RFI Question

[cletaco]

I've read the various threads regarding problems with RFI in 2M installations in Tacos. I note that the threads seem to end without anyone reporting a resolution. I wonder if anyone who has solved the problem can report back.

In any event, I recently got around to installing my ICV8000 in my 2003 DC. I mounted the antenna on a fender mount screwed to the inside of the fender for a decent ground, and I get so much noise into the antenna that I can't hear the radio while I'm driving. This evening I used my Zap Checker (electronic radiation tester) to try to isolate where the noise is coming from, and, well, it seems to be coming from just about everything under the hood. I then used my HT to walk around the truck, and even in the rear I get a lot of RFI (but it is much quieter back there--tolerable). So, it seems these Toyotas are extremely noisy electrically. I had this same radio with the same fender mount on my recently sold early Bronco, and it was quiet as a mouse. From time to time I've put a radio in my two Mercedes for long trips, and while I put the antennas on the trunk lip, those are perfectly quiet as well (surprising considering the gobs of electronics in the Mercedes cars).

So, I guess this means I need to put my antenna as far back on the truck as I can...unless someone has figured this out. Maybe lots of grounding straps?

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[DaveInDenver]

What sort of noise is it? Ignition, alternator, computer? My first step would be to make sure the engine is well grounded, could be as simple as a poor RF ground from the block to frame to battery causing it. Thinking either a good ground braid from the block to frame or exhaust to frame. Next would be to make sure your cable or connectors aren't broken or corroded. Next I'd try to bond the body panels, at least the front fenders, hood and main body, to the RF ground. Can't say I've ever heard of this much problem noise from a Taco. Guys in the club stick mag mounts with pre-made cables and split face radios on theirs and they're fine and those sorts of installs are ripe with possible issues.

 

[cletaco]

What sort of noise is it? Ignition, alternator, computer? My first step would be to make sure the engine is well grounded, could be as simple as a poor RF ground from the block to frame to battery causing it. Thinking either a good ground braid from the block to frame or exhaust to frame. Next would be to make sure your cable or connectors aren't broken or corroded. Next I'd try to bond the body panels, at least the front fenders, hood and main body, to the RF ground. Can't say I've ever heard of this much problem noise from a Taco. Guys in the club stick mag mounts with pre-made cables and split face radios on theirs and they're fine and those sorts of installs are ripe with possible issues.

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. My guess is that it is ignition since the noise varies with RPM. Would there originally have been a ground from the block to the frame? In any event, I'll give that attention first. My coax and connectors are in good shape.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Get some ferrite cores and wrap them around the coax, the power cord, and anything else (speaker cord?) that goes into the radio, as close to the radio as possible. Give the cord two or three turns, minimum. Snap-together cores are available from HRO, MFJ, Amazon, etc.

 

[gary in ohio]

You might check out Alan's mobile radio site.
http://www.k0bg.com/http:
He has lots of tips for tracking down noise.

 

[mk4]

I'd say you've got some ground loop problems. Do you have an aftermarket alternator?

 

[taugust]

I used a similar fender mount for my HF hamstick antenna. I found the biggest problem with getting a usable SWR on my install was poor ground of the mount to the body. The three mount screws were not near enough. The fender may be isolated from the frame. I ended up adding a homemade ground strap from the mount to the frame, inside the engine compartment. It provided a huge improvement.

 

[cletaco]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I'll be doing some grounding work first and see how that works. In any event, I have been thinking more about having a hole drilled in the roof for a mount. I'm thinking of using a Laird Phantom Elite for every day use (and so I can get it into the garage at the office and home), and having a 5/8 wave in the truck for longer distance.

Need to get to it...

 

[gary in ohio]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I'll be doing some grounding work first and see how that works. In any event, I have been thinking more about having a hole drilled in the roof for a mount. I'm thinking of using a Laird Phantom Elite for every day use (and so I can get it into the garage at the office and home), and having a 5/8 wave in the truck for longer distance.

Need to get to it...

Around Cleveland the itty bitty antenna might work, but will quickly be unusable as soon as you get to the burbs. Why not just but the 5/8 on a maldol electronic tilt over mount? Pull out of the grarge flip a switch its up, arrive at work flip the switch its down.
http://rffun.com/catalog/hamantm/4219.html