Radio static
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Stamford CT
Radio static
I replaced the non-working am/fm stereo radio in my '74 with a stock restored radio. It works great but I'm getting iginition static. I have a 1181 Protronixs Ignitor electronic ignition. I noticed that the radio static suppression capacitor which is mounted on the coil bracket is not connected. I think it goes to the positive side of the coil. I read somewhere about these capacitors damaging electronic iginitions so I'm not sure if I should connect it. I called Protronixs and left a message but have not heard back from them. Any advise? Thanks, Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Are you sure it's ignition static? It could be just as easily alternator whine. Also, is your ignition shielding in place?
You can install a filter or capacitor on the alternator and see if it makes a difference.
I don't know the answer about the capacitor for the electronic igntion, but generally electronic ignitions don't create much if any radio noise compared to points igntions...well, maybe the AM side still might in a fiberglass car.
In my '69 with Pertronix and it has no capacitor on the coil and I have no ignition noise, but I do have the shielding in place. There's also a filter on the alternator that's been there from before I bought the car.
I have another fiberglass car (not a Vette) that has electronic igntion and it has no radio interference.
I also wonder if whomever restored the radio installed adequate filters in it. Just because it works properly when bench tested doesn't mean it won't have interference in a car.
You can install a filter or capacitor on the alternator and see if it makes a difference.
I don't know the answer about the capacitor for the electronic igntion, but generally electronic ignitions don't create much if any radio noise compared to points igntions...well, maybe the AM side still might in a fiberglass car.
In my '69 with Pertronix and it has no capacitor on the coil and I have no ignition noise, but I do have the shielding in place. There's also a filter on the alternator that's been there from before I bought the car.
I have another fiberglass car (not a Vette) that has electronic igntion and it has no radio interference.
I also wonder if whomever restored the radio installed adequate filters in it. Just because it works properly when bench tested doesn't mean it won't have interference in a car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Stamford CT
I connected it to the positive side, can't say it helped reduce the static. I did tune the antenna per owner's manual and that helped a little by giving me a stronger signal, I only hear the static on a week signal. Bill
