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05-03-2016, 05:30 AM
Duffy,
Not mundane at all.
Regarding the laptop (nice model, btw) and batteries. I suggest to try removing the laptop's battery when using the EL1901's. This way the 1901 is only powering the laptop and not also trying to recharge it. This could explain why they get hot as the 1901's are pulling double duty. If by some chance the laptop battery is low, then the 1901 is not only powering the laptop but also charging its battery. That could also explain the 1901's not lasting long. It could also explain the damage to the power transfer diode from overheating (design defect?).
It will not hurt to run the laptops with their batteries removed. Just make sure to monitor the charge on the 1901's so they don't run too low and result in the laptop shutting off and having data loss.
I agree the EL1901 should be powerful enough to do both, though.
Oh, and I see from the EL1901 specs that it can be switched between 16v and 19v. Make sure you have the right selection. Obvious, I know. But just to eliminate an "oh, duh!" type of cause. I'm pretty sure your laptop requires 19v, but double check in case I am wrong.
Regarding this 'haunted antenna' you seem to have, can you describe it's construction in more detail? And I presume when it is causing problems it is not hooked up to anything? At first thought, I'm struggling to see how an unconnected antenna in proximity to some equipment can cause that equipment to malfunction. But maybe the devil is in the details.
A final thought.... you have this dipole grounded into bedrock. I'm wondering if perhaps you are being 'zapped' with Earth currents of some kind. These can get quite strong under certain conditions, such as solar storms. Perhaps it might be worth experimenting with only the top half of the dipole, ie not grounded. I understand that this greatly reduces the sensitivity of the antenna. But when I toyed with ELF my makeshift antenna's were not grounded - just long wires strung out along the fence. I guess I was grounded through the power ground.
I'm sure I'll have more questions as we progress.
Brian
Not mundane at all.
Regarding the laptop (nice model, btw) and batteries. I suggest to try removing the laptop's battery when using the EL1901's. This way the 1901 is only powering the laptop and not also trying to recharge it. This could explain why they get hot as the 1901's are pulling double duty. If by some chance the laptop battery is low, then the 1901 is not only powering the laptop but also charging its battery. That could also explain the 1901's not lasting long. It could also explain the damage to the power transfer diode from overheating (design defect?).
It will not hurt to run the laptops with their batteries removed. Just make sure to monitor the charge on the 1901's so they don't run too low and result in the laptop shutting off and having data loss.
I agree the EL1901 should be powerful enough to do both, though.
Oh, and I see from the EL1901 specs that it can be switched between 16v and 19v. Make sure you have the right selection. Obvious, I know. But just to eliminate an "oh, duh!" type of cause. I'm pretty sure your laptop requires 19v, but double check in case I am wrong.
Regarding this 'haunted antenna' you seem to have, can you describe it's construction in more detail? And I presume when it is causing problems it is not hooked up to anything? At first thought, I'm struggling to see how an unconnected antenna in proximity to some equipment can cause that equipment to malfunction. But maybe the devil is in the details.
A final thought.... you have this dipole grounded into bedrock. I'm wondering if perhaps you are being 'zapped' with Earth currents of some kind. These can get quite strong under certain conditions, such as solar storms. Perhaps it might be worth experimenting with only the top half of the dipole, ie not grounded. I understand that this greatly reduces the sensitivity of the antenna. But when I toyed with ELF my makeshift antenna's were not grounded - just long wires strung out along the fence. I guess I was grounded through the power ground.
I'm sure I'll have more questions as we progress.
Brian