TV Interference with new Icecaps-Help

fio1022 · #1 07/04/2007, 08:49 PM

I just got done upgrading my lighting from (2)175 SE bulbs on a magnetic ballast to (2)250 SE bulbs on (2)seperate Icecap ballasts.Love the way it looks.
Problem I having is,interference on TV's
All sets in house are affected.Checked to make sure grounds are good.The wife is ready to kill me!!

Here is a picture of ballast setup.They are mounted on an aluminum plate.

I can't be the first one to have this problem.Any help appreciated.
I'm posting this in Icecap forum as well.
Thanks.

ITGUY · #2 07/04/2007, 09:20 PM

Disconnect both, turn on the TV
Plug one in....observe TV
Unplug.. plug in the other...observe TV
Plug both in...observe TV.

If TV bugs out during all tests
Take the light bulbs out and retry all tests.

You stated that your grounds are good how did you verify this?

fio1022 · #3 07/04/2007, 09:32 PM

Observed tv's like you said.One ballast off interference not as bad,both ballast off no interference.New bulbs in didn't take out. .Instructions on balllast said that it could damage unit if run without.If it is bulbs how do I eliminate interference?
as far as grounding,all conctions are tight and clean.I tested outlet,neutral to ground-continuity,hot to ground 120v ,hot to neutral 120v.GFCI works normal.

ITGUY · #4 07/04/2007, 09:50 PM

Do you have any type of cable signal booster on your TV cable?

You could also see if this problem can be duplicated on someone elses house.

If so I would return the ballasts.

Line conditioners are another option to try?????

Good luck. I'm out of ideas.

fio1022 · #5 07/04/2007, 09:56 PM

No cable booster in house.

dblspc34 · #6 07/04/2007, 10:40 PM

I hate to sidetrack your thread but...

Where did you get those On/Off switches that you have hooked up to your IC ballasts? Or did you simply hack up 2 power strips?

Thanks, and best of luck with your problem.
-Dennis

a1amap · #7 07/04/2007, 11:11 PM

You could try a ferrite filter on the power side of your ballast. Just loop it through the power cord twice. Usually this will stop/reduce most radiated (RF) and conducted interference.

fio1022 · #8 07/04/2007, 11:12 PM

I hacked up two power strips.I bought them originally just for the power cord but I thought why not use it.

fio1022 · #9 07/04/2007, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by a1amap
You could try a ferrite filter on the power side of your ballast. Just loop it through the power cord twice. Usually this will stop/reduce most radiated (RF) and conducted interference.

Could you explain this.I'm pretty green when it comes to electronics.I know the basics.Never heard of a ferrite filter.

Bryan · #10 07/05/2007, 12:15 AM

I had a problem similiar to yours, not related to IceCap ballasts, but I solved the issue by replacing the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the TV with a higher quality cable. The old one was of poor quality and allowed all kinds of intereference into the TV,

hahnmeister · #11 07/05/2007, 03:15 AM

It could be through the cord (house wiring) if the TV and ballasts are on the same circuit breaker, but, its more likely to be actual RF interference... this I know from experience. A powered antanae should take care of it.

fio1022 · #12 07/05/2007, 06:36 AM

I checked other sets in house which are on different circuits.
The cable I installed years ago and I know its of good quality because I used to work for the cable company.RG56 w/alum braiding and foil shielding.No cheap radio shack wiring or fittings.I did check to make sure fittings are tight.

booker · #13 07/05/2007, 07:47 AM

I would look at the coaxial cable as well. It definately degrades with age, not to mention critters chewing on it. Plus years ago could be 2 or 10, I don't know. If you have access to a leakage detector the cable would be simple enough to check, if not then not so simple. Connectors will also begin to leak over time from corrosion and the occasional lightning strike. If you don't have access to a leakage detector you could just change the connectors one at a time and see if that fixes it. I've found that leakage is usually caused by a connector. The cable itself is fairly long lasting if it hasn't been chewed on by some critters. Since the problem is affecting all tv's but there on different ciruits, the most likely scenario would be a bad connector on the drop or the drop wire itself. This wire is also the most likely to be damaged as it's the one that absorbs lightning strikes, is out in the elements, and accesible to all the critters that like to chew on them.

Good Luck

BeanAnimal · #14 07/05/2007, 12:13 PM

Yup ferrite loops on the power cords of the ballasts (and tvs) would be a good start.

RG-6 coax with 100% braid (or quad shield) would be a good upgrade anyplace you can install it.

Compression connectors are the only way to fly. Crimp on types are inferior (for the most part) and screw (twist) on types are pure garbage.

Putting the TVs on one leg of the AC and the ballasts on the other is also a good idea.

Route the power cords away from the bulb wires.

Route the bulb wires together (even with a slight twist) and do not run them parallel to any power wires. Bulb wires and ballast wires should cross at right angles.

DriftRtist · #15 07/05/2007, 12:54 PM

When you upgraded did you go from a magnetic ballast to a electronic ballast?

From time to time people have this same problem. Maybe this applies to you?

BeanAnimal · #16 07/05/2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DriftRtist
When you upgraded did you go from a magnetic ballast to a electronic ballast?

From time to time people have this same problem. Maybe this applies to you?

just the first sentance in the thread

I just got done upgrading my lighting from (2)175 SE bulbs on a magnetic ballast to (2)250 SE bulbs on (2)seperate Icecap ballasts

DriftRtist · #17 07/05/2007, 01:06 PM

Sorry, I still don't follow. Are all icecaps electronic? Thought they made some magnetic ballast too?

BeanAnimal · #18 07/05/2007, 01:14 PM

Yes the Icecaps are electronic

BeanAnimal · #19 07/05/2007, 01:15 PM

You can also tell by looking at them. 250W mag ballasts would be much larger than what is shown in that photo.

fio1022 · #20 07/05/2007, 03:18 PM

Rechecked tv fitting all good.Interference also occurs with dvd player,no broadcast signal.
My feeling is that it is being induced through the power cord like you said.
I tried seperating bulb leads from power leads but problem still exists.
Is a ferrite filter the device you see on some electronic equipment power cords?

BeanAnimal · #21 07/05/2007, 03:24 PM

Yup... the clip on ones are not as effective. You want to loop the wires through one, not just run them through. RatShack should have them, but allelectronics and other liquidators will have them, as well as allied, digikey, mouser, newark, grainger, mcmaster, etc.

Hell steal one out of your sisters (wifes?) stereo!

fio1022 · #22 07/05/2007, 05:53 PM

Thanks for the info.
I don't know much about feritte filters.Seems like the split snap on types are readily available(Ebay).Can't find that much info on them without getting to technical.
Do you think it will solve my problem?

stugray · #23 07/05/2007, 06:18 PM

Are the reflectors grounded?

Stu

fio1022 · #24 07/05/2007, 07:13 PM

yup

stugray · #25 07/05/2007, 08:38 PM

have you tried unhooking those grounds just for troubleshooting's sake?

Stu