Question about RF interference

tst2015

Well-Known Member
I've been reading on ballast RF interference. Right now I've got my ballast sitting outside my tent. I brought an AM radio into the room where my tent is located and had interference. Also checked in my truck outside and seemed to have interference (but still had varying degrees of interference when I went for a drive).
Ive been reading about trying to block any RF interference that I may be putting out.
My question is...if I put my ballast inside my sealed mylar tent...would that block it?
 

growingforfun

Well-Known Member
I've been reading on ballast RF interference. Right now I've got my ballast sitting outside my tent. I brought an AM radio into the room where my tent is located and had interference. Also checked in my truck outside and seemed to have interference (but still had varying degrees of interference when I went for a drive).
Ive been reading about trying to block any RF interference that I may be putting out.
My question is...if I put my ballast inside my sealed mylar tent...would that block it?
Just use a magnetic ballast. Only way to block it is to not make it.
The am radio test is like a fart in the wind an trying to decide if you stink. Their equipment is a lot more sensitive than that.
 

Srirachi

Well-Known Member
It'll help. There's not enough metal there to be a really effective Faraday cage but it should cut the emissions quite a bit. If it isn't enough just get a youtube video on Faraday cages. For a magnetic ballast, I bet you'll need more shielding. Those things pour out RFI like that's their purpose.
^^ this guy is legit, not a teenager with a roll of foil lol ^^
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
This all started over interference in wireless routers provided by cable companies. A,customer complains and they check. First this is extremely short range. Second if the cable company comes to your door tell them to go to hell. Their complaint would never result in a warrant being issued.
 

tst2015

Well-Known Member
This all started over interference in wireless routers provided by cable companies. A,customer complains and they check. First this is extremely short range. Second if the cable company comes to your door tell them to go to hell. Their complaint would never result in a warrant being issued.
True...I was just thinking they might put a filter on my line and I'd lose my Internet. Then the old lady would shoot me and I'd never get to taste the harvest. Lol
I've checked with am radio a couple more times since and I'm not getting any interference now
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
I have never personally known anyone or known anyone who knew someone who got whacked for this. Not saying it's never happened .
 

growingforfun

Well-Known Member
I have never personally known anyone or known anyone who knew someone who got whacked for this. Not saying it's never happened .
Now you do. I had the cable company show up and using the equipment around the house to pinpoint where the rf interferance was coming from.
This happens more often than you think I bet, because not everyone gets the chance to get on here and post about it, a lot of them goto jail.
 

growingforfun

Well-Known Member
This all started over interference in wireless routers provided by cable companies. A,customer complains and they check. First this is extremely short range. Second if the cable company comes to your door tell them to go to hell. Their complaint would never result in a warrant being issued.
Wrong, if you tell them to fuck off it becomes a federal issue.

This is absolutely a matter to take seriously.
 

Pmbreno

Active Member
Switching to cmh which uses square wave will cure the issue completely. Virtually no rf signal emitted from them, also if you like bigger lights revolution deva is square wave also.
 

chronnie49

Well-Known Member
Switching to cmh which uses square wave will cure the issue completely. Virtually no rf signal emitted from them, also if you like bigger lights revolution deva is square wave also.
Thats one of the many reasons im switching to cmh. I used to use a quantum digital ballast with no issues but i think this is an issue people should be concerned about. I live in ireland now so im much more worried about getting caught than when i lived in california.
 
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Logan Burke

Well-Known Member
I had to switch to a magnetic ballast for my 1k HPS because it interfered with my PH/PPM continous monitor display, making it give jacked up and waaay off readings. While it did produce just a little bit of interference for my internet, it was really minimal...no, placing it inside the tent I do not think will prevent any RF. But unless your wireless router is literally in the same room, I doubt it will give you or your neighbors any issues...but in any event, if you want to eliminate it, a magnetic ballast will do the trick...but I only would if it interferes with equipment you need to use.
 

tst2015

Well-Known Member
I had to switch to a magnetic ballast for my 1k HPS because it interfered with my PH/PPM continous monitor display, making it give jacked up and waaay off readings. While it did produce just a little bit of interference for my internet, it was really minimal...no, placing it inside the tent I do not think will prevent any RF. But unless your wireless router is literally in the same room, I doubt it will give you or your neighbors any issues...but in any event, if you want to eliminate it, a magnetic ballast will do the trick...but I only would if it interferes with equipment you need to use.
Yeah it hasn't caused any noticeable issues with my wifi or cell service at all. Just the radio test in the same room...but the AM radio signal in my area is crappy at the best of times.
 
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