Jensen Transformers VRD-1FF
ISO-MAX Cable TV Ground Isolator
Jensen Transformers VRD-1FF ISO-MAX Cable TV Ground Isolator
The Jensen Transformers
VRD-1FF is a capacitive-based isolator that provides a high impedance barrier to AC power-related ground currents.
It can prevent hum or buzz in sound systems as well as hum bars in video systems, while providing a transparent
path for radio frequency video and cable modem signals.
The improved capacitive isolator has ruler-flat responses to over 1,300 MHz, making it suitable for digital cable as well as conventional CATV, VHF/UHF antenna or MATV systems. The unit breaks that infuriating ground loop that so often causes the audio hum or video hum bars we experience then connected to CATV. Each end of the isolator is a gold-plated 75 OHM machined female F connector with an overall length is 2.375 inches and a diameter of 0.82 inches.
Here are the specifications:
- Improves audio/video quality by reducing 60 Hz ground currents
- 2 MHz to 1300 MHz bandwidth spans VHF/FM/UHF/CATV spectrum
- Low VSWR helps prevent digital cable channel degradation
- Capacitive based design minimizes broadcast channel interference
- Meets FCC Part 76 Regulations for CATV systems
If you're not sure which model to choose, please check out our Jensen Transformers Application Guide.
Please do not confuse the VRD-1FF with similar (but inferior) products. With inferior products coming from all over the world, we think it is a genuine treasure to find a company like Jensen Transformers, actually designing and manufacturing some of the finest products in the world, right here in the USA, and we are proud to be able to offer their products. The VRD-1FF is made in the USA, is backed by the manufacturer's comprehensive one-year warranty, and has a remarkable 20-year warranty on the transformer device itself.
Ground Loops?
(or why the best planned systems sometimes look and sound bad)
It is a subject that is seldom discussed in manufacturers publications, or even in magazines of the trade, but ground loops can happen even in the most carefully planned A/V system. When ground loops happen in a video system, the result is unwanted hum or video hum bars.
In cable TV systems, the power supply for the cable system amplifiers are powered by a different source than the equipment that is used to enjoy the programming. The National Electrical Code requires the cable system to be bonded to the power service entrance ground, but in actual practice, this is not always the case. Even when the code is properly observed, there are other factors that can cause a difference in ground potential. It can be because one of the circuits is loaded more heavily than the other, or because one run is longer than the other, or any number of other reasons that are beyond the scope of this article.
The result of this difference in ground potential is commonly referred to as a ground loop.
The Solution
The Jensen Transformers VRD-1FF is elegant in its simplicity. Just insert it anywhere in the RF line between the cable TV jack and your equipment.
Immediately, the effects of the ground loop become a non-issue. Problem solved. There are not too many things that one can install in an A/V system that can provide so much improvement with so little effort.
Don't Forget the Cables!
Good cables are very important in the fight against hum and noise. You will need at least one short patch cable in order to insert the VRD-1FF into your signal path, and you may want to consider upgrading your existing cable(s) as well. The VRD-1FF does not include any cables, but if you need them, we have some very high-performance RF cables available. Please click here to see them!
Jensen Transformers' Description
Jensen Transformers VRD-1FF
Cable TV RF Isolator
For Analog and Digital Cable TV and Cable Modems
Solves "Ground Loop" and "Hum Bar" Problems
(Supersedes the VR-1FF)
***Important Installation Instructions***
**NOTE: This unit will NOT work with satellite systems**
Here is another angle.
The VRD-1FF comes packaged in the small box shown at the left of this photo, and an instruction manual is included as well.
This data sheet includes physical dimensions and electrical performance specs.
Here are the spec in PDF format.
Here is the User Guide, in PDF format.
The VRD-1FF does not include any cables. If you need cables, we have high-performance RF cables like the one
pictured here, available separately.
If you are interested, please click here to see our RF cable offerings.
Why Cable Solutions?
- Cable Solutions is an Authorized Jensen Transformers Distributor, so our customers are ensured full warranty protection and technical support. (Jensen Transformers is obligated to provide neither warranty nor technical support for products purchased from unauthorized resellers!)
- We stock this item locally so that it will be ready for immediate shipment, and no one works harder than we do to get your order shipped out to you fast! On business days, orders that are funded by noon will ship the same day. Orders funded on weekends or holidays will ship the next business day.
- Customer service is our first priority. We do our best to help you find the best solutions for your particular application. We're enthusiasts too, so we know what it's like to wait for cables and accessories that are needed to hook up new gear. We also know how important it is to be able to get a response when you need help, so you'll often find us working long hours in an effort to get you the answers that you need.
- If you have had enough of outsourced support or worse yet, companies that do not even publish a phone number or a functional email address, we think you will be absolutely delighted that you found our company. We know how important it is to be able to get help when you need it. That's why we have people, right here in Texas, ready to respond to your email or answer your phone call. If English is your language of choice, you will have the simple pleasure of communicating with people who's first language is English. Granted, if you call on the phone, you may detect more than a trace of a Texas accent, but that is to be expected when dealing with a family-owned business run by native Texans. We sincerely hope that you will find our heritage of courtesy, honesty, and an ethical way of doing business to be a refreshing experience.
Design excellence, high quality materials, meticulous workmanship, and superior service...put it all together and you get a superior product. Don't get stuck with bad advice, poor service, slow shipment or an inferior product. If you want the best, here it is.