Is WiFi harmful to TBC?

[vikinagy97]

Or is it a stupid question?

[latreche34]

It's no and yes.
No, it's not harmful, And yes the question is as you described it.
Interference of any kind can affect interconnects and introduce noise as long as the frequency is within the signal range, But WiFi is GHz, Video is MHz.

[lordsmurf]

In theory, it could. But not likely. More worrisome is having a router or modem right by the TBC, and/or sharing the power source. Are you using UPS?

[dpalomaki]

I have seen Wi-Fi and Cell phone handshaking/transmission induce interference into other systems such as wireless mics. Transmitters in close proximity might cause issues depending on distance and power involved, and how well shielded the device of interest is.

As noted above there should not be an issue, but that is not assured, especially of the devices are in close proximity. It is something to watch for.

[latreche34]

The most vulnerable components to interference are the interconnects, The longer the cable the more likely to pickup noise especially short waves that are shorter than the cable length, It acts as an antenna. The PCB and it's components are less likely to pickup interference, Sensitive devices like tuners, pre-amps, RF- mod/demod are always housed in aluminum enclosures to shield them from interference, Your TBC is designed to withstand interference at least to a certain extent assuming all your devices abide by the international or local transmission regulations and are not cheaply made like some Chinese crap that don't go through rigorous testing, inspection and final certification.

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by latreche34

The PCB and it's components are less likely to pickup interference

This is the correct way to discuss this issue. Definitely not likely, but possible As you write, interconnects/wires, and boards, but also solder points (goopy bad ones), chipsets, etc. And as mentioned, this is where actual/legit FCC testing comes in, not fake stickers on Chinese crap.

In a process of elimination, this comes way down the list. It's almost always something else at fault.

But impossible? Nope. Just improbable.

[RobustReviews]

To add, it's not especially likely but it can't be discounted


Sharing 'power source' is a bit of a misnomer, coupling by mains wiring would be suspect, and the power is still shared at source unless you have fully isolated supplies.


This is a deep and complicated topic full of libraries full of research has been conducted on noise intrusion in small signal circuits.

As said, best practice would be to keep the devices a fair distance apart but there's plenty who no doubt don't with no ill effects.

But as a Ham I've seen (and read about) many stranger things that can be explained, but they're non-obvious.