Rf Interference To The Truck

Skip Talker · February 7, 2008

Any one using big radio transmitters on their truck? I have a (cough) legal limit amplifier and can’t use it on my truck. On higher bands using over 500 watts the truck sputters, gauges jump all around and don’t think it is too good for it. On lower bands even with just 100 watts the doors lock and unlock the gauges swing back and forth and the engine cuts off.

I’ve had some improvement by disconnecting the rear window defogger. And using ferrite beads but still have some problems.

This is not a DC power starvation problem. I have a separate 300 amp alternator and its own batteries just for the amp. It is isolated from the rest of the vehicles electrical system. I can disconnect the antenna and key up into a dummy load, nearly 2,000 watts, and don’t have the problem. It’s got to be RF getting into something.

For you RF purest saying the amp is just putting out spurs, the spectral quality exceeds FCC emissions standards.

I see those CB guys running a whole lot more power and haven’t admitted to any problems.

Twodogs · February 8, 2008

What model vehicle is it? I've stayed away from a "foot warmer" myself for just the same reason. Mines an 06 and with the electronics on these vehicles I think it's going to be hard to isolate RF of that power with the 10+ different ECM's on some of these vehicles. Some guys around home are putting 3 and 4 grounding straps to everything (radio, aux. battery, antenna, etc.). Trying to wrap/contain high sources of RF power usaully create heat problems also. I guess that's why the FCC regulates the power (can't believe I said that). New vehicles just don't seem to be "Fire in the Wire" friendly. Good luck.

-Devil- · February 8, 2008

one of my friends in arkansas ...eventually had to pull most of his cb equipment out of his chevy truck ... he kept frying the ECU after a few weeks ...

there isn't much that can help it ... other then a completly isolated electrical system just for the equipment ... and get the antenna up to where the base of it is over the roof of the truck ...