AM/FM Radio interference
Submitted: Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 11:20
ThreadID:
90201
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5129
Replies:
3
FollowUps:
7
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Member - PaulJ (SA)
Hi,
I have fitted an ARB fridge in rear of Prado 150.
Am now experiencing difficulties with radio reception when fridge cuts in.
Has anyone experienced same and implemented a successful fix.
Any ideas welcome
Paul J (
Adelaide)
Reply By: Pradobob - Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 12:55
Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 12:55
If your radio antenna is in the rear side window like my 120 Prado, the slightest interference will render the radio usless. Electric Bug on Torrens Rd fixed
mine for $140 . Now it picks up stations very clearly, all over the place. They supplied/fitted excellent antenna for me while I waited. Usually do all that sort of stuff myself, but for the price I didn't bother.
AnswerID:
470488
Reply By: Boobook2 - Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 15:50
Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 15:50
Get a supressor and install it as close to the fridge as possible. That may fix it and they are anly a few bucks so it's worth trying.
Also have you tried moving the fridge to the other side of the rear?
AnswerID:
470496
Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:33
Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:33
Hi Paul. I have a 120 Prado. Not sure whether one or both rear windows are the ariel as they both have wires in them. I have run a Waeco 50l in the passenger side for a number of years now and have never had a problem. Can you borrow a different brand of fridge to try. If the interference stops I would be talking to ARB as it will then be their problem. Cheers,Bob.
AnswerID:
470497
Follow Up By: Hugh D - Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 18:01
Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 18:01
I have the same problem with an Engel fridge in my Prado 120, but it only affects AM and not all the time. Might try the suppressor suggestion.
FollowupID:
745076
Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 21:55
Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 21:55
HI
Any devise with a basic electronic inverter can cause problems ,fridge 12 fluoros etc
The problem will be worse on AM & in weak signal areas for the particular station you are tuned to
some of the interference
is via the wiring
This can often be reduced by using an auto supression capacitor as close as posible to the fridge[connected between positive & negative Plus some ferrite 'Jaycar part#LF1924over the pos & neg cables again as close as possible to the fridge
If the interference is via the aerial the problem is more difficult
try getting the fridge as far from the radio aerial as possible
keep any cables close the the metal frame of the vehicle
If the fridge has a metal case try earthing that with a short heavy lead to the vehicle body
Peter
FollowupID:
745111
Follow Up By: Hugh D - Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 10:42
Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 10:42
Thanks for the suggestions.
Mine seems to be aerial interference, so I will try earthing the fridge case when I go off on a trip tomorrow.
FollowupID:
745203
Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 16:02
Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 16:02
Oldtrack, I have a similar problem.
Thanks for your suggestions - I'll try them all.
But earthing the metal case - can I just do that inside the fridge by connecting a strap from the case to the negative terminal of the power input on the CB? The neg in the auxilliary socket to which the fridge is connected then goes to the body.
Cheers
Frank
FollowupID:
745227
Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 21:18
Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 21:18
Hi Frank
I did reply earlier just @ the time ofthe short site shut down
It must be still out there
I would rather a seperate short[as possible ] connection direct from the case to the vehicle body
Your option may be ok & I understand you probably just want to be unplug one cable
The problem is that any Rf is going to run side by side with the pos lead.
The idea is to get iit away by the shortest possible route & as far as possible from the pos lead.
If you wish you could use some type of plug & socket, no amperage involved so it does not have to be very big
Peter
FollowupID:
745262
Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 21:52
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 21:52
Thanks Peter. You picked my preference in one! I'll try my way first (more convenient) and if it doesn't work, your way.
If that doesn't work, no AM radio in preference to cold beer!!!
(It's only the AM radio that's affected. FM and my UHF CB are OK.)
Cheers
Frank
FollowupID:
745356
Follow Up By: Hugh D - Sunday, Dec 04, 2011 at 18:30
Sunday, Dec 04, 2011 at 18:30
I am just back from my trip, and earthing teh fridge case worked really
well. Thanks so much for the good advice!!
Hugh
FollowupID:
746382