RF Noise?

[chrisrd]

Hi,

My new RipNAS is causing radio frequency interference - specifically with a radio tuned to AM 621 (the radio is about 4m from the RipNAS).

Unfortunately this is causing some "WAF" (Wife Acceptance Factor) issues as that's the frequency to which my partner listens. The solution for the moment is the RipNAS can't be left on all the time, which means I can't just fire up my music at the drop of a hat.

Is this RF noise normal, and is there anything that can be done to alleviate it?

[Spoon]

Try unplugging the network cable from the back of the RipNAS, does that help?

[chrisrd]

Yup, it does! I'm using the short cable that (if I recall correctly) came with the RipNAS. Why would the RipNAS connection causing this and not, for instance, the TV connection? Does it mean a shield isn't connected etc., or does it require some type of shielded ethernet cable?

[Spoon]

Ethernet cable is high frequency, and the short cable length might make it an aerial, network cables are shielded but it is only very thin tin foil shielding.

[sdcoomber]

For most normal ethernet applications the Cat5/6 cable is not shielded. It might be that the cable with the RIPNAS is specified differently. Perhaps it is worth trying a simple pre-made patch lead - these are never shielded - and see if that solves the problem.