Vintage: Slight problem with old HTX-202

[mortoma61]

Just trying to get back into the ham hobby after 30 years! I only have made sure to renew every 10 years, just in case I wanted to get back into it. Somehow I remembered to do so every time!! I have the old Advanced class license but won't give out my call sign ever on the internet, not even here. I have my reasons.

But getting to the topic, the only rig I still have from 30 years ago is my old Realistic HTX-202 and it almost works perfectly. "Almost" because unlike my newly purchased Yaesu and some receive-only scanners (Uniden SDS200 and Uniden handheld BC125AT) I can't be even close to my internet router or PC when they're running due to the hash interference (just sounds like unsquelched background hash). But even if I turn my squelch all the way up it still hashes, won't quiet. All the other radios I mentioned can quiet with just a little squelch. As soon as my PC (full size gaming) goes off, the problem of course goes away. It gets some of this from my router/wifi too but only if I get close to it.

So does it just need better shielding or is this just inherent in really old tech radios like this old Radio Shack/Realistic and can't be remedied? Could I take it apart and make better shielding in it?

BTW, on 2 meters, this HTX receives better than all those others, maybe because it's not got a broad front end. I can get some repeaters more clearly than the other radios, including the Yaesu and it's a ham transceiver too.

 

[n1ofj]

I would spend my time trying to clean up the interfering RF coming from your PC and internet equipment. It sounds to me it is not the fault of the HTX-202

 

[mortoma61]

I would spend my time trying to clean up the interfering RF coming from your PC and internet equipment. It sounds to me it is not the fault of the HTX-202

How would I go about reducing interference from a gaming PC? And why does it not bother too much all the newer radios, only this older one? So I'm thinking it's the HTX, not the PC or wifi. I have my Uniden SDS200 right by my gaming rig and it scarcely bothers it at all that I can tell. All other radios are immune or almost totally immune. There was one time on my SDS200 scanner I could hear a 2 meter simplex conversation slightly better when I turned the PC off. But it still squelches the same and goes full quiet at the same place on it's rotary squelch pot, whether the PC is on or off. Possibly since the HTX was made at a time when modern types of interference didn't exist yet, it was not made to the same standard as newer equipment, as far as interference rejection. Maybe I'm stuck with no solution. But I do fail to see any way to reduce interference from a PC or WIFI!! The WIFI is transmitting above 1Ghz by nature. It's supposed to do that.

 

[wtp]

it might sound backward to some.
class A is lower grade
class B is a higher grade and meant for homes (less interference)
do you know what the FCC grade is for the computer ?
from an FCC site: Examples of Digital Devices Class A Class B Mainframe computers Personal computers Sophisticated multiuser computers Portable computers Sophisticated engineering workstations The technical standards for Class B equipment are stricter than those for Class A equipment because the Class B equipment may be located closer to radios, TVs, and other receivers that tend to be susceptible to interference. Class A equipment, on the other hand, will generally be located in office buildings and factories where it is likely to be separated from radio and TV receivers by greater distances. Section 15.107 Section 15.109 The Class B technical standards are designed to protect against interference being caused to a receiver located about 10 meters away, such as might be found in a neighbor's house or apartment. The standards are not intended to prevent interference at closer distances or within the digital device user's residence. Such interference problems can usually be resolved by the user.

https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/oet62/oet62rev.pdf

 

[mortoma61]

it might sound backward to some.
class A is lower grade
class B is a higher grade and meant for homes (less interference)
do you know what the FCC grade is for the computer ?
from an FCC site: Examples of Digital Devices Class A Class B Mainframe computers Personal computers Sophisticated multiuser computers Portable computers Sophisticated engineering workstations The technical standards for Class B equipment are stricter than those for Class A equipment because the Class B equipment may be located closer to radios, TVs, and other receivers that tend to be susceptible to interference. Class A equipment, on the other hand, will generally be located in office buildings and factories where it is likely to be separated from radio and TV receivers by greater distances. Section 15.107 Section 15.109 The Class B technical standards are designed to protect against interference being caused to a receiver located about 10 meters away, such as might be found in a neighbor's house or apartment. The standards are not intended to prevent interference at closer distances or within the digital device user's residence. Such interference problems can usually be resolved by the user.

https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/oet62/oet62rev.pdf

I have no idea what class interference my PC puts out. And knowing that probably would not help my interference in my old HTX. All I know is the more modern receivers and the only other ham transceiver I own are all far less susceptible. So far from the responses I have, looks like there's no solution for this.

 

[ladn]

I have no idea what class interference my PC puts out. And knowing that probably would not help my interference in my old HTX. All I know is the more modern receivers and the only other ham transceiver I own are all far less susceptible. So far from the responses I have, looks like there's no solution for this.

You're probably right. The HTX is from a bygone era when there wasn't nearly as much ambient RF noise.

Since it sounds like you have other, quieter, radios, use them around the computer and save the HTX for outside/mobile use.

 

[krokus]

Under the KISS principle: are you certain that your squelch control is working properly? Does it need a spray of control cleaner?

 

[wtp]

the 200 and the 125 are triple conversion.
the 202 is double,
first I.F. 21.4Mhz
second 455khz
triple conversion is less susceptible to interference.

 

[a417]

How would I go about reducing interference from a gaming PC?<snip> But I do fail to see any way to reduce interference from a PC or WIFI!!

turn them off.

The WIFI is transmitting above 1Ghz by nature. It's supposed to do that.

yes, but wifi devices are get a lot of scrutiny, and likely the actual 2.4gHz frequency (and the associated hardware with them) are not causing your local interference issues...but the dozen cheapo switched mode power supplies on your desk, powering your wifi, powering your monitor, cordless phone, and anything else than runs on less than mains voltage are filling your house with RF hash.

 

[wtp]

'grass' in the house