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Late-2005 (dual-core) Power Mac G5: Audible static or "clicks" through minijack port may be electrical interference;

Late-2005 (dual-core) Power Mac G5: Audible static or "clicks" through minijack port may be electrical interference;

CNET staff
3 min read

Audible static or "clicks" through minijack port may be electrical interference We continue coverage of an issue where users hear distinct static noise or repeated "clicks" in the audio stream when using speakers attached to dual-core Power Mac G5s, including the quad G5.

It now appears that in many cases, the unexpected noises are the result of interference from electrical devices on the same power circuit as the affected G5.

MacFixIt reader Edward Robinson writes:

"I have a 2.0 Dual-core G5 that has been in service for two weeks as of today. The unit is located in a long room with two ceiling fans, which apparently are on the same electrical circuit as the Mac. Attached to the line-out jack on the back of the Mac's case is my run-of-the-mill Yamaha speaker set.

"The only time that I have notice occasional static/clicks through the external speakers is when either of two ceiling fans in the same room (it is a long room) are switched off. One fan is controlled by a nearby wall switch; the other is controlled by the pull-chain attached to the fan. Apparently both fans are on the same electrical circuit as the Mac. In any event, turning off either fan produces a distinct click/pop in the Mac's external speakers. The click/pop clearly derives from the brief switch arc when each fan is shut down.

"The G5 replaces an aging B&W G3 and is positioned exactly where the old machine resided (same power receptacle, same UPS, etc.). The B&W did not exhibit any noise associated with turning off the fans.

"The fact that Colin Bennett (the reader mentioned in yesterday's report) associated his Quad's noise with obvious electrical interference suffered by his television makes me wonder whether these Macs are more susceptible to transmitting noise from power line events."

As such, isolating the PowerMac G5 on a separate power circuit from interfering electrical devices, or buffering the power stream with a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) may resolve the clicking noises.

MacFixIt reader Gavin reports that in his case, disconnecting audio jacks for several minutes will alleviate a static build-up that seems to be at play in some instances of this issue.

He writes:

"I have been experienced this, click, pop, and chirp for some time with Boston speakers attached to a G4 500 Dual. These phenomena have increased in frequency over time and are largely independent of audio volume setting.

"There is definitely a static build-up component which can relieved by disconnecting relevant jacks for at least ten minutes, thence allowing charge build up to drain. Jiggling the jacks will confirm the connection between jack-fit, static, and noise, and can be jiggled to a no noise position, but it is irritatingly irrational. An absolute gag for the noises: just turn down the bass level to its lowest value (deepest bass)."

More on pink screen artifacts Meanwhile, several users have corroborated an issue reported yesterday where pink screen artifacts manifest on-screen, apparently caused by faulty NVIDIA GeForce 6600 graphics cards.

MacFixIt reader Robert Lozoff writes:

"I have two older 17" ADC type Apple cinema displays connected to a new Quad by a Dr. Bott and an apple adapter. Occasionally I get total distortion on one of the monitors which is remedied by switching adapters.

"Also no refresh rate is displayed in the display preference of System preferences."

Some users are also reporting a similar issue on other systems with differing video cards.

MacFixIt reader John writes:

"I had the same problem with pink and green splotches on the screen with my old G4 Dual 450 Mhz. It was out of warranty so I replaced the video card and the problem went away."

Previous coverage:

Resources

  • Dual-core Power Mac G5: Audible static or "clicks" through minijack port; Pink screen artifacts with NVIDIA GeForce
  • More from Late-Breakers