ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Electrical noise and AM radio

What you are most likely suffering from is radiated EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference).

PC issues.
1) Check the PC for missing card slot covers.
2) The screws for the card slot covers are screwed in.
3) The PC case screws are fully screwed on.
4) Using a grounded power cord.
5) Verify noise source is PC and not monitor.
6) Perhaps the noise source is not the PC but something else that is plugged into the same outlet strip. What else is turned on when PC is turned on? Things like fans, speakers, desk lights, network switches and hubs, etc.
7) Serial, Parallel, and Ethernet ports are often sources of interference.
8) Do you use any wireless connections like mouse, keyboard or network?

Power issues.
1) Ground pin of outlet actually connects to ground.
2) Radio power cord is fully uncoiled and not running parallel to PC cables.

Good Luck in isolating the source of the interference. Once the the source is found, then we can provide better means of reducing or eliminating it.

Larry C