Waiting for Baudot

Thousands of words have been written about the role of computers in our hobby.

Like it or not, there has been a steady invasion of computers into the home and into the shack. I've tried using mine to decode data tranmissions with great success, but:

A few years ago, this listener would move house to stay clear of PC noise, but now the situation is getting better. Not much - but it is getting better. It's a trade-off. PCs are getting quieter while AOR are making their receivers more sensitive.

By thinking ahead, you can do a lot to reduce computer noise. Always use shielded computer cables. The ribbon types are a multi-way transmitting aerial for noise. Get the aerial impedance down to 50 ohm as near to the long-wire (or whatever) as possible. Try balanced aerial systems. Use a good co-ax to deliver signals straight to the back of the set.

Make sure the RX has a very good RF earth and try to raise the impedance of power/speaker/comms leads with clip-on ferrites. Loads of room for experimentation here. Plastic-cased ATUs invite noise. Debate, please.

Try to arrange for the PC monitor to be as far as possible from the antenna entry point. And, if the PC is just logging a file, switch the monitor off - or set it to time-out after a few minutes in the Energy Saving set-up.