> to
>> a
>> Windows 7 PC as my main home computer.  I will be using the PC for both
>> professional and personal purposes here in my home office.
>>
>> My home office is also where I have my ham station set up, which does 
>> have
>> its advantages if I need to take a little break and check out the bands
>> every once in a while.  (grin)
>>
>> Anyway, I have just noticed that when this new computer is running, it
>> places all sorts of little birdies across the HF bands, particularly the
>> higher HF bands like 10 and 15 meters.
>>
>> To me, this obviously means that the computer has a very poorly-designed
>> switching power supply.
>>
>> My question is what might I be able to do to minimize this interference?
>>
>> I have thought of switching the computer to another circuit in the house,
>> but that would involve running an extension cord into another room, which
>> could be a bit of a pain.
>>
>> If there is a fortunate side to this dilemma, it is that I am not going 
>> to
>> be using the PC for ham radio applications such as logging, rig control,
>> and
>> the like.  Those functions are done via a separate Windows XP laptop that
>> I
>> have on my ham radio operating desk.
>>
>> Of course, the obvious low tech solution to this issue would simply be to
>> turn off the main PC whenever I am operating on the HF bands, and I may
>> have
>> to resort to that for now.
>>
>> If, though, there is something else I might want to try, please let me
>> know.
>>
>> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>