Thanks to Eric and Todd, I now know what a ground loop is. After a little googling, I know how to get rid of them as well. I'm going to try changing the signal cables to Monster brand ones (which have better sheilding) and then I'll re-route the power and signal cables away from one another, making sure everything is plugged into the same outlet. The hum only started when I hooked up the TiVo, so that has to be related somehow. I did a little plug-switching when I threw everything together so maybe it's just that.
Eric mentioned a new power strip deal that can get rid of the hum as well. I'm going to try and spend less than $200 if I can (although I could probably use the power conditioning). If moving cables and whatever doesn't work, I'll build a capacitor-based isolator from Radio Shack parts since it's the next-cheapest solution. The F-61A connectors are a $1.49 each and the 500WVDC rating .01Uf ceramic disc capacitors are $1.29 for a packet of two. About 5 minutes with a soldering iron and it's done. I don't have a multimeter to test with, although I think there's little room for error -- and hardly any risk of fire!
i have a meter you can borrow if you like....
may look at getting that conditioner myself, though I think I really just need to pull some new circuits into the apartment here...yeah, management will love that....
Posted by toddler at January 5, 2003 2:54 PMbtw, there is one other solution to your problem, however it involves some major financial outlay: use optical cable for everything:) 'course, you'd need to buy all new gear that ran fiber, but still...heh heh
Posted by toddler at January 5, 2003 3:06 PMOr.. instead of just a conditioner, you can do more for your stuff and get a UPS too... battery backup baby! Got my whole TV/receiver setup including Tivo on a UPS for that extra protection.
Posted by Miguelito at January 5, 2003 11:31 PMyeah, but you make more money than, well, several people i know mig...;) t
I actually thought about getting an UPS. I might, in fact. Costco has a good model which has 6 ports: 3 on battery and 3 merely surge-protected. It's like $150, has serial/USB interface, all that.
I was going to buy it anyway because I was going to put my main fileserver behind the TV. My office is far too warm, yet I have no ups downstairs and so can't hook up my main machine.
Will an UPS definitely solve my issue? If so, I'll buy one. It will protect my TiVo as well as my fileserver. And it can get rid of ground loop noise then I'd pay for that bonus...
Posted by wee at January 7, 2003 2:12 AM