New FAQ entry: Anatomy of a ground loop

Normally I don't notify the BBS when I update the FAQ, but this one was fun to do, so I'm going to let everyone know it's here.

When I first got my Mark1 player, I didn't know exactly what a ground loop was. If I had known, I might have been able to diagnose it quicker. Hopefully this will help someone.

Interesting FAQ entry. The transition from the second last to the last picture is a little confusing though (at least to me). Suddenly the vehicle frame pops up as the only conductor for the negative pole. I don't know much about ICE installation, but I was always under the impression that if you do put extra audio equipment into your car you have or should have exclusive conductors for both positive and negative poles from the device to the battery, hence grounding wouldn't be necessary and there shouldn't be any ground loop. But perhaps using two cables instead of one all the way from the battery to the device is just one of the measures to prevent a ground loop.

Either way, this should be elaborated on in the FAQ entry.

Georg

The problem is that there's different schools of thought on the subject. Some say you should always ground to the chassis and never directly to the battery.

The purpose of the FAQ entry was to explain what a ground loop is, not as a best-practices document. That's covered in the linked pages.

Ok, but then you should at least explain why an ICE device needs to be grounded, that it is essentially equivalent to "connecting the device to negative" and hence closing the electrical loop which is necessary for any electrical device to work.

Georg

So you want me to make it a basic primer on how electricity works? Out of scope.

Very cool entry...

Thanks!

So you want me to make it a basic primer on how electricity works?

Well, but you already did. When you started with them cute little e's inside those precious light purple circles, you stooped down to kindergarten level already.

If you then don't explain what the heck you have to ground your ICE unit for it's inconsistent.

Georg

There's no pleasing some people!

OKAY, okay. Jeez.

I've added a paragraph or two...

Tony,

Hey fellah, you're so laid back you could bring about world peace ...... man

I've gotta give you a virtual pat-on-the-back for not getting riled while getting critised (after putting in a whole load of effort here).

I found the FAQ entry helpful and informative - excellent.

If only everyone was as f&*king diplomatic as you and me eh?

Rue

Hey, thanks. If only I could be diplomatic in real life.