2. misc-audio
  3. 174455-164950

DIY Active Ground Box

I recently received a custom cable that has three loop-ground spades that are linked to the cable's shield. The cable was originally designed for phonograph use, but my customized version is being used in a digital to analog function. The manufacturer left the loop-spades in. The manufacturer said I could just use electric tape to "cap them off."   The ground cables are not 100% necessary in this application. However, they are an exposed conductor. I know that I can enhance their performance by treating them as a floating shield by using an active ground.

I was thinking it would be cheaper and more practical to make my own. Does anyone have experience doing this? If so, can you share your design ideas?

The concept I have seen and want to build on, is making a wooden box that is coated internally with copper plates. Then use an IEC C14 socket to attach the ground lead to the copper plates via a solid copper cable.  Then create a simple plug using a NEMA 1-15 connector where only the ground lead is connected.

Then insert banana plug sockets that also attach to the copper plates via a copper cable. Then connect the spades to the banana plug outlets.

Once this contraption is plugged into the wall socket, it should effectively attach to the house's ground.

Thoughts?

guakus

Showing 1 response by bugredmachine

bugredmachine's avatar
bugredmachine
473 posts
 

I believe you don't need a box if you are connecting the signal grounds to an outlet ground.

If you are using a box by itself to dissipate EMI then make an antenna in a V shape inside the box with a simple banana plug. I fill my boxes with quartz crystals, Rochelle salts, and tourmaline. I use wooden boxes and also have purchased some cylindrical cardboard tubes for the passive devices.

So I use both methods and for the outlet I made a one wire plug for the ground only and a banana jack sticking out the back to make connections from the signal grounds to the plug.

I also use the Ground Master for power grounds onto the Puritan and separate ground rod. I may make a parallel run with another groundmaster for the signal grounds.

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