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radio frequency interference

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Hi group!

This anomaly does not require "fixing".

I like to stream audio on my computer, and use a USB-powered transmitter that connects to the audio output of the MOBO, and broadcasts an FM signal (set to 107.5mHz, but can be set to other frequencies), so that I can listen to the audio via my stereo FM tuner or any other FM radio throughout the house. It outputs in the millivolt range.

This was driving me crazy, until I diagnosed what was causing it.

Viewing a web page, I'd immediately get FM interference, making the streaming FM audio, raspy and unlistenable, as soon as I clicked the "reader view" icon on the toolbar. Sometimes, I could click the icon again, to revert to the "normal" web page view, and the interference would stop. And clicking the icon to return to "reader view" again, the sound was O.K.

Other times, I'd have to close the tab entirely (which stopped the interference) allowing the streaming audio on the other tab to continue without interference. I could then open the tab on the "offending" site again, and the audio was O.K. I'd just continue with this tab in "normal" web page view.

Now, I know there are folks "out there", who are just as nerdy as I am, who are curious about how "reader view" is causing FM interference. The MOBO is an ASUS F2A85-V PRO, running an AMD CPU.

Any thoughts?

Just curious,

- Mandelbrot

Hi group! This anomaly does not require "fixing". I like to stream audio on my computer, and use a USB-powered transmitter that connects to the audio output of the MOBO, and broadcasts an FM signal (set to 107.5mHz, but can be set to other frequencies), so that I can listen to the audio via my stereo FM tuner or any other FM radio throughout the house. It outputs in the millivolt range. This was driving me crazy, until I diagnosed what was causing it. Viewing a web page, I'd immediately get FM interference, making the streaming FM audio, raspy and unlistenable, as soon as I clicked the "reader view" icon on the toolbar. Sometimes, I could click the icon again, to revert to the "normal" web page view, and the interference would stop. And clicking the icon to return to "reader view" again, the sound was O.K. Other times, I'd have to close the tab entirely (which stopped the interference) allowing the streaming audio on the other tab to continue without interference. I could then open the tab on the "offending" site again, and the audio was O.K. I'd just continue with this tab in "normal" web page view. Now, I know there are folks "out there", who are just as nerdy as I am, who are curious about how "reader view" is causing FM interference. The MOBO is an ASUS F2A85-V PRO, running an AMD CPU. Any thoughts? Just curious, - Mandelbrot

All Replies (2)

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Please ignore rosehelp102's post and don't call that number   -   it's a scam !

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Sounds like RF feedback due to a lack of a good ground between the FM tuner and the PC case. The USB cable might be the "antenna" for the FM band radio waves. Try attaching a ground wire between the two metal chassis. That should help some for most "fixed" direct wired low level audio outputs / inputs - MOBO. PC cases are FCC spec'c to prevent "radiation" from the PC innards to outside the case, modify the case (like a plastic case "window" mod, been there, done that, and had a issue with scratchy audio) and that FCC shielding requirement for Classis B devices is affected, along with plugged in peripheral cables which may not have effective shielding at the low end of the price range (= cheap cables). Good luck finding a ground with the way that electronic devices are designed and built these days.


70 year old VietNam era USNR - Ready Reserve - Aviation Electronics Technician who worked on ASW aircraft communications and radar gear, along with M.A.D. gear - below surface magnetic anomaly detection to locate diesel powered submarines as MAD & radar operator crewman "weekend warrior". I was able to locate a half-a-dozen floating, empty old zinc beer cans in Lake Michigan a few times which impressed the pilot, co-pilot, and radio /comm operator who kept the radio tuned to AM radio stations as we where "seeking subs" in a large bathtub. We didn't get sent to the Nam, because they didn't have any submarines. LOL