alternator whine and sat radio

[jacal]

Still trying to solve my alternator wine problem.

Setup:
03 10 spkr jbl w/Dice link -> ipod and sirius on the aux in.
Power comes from a hot fuse via the "add a fuse".

Only the sirius causes the whine, and (obvious) only when the truck is running.

I have grounded to some random point; to the metal box of the HU; and now to a low spot near the passenger side that contains another stock toyota ground. All produce the same whine.

I have done a "magnet wrap" at the end of the aux in cable near the dice link...no changes. I have changed the aux in cables, even tried monster with very thick shielding.

I just don't know what else to do. Maybe switch fuse locations a few times? Maybe try to be 100% sure I ground to the same place the HU grounds to?

Or is there a possible issue with the Alternator allowing the whine in the system in the first place?

It isn't a terrible problem, but it is a prob, especially for radio that is not full "band" (talk, etc).


J

 

[nserpa9248]

first, try a different power source.

actually grabbing power by splicing one of lets say the ciggarette lighter power supplys works fine (most sat radios draw a couple hundred mA).

Next, try grabbing a ground loop isolator.

If that doesnt work, something may be wrong with the sat radio

 

[jacal]

The only ground loop isolators I can find would require my single 1/8 aux in to go to 2 standard L/R stereo, into the isolator, then out as 2 standard L/R back into a 1/8 stereo - I thought this would likely introduce more noise than it would save. If I can't find a better ground loop isolator is this dual convertion still worth it?

I will try the new power sources as well.

Good point about the sat radio. I was going to just buy a cheap until anyway to use the mounting device for my Wifes car (since the cheapest unit includes the mount which is less than their "car mount kit") how crazy.


J

 

[mndanielsncsu]

I installed a Sirius Starmate 4 into my 07 4Runner this weekend and originally had it hooked up through the 1/8" aux input and was experiencing a ton of alternator whining. I went to Radio Shack today and purchased a ground loop isolator with RCA inputs and purchased a RCA to 1/8" jack adapter and it cleared up ALL of the whine. Now, my radio sounds great and there is no whine. I'm satisfied. Hope this helps.

 

[liquidvw]

Mine does it as well. I have tried every ground and every power source, including going directly to the battery. They all whine. I have not tried the ground loop isolator as of yet.

 

[jacal]

I finally tried the ground loop isolator. BIG success...whine completely gone. Now I just have to replace the current cable with the cable that contains the loop isolator and that is that.

What a relief. Should have done the ground loop right away.



J

 

[nserpa9248]

glad to see it helped

did you use any 1/8 to rca adapters or did you go with just soldering it up direct

 

[jacal]

glad to see it helped

did you use any 1/8 to rca adapters or did you go with just soldering it up direct

Just used the RCA adapter. It was just a "test" and the wire hangs out thru my glove box. Need to tidy it up, but I think I will keep the adapters and use as is because I am just thrilled with the absence of whine!

Makes comedy, classical, and talk radio so much better...



J