Signal graphs

[Alanpenwith]

Hi
I have found that the system does not like google chrome - things are running better with IE and I think using manual I have got much lower noise.
We'll see
Regards
Aaln

[readbueno]

Good morning Alan, I can't see anything yet from your station on the server, but I will check a little later.
Good luck.

Brian.

[Andrew.Instone-Cowie]

I have found that the system does not like google chrome - things are running better with IE and I think using manual I have got much lower noise.

Ok, I find that using the GUI when the controller is under high signal load sometimes result in a crash. Looking at the signals on lightningmaps.org, you seem to be sending hardly any signals to the servers. That might because your station is in interference mode due to excessive noise. If it is, the fault light will be on and probably lots of activity on the signal light. The UTP cable between the H-field preamp and controller MUST be shielded for starters. If you still can't get the GUI stable, disconnect the ferrite sites, the try the GUI. Set to manual, sets the gains right down low, save the config, and then reconnect the ferries. You're aiming initially for almost zero signals. Then wind up the gains slowly and see if you start you start to get signals. Then you are aiming for "just below interference level". Then you can start hunting for noise sources

[Alanpenwith]

Thanks all
I think maybe waiting for the shielded H cable would be sensible (only a couple of days). 
I checked the Vin and it averages 4.8V with rapid fluctuation from 4.78 to 4.82 but looks similar to another I have seen somewhere.
My settings at the moment are A 8x5 hp off noise floor about 10 and B 8x5 hp off noise floor 11 and all the rest disabled. 
I seem to get interference peaks around 40 and 80 - any thoughts about sources of these.
Regards
Alan

[mwaters]

The UTP cable between the H-field preamp and controller MUST be shielded for starters.

That's what the instructions say, but my CAT5 cable (about 15') is not shielded. And I've read several posts where some could not use shielded cable because it introduced a ground loop.

[readbueno]

Hi Alan, Many people with a station in a normal urban environment would never see a noise floor as low as that!
As mentioned above, it might be better to start with, trying only one channel at a time and even not connect the other channels, until you have at least one working.
The high pass filter might help with the peaks above 25 KHz. I think that is where it starts to really drop off. Switch it on and see if it helps.
It is not so much the actual voltage of the power supply that is the problem, that one does seem to be within the suggested range, but how much interference is imposed on that voltage.
To see that you need an oscilloscope, but a quick test would be to use 3 "C" cell  1.5 volt batteries to switch the system on and just compare the difference.
This is just a test, it would not be economical to run the system like this.
If you have an AM radio you can also listen for any local noise sources, LW would be best, but MW will still work as these types of noise have harmonics that go on for quite high frequencies. Just sweep the band and/or passively listen for computer noise say next to your computer keyboard, fluorescent lights, plasma TVs, fridges, central heating or air conditioning systems etc. 
Then check if anything similar shows up next to your controller or the amplifiers/antennas.
Once you find one source, continue, if possible switching them off as you go, until you have eliminated all that you can, there will always be more, but Rome was not built in a day!.
Move your antennas as far from the noise sources as you can and in some cases you may have to de-noise the actual culprit with ferrite EMI suppressors on the leads running from them.
If it is a commercial article that is making the noise then the Manufacturer, supplier or installer may be able to help reduce the noise with specific filters or internal screening.
Or you may be able to provide extra screening yourself. No, I Don't mean for you to wear a tinfoil hat!  
I am sure that you will get it sorted out.
Good Luck!

Brian.

Edit. I believe that a ground loop may have taken out my controller. As it turns out, my computer and the router has a "UPS" and is in affect not at the same earth potential as the mains?

[Alanpenwith]

Hi All
I wonder if anyone would recognise the sort of interference I am getting - see attached pic.
Still waiting for a linear power supply.
Thanks
Alan

[Andrew.Instone-Cowie]

That doesn't look too bad in terms of amplitude, here's my current noise floor. (I have the LP filters installed to take out a military VLF transmitter near Blackpool)
   
Edit to add: There is something funny going on with your thresholds though (the dashed lines)?

[allsorts]

That doesn't look too bad in terms of amplitude, here's my current noise floor. (I have the LP filters installed to take out a military VLF transmitter near Blackpool)

Also looks like you are also getting a bit of 19.6 KHz from Anthorn and 22.1 KHz from Skelton. The amplitude goes up and down over a few cycles as they beat against each other. Partulary noticeable on the red channel.

[Alanpenwith]

Hi All
I now have my linear power supply running and shielded cables. The Vin is showing at 4.50 with a very thin trace although at the supply terminals it is a steady 4.99V.
It has made a small difference and I get quite good signals on channel 1 (watching the live maps my C1 [N/S ferrite] coincides with observed flashes and the site comes up on maps from time to time) - but very little in signals on C2 [E/W]. C1 has quite a lot of 40,60,80 Khz noise but still works. Maybe LP filters ?  I soldered tails on the ferrite leads and thought there might be high resistance across the leads but it was nil.
In preparation for fitting filters I looked for the jumper mentioned but could not find it on blue board 19.3.
Regards
Alan