Radio Static - different twist

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Jun 15, 2007 | 09:08 AM

rfhall50

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Radio Static - different twist

I replaced the AM/FM/CB radio about a month ago. Put in a Jensen Dual with AM/FM/DVD/etc.... At the same time I replaced the power antenna with a generic power antenna from Pep Boys. Everything was good - music great. All of a sudden 3 days ago I start getting a lot of static in the AM and FM - CD part OK. Near or far statons does not seem to matter. Something all of a sudden happened.

Suggestions ??????

Bob

Jun 15, 2007 | 09:22 AM

jnb5101

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From: charlotte north carolina

static or electrical noise? if it's static, check your antenna and ground connections. if it's electrical, you may need to replace a noise capacitor. but if all was ok for a few days, an antenna wire probably came loose.

Jun 15, 2007 | 09:23 AM

SIXFOOTER

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From: Boca Raton Florida

Look into the antenna connection, it may have come loose at one end or the other, wiggling the connection might have some affect if thats what it is. If that does not work, you will need annother antenna of some sort to test with, plug it into the radio and see what it does. Either way it is an RF issue. One more thing, is there a ground plane installed on the antenna shaft under the fender? It will be a piece of sheet metal.

Jun 15, 2007 | 09:39 AM

rfhall50

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Thanks....

Will crawl under and check these. As far as ground plate is concerned, I know it is there. However, maybe the nut/washer worked loose.

BTW, if it was electrical, would I hear static when using the CD/DVD ? Do electrical problems come in through the antenna or the power feeds to the radio?

Thanks for the quick responses !

Bob
Lookin' 4ward to the day when y'all have edukated me enuff to help others !

Jun 15, 2007 | 10:54 AM

jnb5101

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From: charlotte north carolina

yes and no!
loose wires (antenna, power and ground) can cause radio noise. usually a bad ground will cause clicking or humming. loose antenna leads cause static. loose power leads cause noise in two ways, clicking when the connection is made and broken thru direct power changes, and also thru rf fields generated by the tiny sparks when the connections open and close (think of the old am band radios).

Jun 15, 2007 | 11:22 AM

rfhall50

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Thanks again ........

I see I have a project for the weekend.

Bob
Lookin' 4ward to the day when y'all have edukated me enuff to help others !

Jun 15, 2007 | 12:56 PM

ptroxx

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From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.

I-Pods make no noise.... =) Just a suggestion ???

But if you need to use your FM or AM. It sure sounds like a possable ground issue..
Maybe ask Durango Boy He is very good in Audio Tech info..

Last edited by ptroxx; Jun 15, 2007 at 01:00 PM.

Jun 15, 2007 | 01:56 PM

shafrs3

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rfhall50

...
BTW, if it was electrical, would I hear static when using the CD/DVD ? Do electrical problems come in through the antenna or the power feeds to the radio?

Power feeds generate electrical noise, that's why it's best to run all your audio cables away from any power feeds. I have my amps installed in the rear window shelf area, the power feeds for these are run on the drivers side, audio cables are down the passengers side.
If it becomes necessary to run audio cables close to power cables, try and run them perpendicular to the power cables.

The antenna cable is shielded and shouldn't pick up electrical noises easily.

Last edited by shafrs3; Jun 15, 2007 at 01:58 PM.