Qwalton Posted August 24, 2010 Report Posted August 24, 2010 I've been having a problem recently with static on my radio. It comes on when there is no other noise on the frequency, and it occurs on different frequencies, but it's always limited to the frequency it started on (I.E if I change frequencies on the radio it goes away but if I flip to the same frequency on my other radio it's still audible). At first I thought it was static being broadcast on the frequency but it has happened on enough different frequencies without anyone mentioning it that it must be within my own electrical system. I have a KMA24 with a ky197 and a kx155.Anyone ever had this problem? Any ideas what could be causing it? I hope I've managed to describe the problem adequately let me know if I can clarify anything
MooneyMitch Posted August 24, 2010 Report Posted August 24, 2010 Hi Quinn. Since it appears on both radios, me thinks possibly the audio panel [common to both your radios] or a connection to the audio panel. This is hard to diagnose without actually experiencing the problem first hand. Maybe we can check it out at Lake Taco this w/e.
Piloto Posted August 24, 2010 Report Posted August 24, 2010 Does it happens with the engine off on the ground? If it goes away with the engine off the source could be the voltage regulator or alternator. If the noise still there with the engine off pull the circuit breaker of each component one at a time to see if it goes away. If the noise still there the source is likely from the radio itself. Pull the VOL control to disable the squelch, any difference? If there is no difference you may have a defective VOL switch or squelch adjustment is required. José
Qwalton Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Posted August 25, 2010 Jose, I haven't ever checked with the engine off, I'll have to check next time I go out. I know the problem isn't limited to one radio since I can hear it on both radios. I was thinking the audio panel as well since it's the only thing connected to both radios. Mitch, thanks for the offer, I'll definitely have you take a look this weekend.
carusoam Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 Quinn is either up really early today or is up really late from yesterday.... 3:26 AM....
KSMooniac Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 After checking with the engine off, you might remove the audio panel from the rack, spray a little contact cleaner on the pins, and re-insert. A 3/32 hex key should unlock it from the tray.
kerry Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 I had the same problem. It was the mechanical voltage regulator. When I replaced my voltage regulator with a zeftronics regulators the static problem was gone. The static comes from the voltage regulator contacts. The zeftronics regulator is electronic vs. mechanical.
MooneyMitch Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 Quote: carusoam Quinn is either up really early today or is up really late from yesterday.... 3:26 AM....
fantom Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 Quote: Qwalton Anyone ever had this problem? Any ideas what could be causing it? A lack of static wicks, perhaps I've often wondered (usually when I knock one off) if they really help at all. When I had my bird painted last year, I took them off the elevators for good, since they were prone to breaking. I haven't noticed any difference. Regarding your issue cleaning the contacts is a good first step, and trading out radios to test, with a friend, should point you in the right direction. Finally, I'm not happy with some here who insult people flying at night or with 2/3rd shift jobs.
Qwalton Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Posted August 25, 2010 thanks for the new suggestions, i had thought about cleaning the contacts. what sort of cleaner should i use on them? i should also mention that my post last night was at 12 not at 3 i must have my timezone set wrong in my account. thatms not to say i wasn't up at 3 i just wasn't on Mooney space.
carusoam Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 "Finally, I'm not happy with some here who insult people flying at night or with 2/3rd shift jobs. " Fantom, Today, I am in a time zone 9hrs ahead of Quinn. I was looking for a quick mooney fix, but that time of night is usually radio silence on MooneySpace. I got one input from Collvon in Australia and Quinn! Thanks for being there guys... Quinn, Last week, I had a discussion on the contact cleaner with an electrical engineering friend. Contact cleaner should be available at RadioShack. EE friend recommended long stick cotton swabs and fine sand paper. Clean both ends of the contacts (radio and tray) Let cleaner dry. Of course, I was going to use his advice, but went flying with a friend instead...... Best regards, -a-
Txbyker Posted February 1, 2012 Report Posted February 1, 2012 I seem to be developing a radio static issue. I have a Garmin GNS650 as #1 and KX-155 as #2. I notice that the static is most prominant on distant radio transmissions. Ex. Control tower in pattern is pretty clear but as I go along my route and get handed off to other controllers the farther I am the more static I hear. I have to really pay attention. I asked ATC about how they hear me and they say loud and clear. Both radios have the same issue. Cockpit intercom and crew to passengers sound fine, its just distant incoming radios from what I can tell. Has anyone had issues like this. BTW, I had a new alternator put on last week and it helped somewhat.
pjsny78 Posted February 1, 2012 Report Posted February 1, 2012 Quote: txbyker I seem to be developing a radio static issue. I have a Garmin GNS650 as #1 and KX-155 as #2. I notice that the static is most prominant on distant radio transmissions. Ex. Control tower in pattern is pretty clear but as I go along my route and get handed off to other controllers the farther I am the more static I hear. I have to really pay attention. I asked ATC about how they hear me and they say loud and clear. Both radios have the same issue. Cockpit intercom and crew to passengers sound fine, its just distant incoming radios from what I can tell. Has anyone had issues like this. BTW, I had a new alternator put on last week and it helped somewhat. I had this same problem you did about a month ago. Drove me nuts. I had an audio panel installed a few months back and they used these really cheap plastic connectors. 1 or 2 of the wires came loose and created static from what I thought was distant radios. I don’t know why that happened the way it did but bottom line is that it was cheap connectors that connected the radios to the audio panel.
Piloto Posted February 1, 2012 Report Posted February 1, 2012 Quote: txbyker I seem to be developing a radio static issue.
Piloto Posted February 1, 2012 Report Posted February 1, 2012 Quote: txbyker I seem to be developing a radio static issue. I have a Garmin GNS650 as #1 and KX-155 as #2. I notice that the static is most prominant on distant radio transmissions. Ex. Control tower in pattern is pretty clear but as I go along my route and get handed off to other controllers the farther I am the more static I hear. I have to really pay attention. I asked ATC about how they hear me and they say loud and clear. Both radios have the same issue. Cockpit intercom and crew to passengers sound fine, its just distant incoming radios from what I can tell. Has anyone had issues like this. BTW, I had a new alternator put on last week and it helped somewhat.
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