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I've been following this thread, and I feel the need to speak out. One
builder's teething problems with a particular installation have evolved
into an indictment of any electonic device which has not been "blessed"
by some self-appointed authority. We must remember that in the
experimental community, we are encouraged to innovate and find the
better, more cost-effective mousetrap.

You do not need to throw out your electonic compass at the first sign of
RF interference. There are simple, well-known measures which can be
taken to alleviate the problem. Interference can only come from one of
two sources: the wiring, or stray RF fields. The wiring problem may be
as simple as adding RF chokes (little iron donuts) to the device's power
lines. To address RF problems, place your device in a "Faraday cage",
which is simply a sheet metal box with as few openings as possible (you
may perforate it for cooling). The box acts a ground plane, and
effectively shorts out the radio waves which are flying around behind
your panel. Whatever is inside the cage sees a quiet RF environment. You
can try using aluminum, or for better results, "Mu metal", which has
better magnetic properties for blocking RF. This is the same cheap steel
they use to make computer cases.

In conclusion, don't be afraid to innovate. If we hadn't adapted
automotive technology to aircraft use, we would still be flying with
magneto ignition, carburetors, and AM radios...wait, strike that last
one <g>.

-Adam Molny, BSEE
Legacy #151
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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