Sorry ’bout that, Marvin! The link always opened up the page directly on the 20300 item, so I thought that was the one you were using.
I’ve heard more than once that the Modial Magic Box will work when other ground isolation devices fail.
But first check everything else:
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
I’ve heard more than once that the Modial Magic Box will work when other ground isolation devices fail.
But first check everything else:
- As noted, disconnect the CATV service from the outside ground block. If the hum goes away, the problem is not in your house, but somewhere in their feed, and they should fix it.
- Replace the existing ground wire on the cable TV’s ground block with a fresh one. Route the new wire directly to the ground rod (I’m always suspicious of ground wires that “disappear” into the breaker box).
- Since there is a paint issue, you might want to replace the ground block with a new one (the paint could be preventing good electrical contact).
- In the house, make sure quality coaxial cables are used throughout. Do not use the cheapie cables with push-on F-connectors that come with the equipment.
- If possible, bypass all splitters for testing purposes, and add them back one at a time to see if equipment elsewhere in the house is causing the problem.
- The VCR may be too close to the receiver above it. Amplifiers can induce noise into other electronics that are too close to them.
- Double-check all system audio cabling, especially between the receiver and any outboard amplifiers. This is best done by disconnecting everything in the system, and then re-connecting one component at a time, noting if the noise starts when a particular piece is added. If you find a suspicious one, replace the cables with a known good set.
- It’s possible something else on the circuit your HT equipment is on (like light dimmers) could be causing the problem. It’s generally accepted that a dedicated circuit is a good way to insure reliable, noise-free operation of a home theater system.
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
