Marine electronics and associated support devices such as generators, inverters, battery chargers, fish finder sonar, radar, entertainment, public address, computer, and engine monitoring and alarm devices are all subject to interference from each other and external sources.
The Problem
What causes RFI?
Strong signals from nearby radio transmitters and other “transmitters” (such as inverters, solar charge controllers, DC battery chargers, radar/sonar units, microwave ovens, cell phones, desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, engine control systems, electric motors, variable motor controls, fish finders, etc) that are picked up by long wires (“antennas”) running through the electric power wiring, internal cables, alarm system wires, speaker wires, device interconnects, etc. These “antennas” feed the interfering signals into the connected “victim” devices causing them to halt operation or act intermittently.
How to cure RFI
RFI can be stopped by suppressing the signal from the radio “transmitter” AND suppressing the signal on the receiving “antenna” feeding the affected device. With the RFI suppression kits, you are protecting the devices on the receiving antenna by running all input and output wires entering the electronic device/system through ferrite beads or rings right next to the device. Ferrites do not affect the signals going through the wires but they resist the passage of common mode RFI reducing the RFI signals on the “antenna” wires and stopping the RFI from falsely triggering the effected device. Some lines may require multiple ferrite rings or beads to be most effective. Also the more turns around and through the ring, the more effective the RFI filter.
The Solutions
Click on the RFI Solution link for the electronic device/system to be protected:
Boat Owner’s Electronic Interference Suppression Kit
AC/DC Power Line RFI Suppression Kits
Home Theater System (HDTV, Subwoofer, Stereo, Speakers, DVR, Gaming Devices, etc)
Computer RFI Kits (Laptop, Desktop, Router, Network Hubs, etc)