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internet dead while transmitting

TIM3Kmart
TIM3Kmart Member ✭✭
in Networking
During transmit, the internet connection to my PC goes dead, then returns upon receive. This has occurred since 8600 was purchased earlier this year and on many versions of SSDR, plus 2 different computers. Happens on all antennas, any mode, any power. Station coax and leads are properly RFI filtered with no signs of RF in shack. Not operating remote. Appears not to be a cable modem problem as all other feeds still work fine. 40' run from modem to switch has DX Engineering filters on both ends. Perhaps its something with the TP-8G108E 10/100/1000 metal cased Switch in the shack. Unfortunately, the drop outs can cause N1MM telnet sessions to be disconnected during a contest. Any ideas out there??? Tim, AB0S

Answers

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Tim, I had a similar problem. It turned out to be RF getting into my router, switch and computer. I had to put ferrites on all ethernet and power cables, including those not related to my ham radio operation. I also had to put ferrites on all cables coming into my computer (ethernet, USB and power).

    While my Flexes are reasonably RF proof, I wound up putting ferrites on all the radio cables as well, just to be sure. Now, I am able to operate 500 watts on any band without issue.

    By the way, I see you in my log from the recent 160 meter CW contest!

  • TIM3Kmart
    TIM3Kmart Member ✭✭
    Hi Len! Great to work you in the 160m.

    ALL ethernet cables in the shack have ferrites. The CAT6 going to the cable modem has the expensive DXE filters at both ends. No other CAT cables to the modem (except for Flex and shack computer, totally wireless. Modem has ferrites on RG6 cable coming from outside box and power line. In shack have 5kw line isolator balun. Same at all antennas. Everything grounded together, including house electrical, ufer tower base, and 16 ground rod spoke system occupying much of back yard. 8600 power supply and PC on Morgan Systems AC filter plus UPS. Mic and speakers have ferrites at back of 8600.

    I just noticed I forgot to put ferrites on the rotor cable. I'll take care of that, but I doubt its the problem, as the drop out occurs even when I use my HF9v vertical which is a good 50' away from the rotor.
  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I recently had an issue with QRO on &0 meters would cause my Internet to go out during TX and fiber gateway would reboot when back to receive. Mix 31 ferrites on Ethernet cables and wall wart (switching 12 v) for the gateway. I fixed it by swapping the fiber gateway (think modem) with a 12 volt 2.5 a linear wall wart. Evidently RF getting direct into the switcher wall wart for the fiber gateway.

    73 Dave wo2x

  • Mike Steventon
    Mike Steventon Member ✭✭✭

    If you are feeling rich try these in all ethernet lines connected; DX Engineering ISO-PLUS Ethernet RF Filters.

    I have them to cure the same problem. Now no more rf getting into pc.

    Go them a go!!!

    Mike

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    One trick that I have used to figure out the source of the RF ingress is to start disconnecting cables until the symptom disappears. That usually isolates the issue.

    I have been surprised at where it gets in, including cables that I already have ferrites on. I have a long cable that goes the length of my house that needed a mix 31 toroid with several turns through it, not the single bead that I originally had on there.

  • TIM3Kmart
    TIM3Kmart Member ✭✭
    Follow-up... Losing internet access when transmitting is now confirmed to be an RFI issue with the computer. Problem now PARTLY solved.

    Since my last post, I learned how to access my Cox Gateway. The 'uncorrectable' error rate at the Gateway was near 50% when NOT transmitting. The coax line inside the house to the box was bad. Once Cox replaced it, RFI getting into the computer only happens on certain bands. It is no longer an ALL bands issue.

    I also discovered how to stop the RFI issue from effecting the computer when transmitting on 10 meters. The first floor laundry room is directly above my shack. Honest to God, when the wife stands in front of the washing machine and dryer, the RFI issue on 10m goes away!

    The work continues.

    Tim, AB0S
  • TIM3Kmart
    TIM3Kmart Member ✭✭

    Mike S. Good thought. Only 1 CAT6 cable is going into the Gateway and it has the DX Engineering filters you mentioned on both ends. The CAT cables in the shack are short and filtered with Mix 31 toroids. The switch in the shack is in a metal box. Perhaps I'll get some more of the DX Engineering filters and experiment!

    David D. Another good thought. My previous Gateway had the power supply built in (the AC cord had 5 mix 31 snap-ons) in but the one I got a week back has a wall wart. The wall wart cable to the Gateway has 5 mix 31 snap-ons on it. I'll have to give you idea about changing out the wall wart with a linear supply one. I believe I have one handy.

    Len. Yet more good thinking. All connections have the equivalent of multiple turns. Like you said, a single snap-on is usually useless.

    All… It is most definitely an RF issue. I ran the entire NAQP CW contest this weekend and made 1151 Qs without stopping the internet connection cold while transmitting. 100 watts is certainly more forgiving than the 1000 watts I ran the week before in the ARRL RTTY Round-Up (1359 Qs).

    Thanks all! If you have more ideas, I'm all ears (except when the XYL is speaking).

    Tim, AB0S

  • KA9CFD
    KA9CFD Member ✭✭

    You might think about using ethernet to fiber adapters with fiber runs rather than ethernet cables. I had to do that here as for some reason the ethernet run from the Flex to the ethernet switch would shut off the switch whenever I transmitted. replacing with fiber completely cured the problem.

    GL and 73,

    Jay KA9CFD

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