Trevelayan
Member
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
- Messages
- 9
Hi all - I recently installed a new CB noticed I have a lot of noise on both my CB (and AM radio) that is coming from the engine area. Both the CB and Radio work fine when the truck is off, but when running, both have static and pops that match the RPM movement of the engine. My CB is now next to useless because of the sheer volume of noise, I have to squelch all but the loudest receptions out otherwise I just hear the buzzing. What could be causing this? It also happens (but not nearly as bad) when I turn the key but don't start the engine. Does this sound like a bad ground, battery, alternator, or something else I'm not thinking of?
I did a walk around with a handheld AM radio and the differences are clear:
Here's my setup:
The noise goes away completely when I unplug my antenna. When I max out the RF Gain with the engine running, I get a constant 2-3 bars of receive, I know there are transmissions I'm missing because I can hear them when I turn off the truck but leave the radio on. People are having conversations all around me but I can't hear them because of the stupid RF noise.
So far I have:
1. Moved the antenna location from top mid cab to everywhere else on the truck it will reach. I did notice, however, that the second I lifted the antenna from the truck, I had nearly zero static and could hear people talking. This was repeatable and didn't matter where I was at in relation to the truck.
2. Made an RF Choke with mix 31 ferrite on the antenna cable.
3. Grounded the power feed in 3 locations, first to the battery, second to the body itself, third to the seat base bolt
None of this worked.
My unit is also very sensitive to local RF interference from power lines etc. Here's a video, not sure if this is normal or not:
What are my options here? Is my truck just cursed?
Thanks!
I did a walk around with a handheld AM radio and the differences are clear:
Here's my setup:
- UNIDEN PRO 520 XL w/Standard mic
- TRAM 3500 Mag-mount 5'
- Center Cab mount, total height to end of antenna is 11.5' from ground, truck is 6.5'
- SWR is 1.3 across the band
The noise goes away completely when I unplug my antenna. When I max out the RF Gain with the engine running, I get a constant 2-3 bars of receive, I know there are transmissions I'm missing because I can hear them when I turn off the truck but leave the radio on. People are having conversations all around me but I can't hear them because of the stupid RF noise.
So far I have:
1. Moved the antenna location from top mid cab to everywhere else on the truck it will reach. I did notice, however, that the second I lifted the antenna from the truck, I had nearly zero static and could hear people talking. This was repeatable and didn't matter where I was at in relation to the truck.
2. Made an RF Choke with mix 31 ferrite on the antenna cable.
3. Grounded the power feed in 3 locations, first to the battery, second to the body itself, third to the seat base bolt
None of this worked.
My unit is also very sensitive to local RF interference from power lines etc. Here's a video, not sure if this is normal or not:
What are my options here? Is my truck just cursed?
Thanks!