Cloud Electronics CX163 - Manual (Page 17)

12 Troubleshooting
12.1 Ground/Earth Loops
Despite your best efforts, if the completed sound system 'hums' you probably have a 'ground
loop'; the offending signal source can be found by setting the volume control to minimum then
disconnecting the input leads (both left & right channels) on each line input until the 'hum'
disappears. This problem is often caused by terminating a screened input cable into a signal
source positioned a significant distance from the CX163.
A good way of avoiding this potential problem is to use signal sources (CD players and the like)
that are double insulated with no connection to the mains supply earth. If a signal feed is
derived from a second device (a club or microphone mixer for example) it would be perfectly
normal to expect this to be earthed; we suggest that a transformer be used to isolate the signal
and prevent a noisy loop (see diagrams below)
12.2 Connecting balanced signals to unbalanced line
inputs
We recommend the use of a transformer to convert a balanced signal to an unbalanced signal
suitable for direct connection to the CX163 line inputs. The transformer should be mounted
close to the CX163 and the unbalanced output lead should be kept as short as possible. Where
both the source and destination units are earthed, it is important to isolate the primary and
secondary windings to avoid a potential ground loop; if there is any doubt about this, we
suggest that the balanced cable screen is not connected at the transformer end. RS
Components part 210-6447 is a suitable transformer for this application and we recommend
that the screening can (part number 210-6469) also be fitted to the transformer; Canford Audio
supplies a similar transformer (part number OEP Z1604). All transformers should be wired to
give a ratio of 1:1.
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
11 V2 100904
SINGLE SCREEN
CABLE
SINGLE SCREEN
CABLE
HOT
SCREEN
HOT
SCREEN
HOT
SCREEN
HOT
COLD
TWO-CORE
SCREENED
CABLE
(SCREEN NOT CONNECTED
AT THIS END)
HOT
HOT
COLD
TWO-CORE
SCREENED
CABLE
TWO-CORE
SCREENED
CABLE
(SCREEN NOT CONNECTED
AT THIS END)
SINGLE SCREEN
CABLE
COLD
SCREEN
CONVERTING UNBALANCED
TO BALANCED USING A
1:1 RATIO TRANSFORMER
CONVERTING TWO PIECES
OF UNBALANCED EQUIPMENT
USING A 1:1 RATIO TRANSFORMER
CONNECTING TWO PIECES OF
BALANCED EQUIPMENT USING A
1:1 RATIO TRANSFORMER
AUDIO TRANSFORMER
RS PART NUMBER: 210-6447
FITTED WITH SCREENING CAN
RS PART NUMBER: 210-6469