Garmin 430W question??

[MATTS875]

Hello, I have a garmin 430w in my plane and last week I started getting static over the comm 1 when the plane is running, however if I transmit for a radio check on the ground without plane running no static. I had the radio bench tested and it was fine..so..The avionics shop I went to was the first time for me because it was much closer than the other one I have dealt with in the past. The avionics guy said he would start out with a filter at a price of 125.00 plus install and some form of cable for 590.00 and could not guarantee that would work.. I told him not to do anything and I would pay him for his time. I think I am taking it to the other avionics shop which does great work and see if they can help.. If any of you have had anything like this or can offer any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated..thanks in advance

[N601RX]

Noise can be very difficult to pinpoint. It's usually a process of elimination.  I would go fly around and turn one thing at the time off until the noise went away.  I'm guessing he was talking about an alternator filter so in that case pull the breaker for the alternator and field and see if the noise goes away. 

[Cruiser]

noise and radio static almost always has something to do with grounding.

[Piloto]

Quote: N601RX

Noise can be very difficult to pinpoint.

[Piloto]

Quote: N601RX

Noise can be very difficult to pinpoint. It's usually a process of elimination. I would go fly around and turn one thing at the time off until the noise went away. I'm guessing he was talking about an alternator filter so in that case pull the breaker for the alternator and field and see if the noise goes away.

[Mooneymite]

I'm no tron-head, but your post has several clues:

-Radio was working fine.

-Static is now associated with the engine running.

I'm guessing it's vibration that's jiggling a connection.  

Was any maintence recently done?  Try various mic/jack combinations to see if the problem moves.  Does the static increase with RPM/engine vibration?

I suspect that a filter would only mask the problem, not solve it.

Keep us posted on your progress on this problem.

 

[DrBill]

I agree with Mooneymite.  I suspect a connection.  If checking all other electronics via the pulled breaker method reveal nothing, I suspect a loose antenna connection somewhere OR a cable that is wearing against something.  I would not spend money on filters, and "fixes" especially if it was fine at one time and not now.

BILL

 

[Lionudakis]

I've dealt with that issue before. One was a poor ground on the 430, one was a weak ground between engine and airframe, one was an alternator that worked fine, but was getting weak under load, and produce all kinds of noise (the sloppy bearings upon removal was a good indication it was time). Something to check...

[Jmdunn123]

I also had this problem with my 530. The guys at Sarasota avionics found that the original install of the antenna cable had a screw ran through it. If non of the loose connection scenarios fix the problem check the cable.

[tomn]

I agree with looking at your alternator as a good possible source.  I had this issue when the main cable came loose on the back of the alternator in flight.  Toasted the alternator - radios worked fine with new one.