Shielding computer

[Trenna]

I seem to remember at some time I was told that the computer shouldn't be near other electronic components. Is this still true? Why? Is it the computer than can be hurt or components? How close can a computer be to a TV, stereo receiver, speakers?

Thanks

[Paleo Pete]

With speakers it's electromagnetic interference. The magnets in the speakers create a magnetic field that can affect the appearance and colors on the monitor, as well as wipe out data stored on floppies. Speaker magnets probably won't cause any serious damage, other than making the screen look weird, assuming they don't wipe out floppies...A strong magnet very close to the monitor screen can also wipe out the picture entirely. It can be restored, if you know how and do it carefully.

TV-Produces some sort of radiation, (little green guys inside with ray guns I think http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif ) that's not healthy for the monitor either, and could also wipe out floppies. As well as a magnetic field.

As far as physical damage, I think that's a minimal chance, mostly from things like your VCR falling on your scanner or something of that nature. Other electronic devices can, however create electromagnetic fields that are not healthy, but for the most part not seriously damaging.

The various cables jumbled together can also sometimes create an electromagnetic field. Crackling in your speakers would be the most likely effect, and the same interference can affect modem operation as well.

I'd say keep them about 8 feet away or so, that should be plenty. And keep yout TV cable away from the cords.

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Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[Trenna]

Thanks, Paleo Pete but what we want to do is include a computer (with a remote keyboard) into our home theatre system. Already in the system are a TV, (35") harmon kardon receiver with links to a VCR, tape decks, CD decks, Laserdisc player, and goes to independent speakers of course. We want to link a computer, with a PC-TV converter to put programs on screen and possibly web content. I'm looking at a couple of feet from computer to speakers...floppies not such a problem, we can avoid that, but don't want to damage Computer...TV will be acting as monitor so that is not a factor. So cracking speakers is about the worst that can happen?

Thanks
Trenna

[mjc]

If the case is metal (steel) that would help eliminate some interference, if you scrape some paint off the case from under one of the screws that hold it to the chasis then you'll ensure a good ground and that should help even more. Like Pete said the most likely trouble spot is with the speakers, and yes if you get them to close then you risk wiping your hard drive along with any floppies that may be nearby.


MaximumPC ran an article in the November 2000 issue about integrating a PC into an entertainment center. They may still have some info on their site:
MaximumPC (http://www.maximumpc.com)

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mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[hiredgoonz]

And just as a side note...cpus operating close to or above 1 ghz emit electromagnetic radiation in the low-end of the microwave range...so I guess you could make coffee with a fast computer...

[mjc]

If you've got an AMD CPU it dosen't have to be that fast just take off the fan but it will only make one cup...... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[Trenna]

Thanks everyone! I'd forgotten about the Maximum PC article and I actually already had it. They didn't seem to be too concerned about the PC and speakers <G> Now it will be interesting to see how the computer transfers to TV resolution.

[hiredgoonz]

I heard it only takes 7 seconds to melt an Athlon if you run it without a hs/fan...I don't especially want to try it, I like mine too much...