ok, so ive done alot more probing and i think theres a few things going bad. I was using old breadboards with some fancy wiring. I 've reaslised ive gpt 300ma DC offset even after decoupling. Im going to go buy some fresh boards and start fresh. I'll get back and let you know 🙂
A pi filter is an LC filter. Hook up a scope to see what is going on. Plenty of tutorials on Youtube and its ilk.
I really don't get this Oz legislation thing. How are you supposed to have an electronics hobby this way?