Help required...

Posted by: Top Cat on 17 January 2001

Hi folks, can I pick your collective brains for a moment on this problem my system is showing?

My LP12 generally sounds great - no problems at all; however, occasionally (and more frequently in the evenings) there are short and defined bursts of static, even when the turntable is not playing (but the inputs are switched to Phono).

This is (obviously) very off-putting, and I'm a bit stuck for answers. Can anyone think what this could be? The 'incidents' are very 'defined' and of similar lengths. They don't appear to occur at set intervals or at any particular time. I thought perhaps I am picking up bursts of airborne RFI (Taxis? CB? Mobile phones? Next door's remote control?) but it's difficult to tell.

Can anyone help?

John

Posted on: 17 January 2001 by Jonathan Gorse
John,

Check the earth wire is properly connected between the turntable and amp.

Hope this helps,

Jonathan

Posted on: 17 January 2001 by ray dodd
Hi John,
I agree that you should initially check the earthing of your equipment , but one possibility is that you may be suffering from is interference from 'switching'......culprits are usually fridge /central heating thermostats etc.These items can produce both air and mainsborne interference If you want I can give you info on some basic tests you can carry out . Hope this helps

Is it true that sound travels further at night because it's cheaper ???????????????

Posted on: 17 January 2001 by Ron The Mon
John,
I had the same symptoms and it turned out to be improper humidity. Get a simple hygrometer from your local hardware store, and check. Humidity in a home should be 35%-55%. Mine was 15% and after getting a humidifier all static was gone. If this only happens during the winter months(the dryest) you can bet that's the problem.

Ron The Mon

Posted on: 18 January 2001 by Chris Brandon
John,
I had similar "static" type noise recently - On this occasion it turned out to be a loose connection on the dishwasher mains plug !!! (in another room,different ring of the mains etc.)

At this point,it may be good practice to check ALL connections for integrity,and I mean ALL connections,from signal,earth,right back to the mains,including removal of LP12 base board,connecting leads,mains plugs etc etc etc.

This way,you will be then investigating the problem from a known "reference" point.

After this,you are down to doing the "Sherlock Holmes" bit. ( altering timers on central heating.switching all unnecessary electrical kit off etc.
...Also see if there is a local radio Ham nearby.

Regards
Chris