Interference between electrical devices on instrument panel?

[yerffoeg]

I am building a new instrument panel in the main cabin. Because of space limitations I am planning on putting quite a few devices close together: navtex, fixed VHF, battery monitor, CD player, etc. If the connections and fuses etc are all sound could there be still be any problems with electrical interference between devices?

 

[VicMallows]

None that I can think of, assuming the instruments have been designed properly, which I would hope.

Vic

 

[Birdseye]

I think the earlier reply was a bit brave. Take good care to ensure that all connections are sound. Even then, you may find it necessary to have a seperate power feed from the battery to some kit - the battery will act to some extent to deaden interference down the power supply route. You can only try and see what results - in theory there should be no problem so its very difficult to suggest what else to do. Best of luck.

 

[VicMallows]

Surely only 'brave' to the extent that the installation needs to be carried out to good practice? Of course if you use inadequate cabling/connections you may get trouble. The enquirer seemed to appreciate this. If anything, it would be the VHF I would put on a separate battery feed due to the current draw and also to minimise risk of failure when you most need it. But then you have the vulnerabilty of another wire competing at the battery terminal. Everything's a bit of a compromise!

Vic

 

[Anonymous]

In my view, the Navtex is the most tricky one - follow the installation instructions very carefully. At Navtex frequencies all sorts of boaty things cause interference. I tend to agree with Vic, I don't see a problem unless you are very slipshod.

 

[Birdseye]

Brave in the sense that its quite correct, but in my experience it doesnt always work out the way it should. I spent weeks (admittedly without instruments) chasing interference from my fridge and SSB both of which were connected correctly. Mind you, the fridge was Italian and from my experience of the electrics on a FIAT car...............

In the end, he has no alternative but to give it a go and see from there.