Hello all this is my first thread here so please forgive me if I don’t post enough information. I’m running a Kenwood TK-790/890 Dual band setup with a full function head in my 2013 ram 1500. For starters I have the radio hot going directly to the battery and grounded to the body of the truck with a factory bolt hole and paint ground away. My issues is when I turn the key forward on my truck without starting the truck my radio immediately gets a ton of static and I have to turn the squelch up to 13 or 14 to get it to clear. When the truck is off I can have the squelch down to 2 with no issues. I am running dual antennas and they’re spaced about 2ft apart on roof. I’m not sure if antenna spacing is an issue I’m suspecting more towards dirt power somehow. I’m not really sure where my issue could be coming from. Is the body ground an issue? Any help is appreciated!
-
To anyone looking to acquire commercial radio programming software:
Please do not make requests for copies of radio programming software which is sold (or was sold) by the manufacturer for any monetary value. All requests will be deleted and a forum infraction issued. Making a request such as this is attempting to engage in software piracy and this forum cannot be involved or associated with this activity. The same goes for any private transaction via Private Message. Even if you attempt to engage in this activity in PM's we will still enforce the forum rules. Your PM's are not private and the administration has the right to read them if there's a hint to criminal activity.
If you are having trouble legally obtaining software please state so. We do not want any hurt feelings when your vague post is mistaken for a free request. It is YOUR responsibility to properly word your request.
To obtain Motorola software see the Sticky in the Motorola forum.
The various other vendors often permit their dealers to sell the software online (i.e., Kenwood). Please use Google or some other search engine to find a dealer that sells the software. Typically each series or individual radio requires its own software package. Often the Kenwood software is less than $100 so don't be a cheapskate; just purchase it.
For M/A Com/Harris/GE, etc: there are two software packages that program all current and past radios. One package is for conventional programming and the other for trunked programming. The trunked package is in upwards of $2,500. The conventional package is more reasonable though is still several hundred dollars. The benefit is you do not need multiple versions for each radio (unlike Motorola).
This is a large and very visible forum. We cannot jeopardize the ability to provide the RadioReference services by allowing this activity to occur. Please respect this.
Severe interference when key is on
- Thread starter wood827
- Start date
DeoVindice
P25 Underground
It's not the antenna; modern vehicles are notorious for RFI problems. In this case I'd initially suspect the fuel pump. Try pulling the fuel pump relay before turning the key to see if that reduces the noise level. If not, start electrically isolating other systems by selectively pulling fuses or relays.
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2011
- Messages
- 1,463
I could definitely see the fuel pump being the cause of interference but the fuel pump should shut off a few seconds after the key is turned to the 'run' position prior to starting.
OP, does it also happen if you turn the key to the acc position vs the run position?
OP, does it also happen if you turn the key to the acc position vs the run position?
It’s comforting knowing my antennas are good. I know on repeaters without a duplexer the antennas need to be far as possible but wasn’t sure about dual band. I figured I would have to isolate and narrow down. Any direction where I should start? Most common interference?
It happens in acc and run
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2011
- Messages
- 1,463
It won't be quick.... But you can start pulling fuses to narrow it down then go from there. Another common source of issues could be an aftermarket car radio and/or amp.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
I had a 2005 Hyundai Elantra with a BCM from hell that emitted RFI from DC to 1 GHz. It was so bad it even tore up the factory installed radio, on AM at least, and Hyundai had to install a "noise kit" to make their own AM/FM radio work. It put out hash and trash on VHF, when the ACC was on the BCM was alive and put out crap every 200KHz or so.
Modern vehicles are an array of CANBUSes and computers, most of which have poor shielding. As mentioned, you're gonna have to start pulling fuses to find the offending culprit, then figure out HOW to silence it without disabling or impairing the vehicle operation.
Modern vehicles are an array of CANBUSes and computers, most of which have poor shielding. As mentioned, you're gonna have to start pulling fuses to find the offending culprit, then figure out HOW to silence it without disabling or impairing the vehicle operation.
I assume it's the VHF radio more than the UHF? LED lighting? Wireless camera? Start pulling fuses and let us know when you find it. [Maybe want to move the thread to a more general forum, as it's likely actually on-channel radiation, not Kenwood-specific]
Those vehicles use a TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) that most everything connects to. Shielding in this box of smoke under the hood is minimal at best.
I would connect the radio to a separate power source and ground (jump box) and see if the interference is still there with the key on.
I would connect the radio to a separate power source and ground (jump box) and see if the interference is still there with the key on.
A big honking capacitor for automotive use in parallel with your radios power lead often does the trick.
Do you have any cigarette lighter style USB adapters in the vehicle? Or any other similar devices to charge a cell phone?
Any luck? On my car the LED headlights and brake lights let out a lot of noise that makes my VHF stuff mad.
