Interference on sound and monitor when I plug my laptop in to charge.

In summary: Your laptop probably has an SMPS, which is an electronic power supply that uses switching to reduce the voltage fluctuations that can cause interference. It's possible that there's something blocking the power from getting to the laptop, or that the power adapter isn't providing a good enough surge protection for the laptop. If you're still having problems after trying these things, it might be worth getting a technician to check out the power supply.
  • #1
Qaiphyx
92
0
I use my laptop as desktop, run a monitor on it and speakers etc... anyways when I plug it in it causes interference in the monitor and sound. Anyone know what causes this?? And how to remedy the problem.
 
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  • #2
The interference is probably coming from the higher voltage power wire... EMI. Make sure that the wire for the power supply doesn't run parallel with either the audio or monitor cable and try to separate them as much as possible. For the audio cable you can purchase a ferrite toroid to get rid of some of the interference in case you have trouble keeping them separated.

http://www.mag-inc.com/ferrites/ferrite_toroids.asp [Broken]

You'll loop the speaker wire around the toroid like so... more loops for greater interference...

http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2001/09/14/2/toroids-2-lrg.jpg [Broken]

The best place to get them is from old junk PC power supplies... can't beat them for free! That's where I've gotten mine at least.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
B. Elliott said:
The interference is probably coming from the higher voltage power wire... EMI. Make sure that the wire for the power supply doesn't run parallel with either the audio or monitor cable and try to separate them as much as possible. For the audio cable you can purchase a ferrite toroid to get rid of some of the interference in case you have trouble keeping them separated.

http://www.mag-inc.com/ferrites/ferrite_toroids.asp [Broken]

You'll loop the speaker wire around the toroid like so... more loops for greater interference...

http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2001/09/14/2/toroids-2-lrg.jpg [Broken]

The best place to get them is from old junk PC power supplies... can't beat them for free! That's where I've gotten mine at least.


Hmm, are there any modifications that I can make to the power supply EMI? Its mostly the interference it causes in my monitor that bothers me.

Wasnt the interference problem a factor when they decided to use this type of power system?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Qaiphyx said:
Hmm, are there any modifications that I can make to the power supply EMI? Its mostly the interference it causes in my monitor that bothers me.

Wasnt the interference problem a factor when they decided to use this type of power system?

EMI stands for electromagnetic interference. The most typical problem I've run into like that is when people install an amp in a car and they make the mistake of running the power wire along the same side as the audio signal wire. When they're routed that close together like that, they end up making the rear speaker emit an audible hum that increases in frequency with the engine RPMs... pretty annoying.

An option for the monitor cable would be to get a roll of EMI shielding tape and wrap the monitor cable with it. It sounds like the monitor output is very close to the power plug which is unusual... for the reasons your experiencing.

What model is your laptop?
 
  • #5
B. Elliott said:
EMI stands for electromagnetic interference. The most typical problem I've run into like that is when people install an amp in a car and they make the mistake of running the power wire along the same side as the audio signal wire. When they're routed that close together like that, they end up making the rear speaker emit an audible hum that increases in frequency with the engine RPMs... pretty annoying.

An option for the monitor cable would be to get a roll of EMI shielding tape and wrap the monitor cable with it. It sounds like the monitor output is very close to the power plug which is unusual... for the reasons your experiencing.

What model is your laptop?

Its a gateway M-6750. The wire was a little but its not now and still giving the same problem. I was reading that I have a Switch Mode Power Supply, and that it might be letting some ac slip by or something? Yah I read about the EMI too i was thinking about maybe getting and EMI filter. But honestly haha I have no idea what it is. I moved my power adapter as far away from the monitor as i could but that didnt fix the problem.
 

1. What causes interference on sound and monitor when I plug my laptop in to charge?

Interference on sound and monitor when plugging in a laptop is often caused by electrical noise from the charging process. This noise can disrupt the normal functioning of the sound and video components of your laptop, resulting in interference.

2. Can using a different charger or outlet help reduce interference?

Yes, using a different charger or outlet may help reduce interference. Some chargers may produce more electrical noise than others, and using a different outlet can help mitigate the effects of electrical interference.

3. How can I fix interference on sound and monitor when charging my laptop?

One solution is to use a ferrite core, which can help filter out electrical noise and reduce interference. You can also try using shielded cables for your sound and video connections, or using a power conditioner to regulate the electrical current.

4. Is interference on sound and monitor harmful to my laptop?

In most cases, interference on sound and monitor when charging your laptop is not harmful. However, it can be annoying and may affect the quality of your audio and video. It is always best to address the issue to prevent any potential damage to your laptop's components.

5. Can interference on sound and monitor be a sign of a bigger problem with my laptop?

In some cases, interference on sound and monitor may be a sign of a bigger problem with your laptop's hardware. If the issue persists even after trying different chargers and outlets, it is best to have a professional check your laptop for any potential hardware issues that may be causing the interference.

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