S/PDIF gets interference from dimmer switches
Discussion
I have a 10-metre co-axial SPDIF link from my PC to play music on my Onkyo receiver amp. This has been in place for about a year with no issues until this week.
I had to replace the two dimmer switches for the main lights and now have a major problem - When either light is on, unless the dimmer is fully up or fully down, I get no music from the amp!
I can only assume that I am getting some sort of interference from the new dimmers, that disrupts the digital signal from the PC somehow. Switches are metal-faced, and earthed and both marked as EN55014, I assume this is the latest standard.
PC is in the same room as the amp, and they are both on the same socket ring, although they may be isolated somehow as they are both plugged into surge protector extensions.
Is there any way I can protect the co-ax link? I assumed that it shouldn't have this problem anyway as a screened cable? Should I buy more beefy cable? Should I look at the earth connections on the amp and PC? - Any other ideas?
I had to replace the two dimmer switches for the main lights and now have a major problem - When either light is on, unless the dimmer is fully up or fully down, I get no music from the amp!
I can only assume that I am getting some sort of interference from the new dimmers, that disrupts the digital signal from the PC somehow. Switches are metal-faced, and earthed and both marked as EN55014, I assume this is the latest standard.
PC is in the same room as the amp, and they are both on the same socket ring, although they may be isolated somehow as they are both plugged into surge protector extensions.
Is there any way I can protect the co-ax link? I assumed that it shouldn't have this problem anyway as a screened cable? Should I buy more beefy cable? Should I look at the earth connections on the amp and PC? - Any other ideas?
Sounds like crap dimmers to me. You do tend to get what you pay for with Electrical accessories (I'm an electrician so have first hand experience of this) What dimmers did you buy?
I suppose a better cable might help but no guarantees you wouldn't still have issues, alternatively could you use an optical cable instead, I've personally used a 15m optical and not had an issue. Optical has the bonus of not being effected by interference.
I suppose a better cable might help but no guarantees you wouldn't still have issues, alternatively could you use an optical cable instead, I've personally used a 15m optical and not had an issue. Optical has the bonus of not being effected by interference.
Switches are Dalton Accessories 1 gang 500w dimmers, at just under £13 on Amazon have I spent too little? - I am running 6 x 50w halogen spots off each switch and when a bulb failed it blew the original dimmer which was rated at a lower wattage.
Long-term, I am looking at an LED replacement for these lamps, so do not want to spend buckets of cash to solve this if I will have to throw it all out later for new lighting.
Long-term, I am looking at an LED replacement for these lamps, so do not want to spend buckets of cash to solve this if I will have to throw it all out later for new lighting.
[quote=Silver Smudger]at just under £13 on Amazon have I spent too little? [quote]
Go to an electrical wholesaler and ask advice. I really wouldn't buy anything that has a high risk of being a cheap Chinese knock off on amazon. Dimmer switchers, laptop chargers etc are all prime candidates.
Go to an electrical wholesaler and ask advice. I really wouldn't buy anything that has a high risk of being a cheap Chinese knock off on amazon. Dimmer switchers, laptop chargers etc are all prime candidates.
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff