EWCguy
Active Member
Although it may not isolate the problem that destroyed the laptop, having identified a difference in hum on the system with this one aisle light circuit turned on/off surely tells us something. I'm imagining that when the contractor tapped into the electrical panel (or when they were finished), it resulted in dislodging a ground or neutral for this circuit. Could both the augmented hum (as picked up by the antenna supposition) and the electrical ground fault be caused by this one problem? My idea here is that once the computer fried, the AC ground problem was then "open" again and the remaining audio connection to the computer became the antenna.
Once the electrician opens the panel, it may be obvious to them regarding the status of connections there. I should look again at the panel to see if any labeld circuits match the outlet on the stage... having those two in proximity would certainly allow for crossed wires.
In testing with my assistant the other day with audio on and connected (mic cable only), we did NOT discover voltage potential between the outlet used to power the computer and the audio system on any mic pin with AC circuit neutral or ground (we also ruled out the AV cart power strip, another variable that was involved). There was an expected ~120v AC potential between the AC load side and each of the mic jack pins. ** The same was true when tested again with all aisle light circuits on. **
Once the electrician opens the panel, it may be obvious to them regarding the status of connections there. I should look again at the panel to see if any labeld circuits match the outlet on the stage... having those two in proximity would certainly allow for crossed wires.
In testing with my assistant the other day with audio on and connected (mic cable only), we did NOT discover voltage potential between the outlet used to power the computer and the audio system on any mic pin with AC circuit neutral or ground (we also ruled out the AV cart power strip, another variable that was involved). There was an expected ~120v AC potential between the AC load side and each of the mic jack pins. ** The same was true when tested again with all aisle light circuits on. **