Experiencing RFI with DirecTV Receiver

[Josh380]

Just built a dipole antenna, thread here, and now I'm experiencing some pretty heavy RFI with one of our DirecTV boxes. The main box, to be precise.

I'm running an RCI-2970N2, on an Astron RS75A power supply. I had some work done on the supply, apparently there was an RF modification available, and it needed to be cleaned up and checked for proper operation. So the power supply is basically running like a new unit..no problems there.

I'm looking at different options to clean up this RFI. Normally, when in my truck, this radio is clean. It doesn't seem to cause any RFI anywhere. In fact I found it funny that my mobile GMRS setup sets off motion lights, while the CB does nothing. So, I suspect this RFI is getting into either the power lines or due to the fact that the coax for our DirecTV setup is in the attic as well.

As a result of this RFI, the owner of the house (also a long time friend) wants me to relocate the antenna to an inconspicuous spot just above the roof (Cha-Ching). This in itself may solve the problem, or make it worse, since obviously we're dealing with Satellite TV, and even more RF will be slamming into the dish.

Has anyone here had the same problem with their base setup and RFI with DirecTV (or other satellite services)?

I'm looking into possibly getting some snap on RFI chokes for the receiver power cord, and/or an inline Low Pass Filter. I should also mention that I only experience this RFI when I have the Amplifier section turned on (radio has an on/off switch for the amp section of the radio).

Thoughts?

 

[KB4MSZ]

Well, this radio isn't type accepted for operation on 11 meters, and isn't supposed to be there. Some modification had to be done to enable its operation in the CB band, and I would question the expertise involved in the modification. The internals may or may not have been aligned properly for 11 meters. At the power level this rig operates at these parameters can be significant. I could see this type of interference being a problem.

 

[prcguy]

There is at least one model of DirecTV receiver that can get interference through its cover into the circuit board and the only fix is to wrap it in foil or get the source of RF far away. Otherwise the LNB is fairly immune to RFI at HF and you might try some ferrite on the RG-6 and power cables. A 61 mix ferrire is good for 27MHz but you have to wrap a number of turns through the core, just clamping one on a cable does nothing.

The FT-240-61 core is big but proven to work with 12 turns of coax or power cable through it being the optimum for 27MHz.

Let us know the model of your box and I'll find out if that's the troublesome one.

Just built a dipole antenna, thread here, and now I'm experiencing some pretty heavy RFI with one of our DirecTV boxes. The main box, to be precise.

I'm running an RCI-2970N2, on an Astron RS75A power supply. I had some work done on the supply, apparently there was an RF modification available, and it needed to be cleaned up and checked for proper operation. So the power supply is basically running like a new unit..no problems there.

I'm looking at different options to clean up this RFI. Normally, when in my truck, this radio is clean. It doesn't seem to cause any RFI anywhere. In fact I found it funny that my mobile GMRS setup sets off motion lights, while the CB does nothing. So, I suspect this RFI is getting into either the power lines or due to the fact that the coax for our DirecTV setup is in the attic as well.

As a result of this RFI, the owner of the house (also a long time friend) wants me to relocate the antenna to an inconspicuous spot just above the roof (Cha-Ching). This in itself may solve the problem, or make it worse, since obviously we're dealing with Satellite TV, and even more RF will be slamming into the dish.

Has anyone here had the same problem with their base setup and RFI with DirecTV (or other satellite services)?

I'm looking into possibly getting some snap on RFI chokes for the receiver power cord, and/or an inline Low Pass Filter. I should also mention that I only experience this RFI when I have the Amplifier section turned on (radio has an on/off switch for the amp section of the radio).

Thoughts?

 

[Josh380]

The modifications to the radio were done at a reputable shop, on a scope, and properly re-aligned. I don't want to make this a type acceptance argument. This is simply a discussion on eliminating RFI, not who did the mod to the radio, or whether it was done properly.

Receiver model number to come shortly.....

 

[Josh380]

Ok receiver model number is HR44-200. The mini box doesn't seem to be affected by any RFI, incidentally.

 

[Josh380]

Well, I'm one of those guys that needs it ASAP. I'm looking on Amazon, and this seems to be it.

12 turns through a ring that's only 2.4 inches in diameter? I certainly don't see that being a possibility with coax. Maybe if the receiver has a barrel plug for power....otherwise I'd have to hack and splice.

 

[alcahuete]

This in itself may solve the problem, or make it worse, since obviously we're dealing with Satellite TV, and even more RF will be slamming into the dish.

It almost 100% has nothing to do with the dish. Either RF is getting into the box itself or getting into the coax, since that is also in the attic close to the antenna. If you're running 200+ watts into an attic antenna, I'm actually surprised you don't have more RFI than you do.

 

[prcguy]

12 turns of RG-58 fits fine but I've never tried RG-6. There should be enough room. Still looking for the model # that was most susceptible to RFI. You mentioned the "main box" is having the problem, is it the Genie system with the larger master DVR server and the small client boxes? Those should not have any problems from CB radios even with some moderate power. I did some original testing of the Genie system for DirecTV at the 500 watt level over amateur HF and about 50 watts at 2m and 70ch with no problems. I have a Genie system at my house and don't remember having any problems here on HF at 1200 watts.

The DirecTV box that is super sensitive to RFI was not the Genie series and just a regular single user DVR and I can't find my notes on that one at the moment.

Well, I'm one of those guys that needs it ASAP. I'm looking on Amazon, and this seems to be it.

12 turns through a ring that's only 2.4 inches in diameter? I certainly don't see that being a possibility with coax. Maybe if the receiver has a barrel plug for power....otherwise I'd have to hack and splice.

 

[JayMojave]

Hello All: Suggest you call Direct TV guys, surly they have run into RFI problems before. The FT-240-61 toroid core with 10 to 12 wraps is a good call and I have used them with good success. The NOT FCC type accepted, Is not a issue. It appears RF is getting into the main box somehow. Please let us know how u make out there. Good luck.

Jay in the Great Mojave Desert..... "Next Gas 150 Miles"

 

[Josh380]

Prcguy,

Ok receiver model number is HR44-200. The mini box doesn't seem to be affected by any RFI, incidentally.

 

[Josh380]

Oh and these "turns" through the ring...do they need to be wound tight, or just 12 passes through it?

 

[prcguy]

A "turn" is when the wire passes through the hole and it doesn't have to be tight.

Oh and these "turns" through the ring...do they need to be wound tight, or just 12 passes through it?