Top Tips for Noise Reduction

by Palomar Engineers – Your Signal, Perfected.

1. Identify the Source

Before applying a fix, find where the noise is coming from – power supplies, LED lights, solar inverters, routers, or your own shack gear. Use a portable AM radio or better yet, our SIGNALPEN(TM) RF Detector that fits in your shirt pocket and requires no batteries!

2. Use Ferrite Chokes on All Cables

Snap-on or toroid-style ferrites on coax, power, and USB cables can dramatically reduce common-mode currents. Choose the correct ferrite mix for the frequency range (e.g., Mix 31 for HF, Mix 43 for VHF).

3. Grounding & Bonding

Proper station grounding ties all equipment together at one point. Use short, wide copper straps or braid for lowest impedance.

4. Filter at the Source

Add filters to noisy devices – especially switching power supplies. Palomar’s line of RFI kits and ferrites help stop noise where it starts.

5. Keep Coax Away from Noise Sources

Avoid routing coax near AC wiring, computers, or power bricks. Cross at right angles if needed.

6. Test & Tune

After applying fixes, retest your setup. Every installation is unique – measure before and after to verify improvement.

Bonus Tip:

QR this document anytime for updated guides, product recommendations, and how-to videos at https://palomar-engineers.com

Palomar Engineers, Inc.
‘Solving RF Noise Problems Since 1964’
www.Palomar-Engineers.com