I recently added a TEAC PD-301DAB-X player with DAB+ function to my system and I feed the Audiophonics EVO-Sabre streamer via Toslink with all audio from TEAC.
Whenever I turn on the EVO-Sabre, the DAB signal goes to almost zero which effectively makes the DAB function useless. I changed the type of antenna, changed the routing of the power cables, changed the linear power supply of the EVO-Sabre back to the original supply without any result. Only if I move the EVO Sabre several meters away from the TEAC, the signal is back to 90-100%. It appears that the streamer emits strong electromagnetic radiation that interferes with the DAB reception. Shouldn’t a product be compliant with the relevant regulations on electromagnetic compatibility and such? What can be done about this? I contacted Audiophonics and while I wait for their response I am interested in others, who probably had similar experiences
Is the Evo Sabre a model assembled by the owner rather than pre-built? Does it have WiFi?
It is a kit with a Raspberry Pi4 with Wifi disabled and assembled by me.
I think you have to find out what is emmitting the signal that disturbs your DAB+ antenna signals.
If you only put the antenna of the Teac away from the EVO Sabre, does that help?
Or changing the position of the DAB+ antenna (vertical should be better).
I presume that the WiFi-antenna of the EVO Sabre is not connected as you say that you are not using the WiFi. The EVO Sabre is then connected via wired network, I imagine.
When you put the Teac several meters away from the EVO Sabre, is it then connected via another powersocket?
If I move the antenna away from the streamer, signal improves. Switching power outlets doesn’t change anything. At about 3 m from the streamer, the signal is max. Appears to be a pretty strong interference.
Switching on the streamer w/o playing anything already creates problems even if it is not on a wired connection.
The problem with a Pi 4 is that you can’t remove WiFi. You can physically exclude it when choosing compute modules but not activating it isn’t the same. It is probably still radiating. There isn’t anything else in that kit that might cause your problem.
Interesting comments on WiFi. For now I will disconnect the Bluetooth antenna and if possible unplug the connector. Could be in theory another source of interference.
Next I will research Pi4s w/o Wifi.
You may have to go the route of a CM4 on an SBC sized base. You can opt for a CM4 without WiFi and flash memory but obviously it will be potentially more expensive than simply buying another Pi4.
Went through a process of elimination with the current unit:
Removed BT antenna 0
Disconnected right display (unit ON) 0
Disconnected left display (unit ON) 0
Removed the RPi4 0
Replaced the op amps with known good ones 0
Switched power source 0
lid closed or open 0
If I move the DAB antenna about 3 m away from the EVO-Sabre, the DAB signal jumps to max. Turning the unit on with nothing but the power cord connected, already causes the issue.
It is definitely the unit causing it, not the RPi4, the displays or the power supply.
OK. That is strange.
Can you try to eliminate the source by putting a earthed metal cover on the front ( so to prevent that Disturbing HF-signals are sent out via the screen of the EVO-Sabre) , and then turn on the EVO-Sabre?
Do that test again with the earthed metal screen on the back-side.
Or perhaps try first simply to earth the EVO-Sabre, as it is not earthed by default.
During those tests, do not connect any other cables, except the power cable off course, to the EVO-Sabre.
Thanks for the idea. I have a large aluminum box gig enough to place the entire unit inside. Will ground it and see. May take a few days.