I'd like to build a simple box around my computer to prevent it from radiating EMI and interfering with some of my other equipment. I'm thinking of something simple and lightweight and lined with aluminum foil maybe? I don't use wifi. Any ideas for construction materials or methods?
Instead of a liner, make the whole thing a mesh. Just use screen style metal mesh. Make a frame and construct from there. this way there are no heat build up issues.
What other equipment are you concerned about? Have you actually measured any of this EMI?
You're going to create some serious heat and airflow issues if you put an aluminum foil box around your computer (unless this is a joke, in which case, GOOD ONE!)
Laptop or Desktop? Most desktop computers are basically built inside a metal framework that will pretty much act as a Faraday cage.. Not a really good one, but good enough.
Ah, more of this thread was deleted than I thought. I'm shielding my stereo gear from EMI/RFI. My first thought was to shield EMI producers like my computer but I think it's a better idea to shield the stereo gear itself.
Expect a lot of detail work. A good place to start research would be ARRL publications about how to protect consumer electronics from nearby radio stations. That may be overkill but it will give you ideas.
How will you know when you've succeeded unless you've got a detectable problem now?
Well it's just a hobby thing so I don't want to get too crazy. As far as succeeding, I don't hope to totally eliminate EMI/RF (although you would think so since I said "faraday cage") but only reduce it as much as reasonably possible. I'll use my ears to find out if I'm going in the right direction.
I would buy the most square case I could find, remove all components, install whatever shielding *inside* of the computer case, and call it a day.
But as pointed out above -- the cables are probably your culprit.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
DIY Home Improvement Forum
3.1M posts
319.6K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Helping You to Do It Yourself!