[sdiy] Shielding plastic cases

[Tom Wiltshire]

On 18 Oct 2007, at 11:04, Andre Majorel wrote:

> On 2007-10-17 20:58 -0400, juju selwyn wrote:
>
>> Regarding plastic synth/drum machine cases, both manufactured and  
>> DIY,
>> would there be much benefit to shielding the inside of the case with
>> copper tape as is done with guitars, or even magnetic paint (probably
>> requiring a plastic primer but it's still an option). I know  
>> people in
>> the DIY stompbox world are keen on it.
>
> You could try to use the naked PCB near a wall wart, mobile phone
> or fluorescent tube. Then put it in a steel box. Does it make a
> difference ?
>
> One layer of aluminium foil with some adhesive copper tape along
> the edges and across the middle was enough to prevent the ignition
> from interfering with the car radio. Not totally effective, but
> good enough to let us enjoy the programme. I'd say the attenuation
> was on the order of 30 dB.

I agree, I think this is probably worth the small effort to do it. My  
old Dr Rhythm drum machine had its PCBs wrapped up in this way, so  
someone at Roland thought it was worth it too!

Tom