BHI Groundbreaker 8 Ohm

This BHI Groundreaker is a simple solution to RFI and ground loop problems.

What does ground loop mean?

In an electrical system, a ground loop occurs when two points on a circuit are intended to have the same ground reference potential, but instead have a different potential between them. This can be caused, for example, in a signal circuit that is referenced to ground, if there is enough current flowing into the ground to cause a voltage drop and cause two ground points to be at different potentials.

Ground loop problems

RF Breakthrough and Ground Loop Current problems usually occur when a transceiver is in transmit (encoded) mode. You will hear a hum or your own distorted voice coming from the audio. The main reasons are a poorly matched antenna or a difference in ground currents between devices. RFI problems are usually caused by reflected waves coming back along the outside of the coax, while ground loop problems are usually caused when the same power is used for the radio and "add-on" audio equipment. The bhi GroundBreaker is a quick and easy solution to this problem because it isolates the ground of your external audio equipment from that of the radio system, preventing ground loops and associated RFI problems from entering your audio. The bhi GroundBreaker is easy to install and fits easily between your radio and audio equipment.

Installing BHI GroundBreaker

The BHI GroundBreaker is easy to use and simply connects between your radio and audio DSP/auxiliary equipment using 3.5mm jacks. It can also be used to isolate headphones when connected to the headphone socket on the radio or extension speaker.

Audio systems - balanced to unbalanced

Most audio amplifiers used in radios are either Class A or AB. They normally have a single-ended (unbalanced) output that works against ground, but recently some manufacturers have started using balanced audio amplifiers and Class D (switch mode) amplifiers. These present a different problem than most auxiliary audio products on the market (unless they are for professional audio) use unbalanced inputs. The GroundBreaker can be used to isolate the balanced audio output of the set, leaving the additional unbalanced input unaffected.

Assets

The GroundBreaker does have its limits when it comes to power. The 600 Ohm and 10k Ohm units can handle normal audio levels found in most audio systems. These 8 Ohm units are only intended to be used with up to 0.5 Watts of input power. This allows for interfacing with most BHI DSP Audio products and is not intended to transmit power to unpowered speakers.

The following BHI groundBreaker models are available to order

• GB8S - 8 Ohm Stereo
• GB600S - 600 Ohm Stereo
• GB10KS - 10 k Ohm Stereo
• GB600M - 600 Ohm Mono
• GB10KM - 10 k Ohm Mono