RFI from Progressive Dynamics charger/converter

[jwgreen]

I replaced the Airstream OEM converter/charger ("univolt") in my 2007 34SO with a Progressive Dynamics PD9260 tri-mode unit. It works great and I'm getting 5 yr.+ life on the Optima AGM batteries. The problem is the RF hash on the 40M & 20M bands that comes from the unit. I'm using a Yaesu FT-847 transceiver with their ATAS-100 mobile antenna mounted on the trailer roof. When I unplug the converter, the RFI disappears so I'm sure that's where it's coming from. Emails to Progressive Dynamics technical support have not been effective with the last reply suggesting putting different value capacitors across the output to see if the RFI is reduced or eliminated. Anyone else have this same experience and what have you done that worked?

[waninae39]

Originally Posted by jwgreen

... Emails to Progressive Dynamics technical support have not been effective ...Anyone else have this same experience and what have you done that worked?

any update?

were you able to get the RFI down

cheers
ve3hiu

[jwgreen]

I never did get any useful information from Progressive Dynamics to mitigate the RFI from their converter/charger. My friend Ernie Bauer, N1AEW and WBCCI #241 gave me a simple solution, just turn off the charger when you want to work HF. He said to get a sump pump switch at Lowe's (about $10USD). It has a "piggy back" line cord receptacle on top of a plug. A 6 ft. heavy duty rubber cord runs from the plug and has a float on the end. I cut off the float and wired a common household SPST switch in a handy box and brought it out under the front couch. I put labels on the cover plate to indicate OFF and ON. I plugged the converter into the receptacle and then into the wall outlet of my AS. Now I just turn off the converter when I want to get on HF. I'm on shore power most of the time so it's not been a problem with my coach batteries. My operating time on the air is usually 2 hrs. or less. I realize it's a work around solution but I'm happy. Thanks Ernie!