static electricity problem

[colouredmirrorball]

Hi,
I have the following problem: when I press the FOG-button of my fog machine (Antari F-80z) my lights go in black-out. Pretty weird isn't it? I use MIDI to control the program (Freestyler obviously). I assigned the pedal (note #64) to black-out. It must be that my fog machine generates such a high powered electric shock that the cable from the pedal to the MIDI keyboard gives a signal. This is not the only issue, but the largest one. The keyboard reacts strange too, but that is not a big problem.
I reproduced the problem with the fog machine on another circuit. The problem keeps existing, but seems to fade away. I could reproduce this phenomenon up to 5 meters away (maybe further, but my testing room wasn't big enough ) so this appears to be a really big problem. None of the cables contacted each other between the two circuits.
So, has anyone some kind of solution for this, as I have a show 8 May.

Thanks,
CMB

[shrad]

try to add a line filter in your fog machine, as such things usually have bad noise coming out of them (may harm amplifiers too with spikes on the audio lines)

one like this one will surely fit:

[colouredmirrorball]

Thanks for the idea! Where do I have to fit those, in the main power supply, the pump, the heating element?
Got that problem with sound systems too...

[shrad]

you just have to put the device between the power line and the device itself

there is an input with ground which you connect to the power line, and an output (without ground but already connected, common) which you connect to the original line wires

but keep in mind I cannot guarantee it will suffice to remove all interferences, even if it could remove most of it

[mixedgas]

make sure all the 3 wire power cables have a proper earth ground. Some Antaris have a vibrator for a pump that can act like a tesla coil. The power filter SHrad suggested will help if it is the kind with a low pass filter in it.A common name for good ones is Corcom Corporation, get a bigger one if you can! Now, lets make sure of one thing, the fog machine is its own controller right? Not hooked to MIDI or DMX in any way? The case of the fog machine is earth grounded inside right? No broken or loose wires?

If the filter cures it, set back and watch the blikenlights, if not, escalate to a MOV, a metal oxide varister. They dont last long, but will get you through the show. gas cartridge surge supressors which basically are neon lights that short the pulse across the power line a bit when they fire, might be the next step.

Steve

[Things]

I have a problem of my fog machine knocking out my DMX controller (DMX USB Pro) when I use the remote, never thought of that line filter. I'll have to try it out

[dave]

I have a problem of my fog machine knocking out my DMX controller (DMX USB Pro) when I use the remote, never thought of that line filter. I'll have to try it out

I have all sorts of problems with the open DMX interface used for testing dimmers... So, maybe the PMD USB pro isn't so pro eh!

[colouredmirrorball]

Ah! I love this forum! I will surely try it, nice in time for my show.
I need a better fogger, but I have to deal with this one until I have finished my RGV (a year or two, three I think...)