Electronics 101 question: How to kill power related clicks?

[Len911]

If you have the Tac-8, maybe try replacing the wall wart from
https://www.zoom.co.jp/products/product ... pter#specs

to something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Supply-Ada ... 1BTYF6CB27

High Quality 12V 2A DC Power Supply Adapter for Seagate FreeAgent Desk Hard Drive or any device that requires stable DC power. Examples: Audio and Video Devices, Digital Media, Hard Drives, Computer Peripherals, Amplifiers, Satellite Radio receivers, and many more. This adapter will protect your valuable electronics against spikes and dips in power, and will shut itself off if the power supply becomes unstable. It can be reset by being unplugged and replugged in. It is vastly superior to cheap look alike power supply adapters and normally retails for $25.00. Connector Size: 5.5mm (Outside barrel) x 2.5mm (Inside Barrel) Center: Positive.

[mojobone]

Can't believe I remembered the author's name this many years after reading the article; it'll be a danged shame when my memory's shot in just a few more years. Anywho, there might be something helpful in here as a last resort: http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/r ... l/185.html

[Casey H]

The quick and dirty solution? Run an extension cord from your fridge to another room. Alternatively, you could call an electrician and see to it your devices are on separate circuits and/or upgrade to 100 amp service or somewhat less expensively, (about $400) add a voltage regulator on the DAW side. Upgrading your UPS might help, but it's pretty hit or miss. How bad did you need that fridge anyways? Maybe just move it to a garage or utility room...

I would try this first and see if the fridge on a separate circuit in your house makes it go away. Or just unplug the fridge while recording. How much ice cold beer do you need while recording, LOL?

[Len911]

Can't believe I remembered the author's name this many years after reading the article; it'll be a danged shame when my memory's shot in just a few more years. Anywho, there might be something helpful in here as a last resort: http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/r ... l/185.html

That's a good article, especially when you scroll down to "Pop goes the furnace".

[Len911]

I just upgraded by buying a used Zoom Tac-8.

Doing a little more research and thinking,
Because the only thing that changed before getting the "clicks", first thing might be is to check the "wall wart", especially since it was bought used, it's possible someone provided a wart that wasn't the original, or if the original was an expensive option, purchased an inferior wart for less somewhere else, or the optional wart is of inferior quality?
Or the wart doesn't meet the specs.

I think all the other things still apply, drink warm beer,lol, but an upgraded wall wart might be the cheapest place to start
(walmart walwart, lol)

[Paulie]

I think Il'll try the wall wart first. Like I said earlier, the popping didn't start until I added the Tac-8.

[mojobone]

I just upgraded by buying a used Zoom Tac-8.

Doing a little more research and thinking,
Because the only thing that changed before getting the "clicks", first thing might be is to check the "wall wart", especially since it was bought used, it's possible someone provided a wart that wasn't the original, or if the original was an expensive option, purchased an inferior wart for less somewhere else, or the optional wart is of inferior quality?
Or the wart doesn't meet the specs.

I think all the other things still apply, drink warm beer,lol, but an upgraded wall wart might be the cheapest place to start
(walmart walwart, lol)

Good thinking, Len! There is also the neanderthal solution, which involves a cooler and some ice.

[Len911]

Good thinking, Len! There is also the neanderthal solution, which involves a cooler and some ice.

http://www.dometic.eu/products/cooling/ ... e-coolers/

High outside temperatures, uneven terrain, dust and mud? The “indestructible” WAECO iceboxes will take this in their stride. The Cool-Ice boxes are equipped with extremely effective insulation, and once the cool packs or ice cubes have been placed inside, they will keep groceries, fish, bait and wild game fresh. Depending on use and weather conditions, even for several days at a time!

I linked another Dometic refrigerator solution previously,lol, there are several, about any situation you can think of. This is sort of the neo-neanderthal solution, that will last beyond a day. Hi-tech cooler.

Years ago I had a Dometic 12v freezer that I used in my semi truck. Actually it was a 3-way power, 12v, 110vac, or gas, and you could also use as a heater. The only catch for 12v was that the food had to be frozen before you placed it in the freezer, and it maintained the frozen state, no big deal, it just wouldn't take something at room temperature and freeze it. My grandparents used it camping after I was finished with it. The campgrounds had ac. Very durable product, lasted a long time, even bouncing around in a truck and finally a camper,lol! I think it was sold at a sale when they got too old to camp.

[Paulie]

Resurrecting this thread for a moment in case my new info sparks any new ideas in an electricians heard.

I've noticed that the click/pop only occurs when electric motors are turned on. The fridge, or the ceiling fan. Is that useful info?

PC

[waveheavy]

Lot of times it's a simple matter of re-routing and isolating your power cords of your computer and audio setup. Criss-crossing power cables can cause this kind of problem. You did say you went behind your setup where the cords are, and there was no problem before your did that. Only other solution would be to put your setup on an isolated power circuit, or find some kind of filter that handles the pop frequencies.

Resurrecting this thread for a moment in case my new info sparks any new ideas in an electricians heard.

I've noticed that the click/pop only occurs when electric motors are turned on. The fridge, or the ceiling fan. Is that useful info?

PC