RFI in a mobile installation?

[PNW_Steve]

Hey Everyone,

Moving forward with my RV project I have started considering installing an HF rig. I have never run HF in close proximity to charge controllers or inverters and did not consider the potential for RFI.

I came across another thread discussing RFI issues with grid tied solar and started poking around and have not found a clear answer to my concern.

What kind of issues can I anticipate from a Midnite Classic, Whizbang Jr and a Xantrex Prosine 1800/24?

I gave my Kenwood to my brother some time back and have not found a soul in the county with HF gear to test with. I may have to order a new rig just to try it out. If I am doomed to failure, I will spare myself the agrivation and cost.

Dang! It just occurred to me that it's been 18+ years since I gave away my last HF rig.... Time goes by too quickly.

[bcroe]

I have started considering installing an HF rig. I have never run HF in close proximity to charge controllers
or inverters and did not consider the potential for RFI.

What kind of issues can I anticipate from a Midnite Classic, Whizbang Jr and a Xantrex Prosine 1800/24?

Just scout around the solar equipment with an am portable for noise. Plenty of cheap obsolete
equipment on Evil Bay. Bruce Roe

[Paul Land]

Add some shielding

[PNW_Steve]

Add some shielding

I tried that,

I put aluminum foil all over my head and still heard voices...

Or did you mean I should put shielding somewhere else? If so, could you detail?

Thanks

[PNW_Steve]

Just scout around the solar equipment with an am portable for noise. Plenty of cheap obsolete
equipment on Evil Bay. Bruce Roe

Good thought. So I took a look on flebay. $325 for a TS-140!! My word. a new one 25 years ago was $625.. ...

I think I need to set my sights a little lower

[J.P.M.]

Just scout around the solar equipment with an am portable for noise. Plenty of cheap obsolete
equipment on Evil Bay. Bruce Roe

Bruce: Honestly, sometimes you're a breath of common sense. Not sure how many 20 somethings would even understand what you're suggesting much less thought of it.

Respectfully,

[Mike90250]

You may have to put chokes and caps at the input and outputs of the charge controller, depending on the QRM you pick up. I mention the PV cables because they can also radiate noise.

If you need absolute quiet, the morningstar PWM line has a slow switching mode.

[Paul Land]

I tried that,

I put aluminum foil all over my head and still heard voices...

Or did you mean I should put shielding somewhere else? If so, could you detail?

Thanks

needs to be lead(Pb) Sheets. Available at plumbing supply. You put it facing towards what you want to protect like your head, testicles or electronics

[PNW_Steve]

You may have to put chokes and caps at the input and outputs of the charge controller, depending on the QRM you pick up. I mention the PV cables because they can also radiate noise.

If you need absolute quiet, the morningstar PWM line has a slow switching mode.

As I have not ever experienced solar and HF operations in close proximity, I have no idea what to expect.

If chokes & caps at the input and output of the charge controller and knock it down to a reasonable level then I will move forward. If I was going to see huge QRM I may stick to 2m & 70cm.

Thanks.

[PNW_Steve]

Can I take the foil off of my head now?

[bcroe]

If chokes & caps at the input and output of the charge controller and knock it down to a reasonable level
then I will move forward. If I was going to see huge QRM I may stick to 2m & 70cm.

Do not give up so easily, that is part of the game. Just use an MPPT controller, as the other
type turns your entire array into a noise antenna. It comes down to
!. Fix the noise source if you can
2. contain it with shielding
3. filter any leads going into the shield

Shielding is like keeping air in a balloon. A gap anywhere will let it out, including a
door seam. A gap of 1/10 wavelength is OK. Bruce Roe

[Paul Land]

Hey Everyone,

Moving forward with my RV project I have started considering installing an HF rig. I have never run HF in close proximity to charge controllers or inverters and did not consider the potential for RFI.

I came across another thread discussing RFI issues with grid tied solar and started poking around and have not found a clear answer to my concern.

What kind of issues can I anticipate from a Midnite Classic, Whizbang Jr and a Xantrex Prosine 1800/24?

I gave my Kenwood to my brother some time back and have not found a soul in the county with HF gear to test with. I may have to order a new rig just to try it out. If I am doomed to failure, I will spare myself the agrivation and cost.

Dang! It just occurred to me that it's been 18+ years since I gave away my last HF rig.... Time goes by too quickly.

MS with wiz and Magnum Inv no RF on RF Dect, 1st pic low sensitivity 2nd pic hi sens same result with Inverter

hf1.JPGhf2.JPG

[PNW_Steve]

MS with wiz and Magnum Inv no RF on RF Dect, 1st pic low sensitivity 2nd pic hi sens same result with Inverter

hf1.JPGhf2.JPG

Thank you!

That is what I was after.
It looks like the RFI will be manageable. Now I need to start looking at antenna options. A 40m NVIS on the roof?

[bcroe]

I need to start looking at antenna options. A 40m NVIS on the roof?

I put the big ant on a tower 300 feet from the house, cause it attracts lighting. Near my panels, also cannot be
seen from the house. Bruce Roe

[PNW_Steve]

I put the big ant on a tower 300 feet from the house, cause it attracts lighting. Near my panels, also cannot be
seen from the house. Bruce Roe

Unfortunately I cannot take the tower with me.....

I have an old G5RV out in the garage. Maybe I could loft that with a helium balloon on each end?

Seriously, this is turning into a fun challenge. I get to explore the evolution of mobile HF antennas over the last 20 years.


Thank you Everyone for the input.