Any way to shield microwave radiation?

[Hossenfeffer]

Ok, just moved my desk, computer, etc into a main floor bedroom (out of the basement, baby! ) and, due to space and logistics, the microwave oven is on the other side of the plaster wall.

While I may end up moving the whole desk to another part of the room (if not really wacko and move it to another room), I thought I'd explore the possibility of a reasonably inexpensive "shield" that would keep that there radiation on the other side of the wall where it belongs

Any thoughts?

edit: Just realized that I didn't mention that the picture on the monitor "wiggles" if the microwave is on. My gut tells me that's bad juju.

 

[Antoneo]

Place aluminum foil directly behind the microwave (or put aluminum foil on the wall facing the back of the monitor). That should stop it.

 

[RGN]

You could wrap everything in aluminum foil. Make sure you cut out eye holes though.

 

[timelapse]

simple... you need to put a conductor somewhere in between your microwave oven and computer stuff

The skin depth of conductors at microwaves frequencies is very small (milimiters) so any good conducting plate of any kind will be good

I learned that this year

 

[Hossenfeffer]

I'll start an Aluminum Foil tent immediately. I can see it now... I'll be the envy of everyone on the block... I'll charge admission for time in my Foil Tent. Fantastic!

Thanks

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

coat your microwave in lead.

Nik

 

[jaydee]

If microwave radiation is like UV (sunlight), than aluminum won't stop it. Pb and H2O will.

 

[Mungla]

Al should stop most of the RF being emitted. If I remember correctly, microwaves emit a signal at ~2-3Ghz. At that high of a frequency, your plaster wall is blocking most of the RF that is interfering with your monitor. I would try coating the back of the microwave with aluminum foil and see what happens. If that doesn't work, its not like it cost you a lot to try!

 

[MustPost]

I just leave the room when the mwave is on.

 

[MeanMeosh]

AAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! MLB is spying on me!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Antoneo]

<< If microwave radiation is like UV (sunlight), than aluminum won't stop it. Pb and H2O will. >>


Microwave radiation is more like radio waves (microwaves have a slightly higher frequency) than UV. Aluminum foil will be enough to stop it.

 

[Mday]

well 2 things

the microwave radiation may be interfering with the electron gun
the microwave may be in the same circuit as the monitor\computer

both will lead to problems.

 

[MrHelpful]

Why not try a cookie sheet?

 

[TonyG]

I had a similiar problem with my old TV which was right next to my monitor. Everytime I turned on the TV the picture on the monitor would wiggle just a bit, though I would get used to it after a while, and would stop when I turned off the TV.
I don't have that problem anymore with the new TV I got for christmas.

 

[urameatball]

line the INTERIOR of the microwave with aluminum foil.

just watch out for fireworks

 

[sharkeeper]

Magnetron oscillation frequencies are in the neighborhood of 2450 MHz. That is not interfering with your monitor. The interference you are seeing is caused by the transformer in your microwave oven. This frequency range is ELF (extrememly low frequency) and is hard to shield. The best defense is distance. MU metal may work, but is very expensive and tricky to install and ground.

There is no hazard of 2450 MHz energy from a working radarrange in good condition. Even with the door switch disabled and the door open, very little harmful radiation ventures far out of the cavity.

Cheers!

 

[Peetoeng]

The source of interference can be:

1) RF noise from the microwave circuitry that transmit thru the electrical conduit (since both devices share a wall, they are apprarently very close to each other. If this is the case, find farther electric plug or try use one of those power bar with RF filter.

2) Escaping microwave radiation. If aluminum foil doesn't help, buy an aluminum plate; a perforated plate would work. The wavelength of microwave radiation is pretty long, so it won't even escape from 0.1" holes. If you are paranoid, build a faraday cage around it with perforated plates (so heat and vapor can escape) and use hinges on the front plane so you can swing it open to access the microwave. Put a bowl of water inside the cage (on top of the microwave) to absorb the trapped radiation.