Ham radio interference Stargazer Control Panel

[tonyg3nwl]

Hi everyone. I have just returned to the lugger option with a New Autocruise Stargazer. Reception on my amateur radio ICOM 706 with whip antenna mounted on nearside wing mirror is obliterated by hash being generated by the Autocruise control panel. Disconnecting the control panel by the plug/socket kills the hash but also kills the van electrics so I am seeking an alternative solution, perhaps by some filtering on the leads or some form of screening the panel. I assume the panel is using a microprocessor of some kind for the display screen and control functions but challenge whether it complies with radio non-interference rules. I wonder if any other hams have found a solution. Maybe Clive Mott-gotobed, your specialist in electrics etc whom I met at Agde a few years ago, or other knowledgeable motorhomer hams could comment. Thanks in anticipation. Tony g3nwl qthr

[tonyg3nwl]

Hi again.. Just carried out some further tests, and discovered that Peugeot cab radio on medium wave suffers similar hash interference also on long wave. Unplugged supply from leisure battery by pulling fuse made very little difference, so now wondering if problem stems from something Peugeot origin (ie alarm/central locking etc) or do I have faults in Autocruise side as well. Any clever vehicle electricians out there ? Where do I find the peugeot side battery. Someone said it was under a seat, But I cant see it there. I refer to vehicle battery as opposed to leisure battery. Its the new sevel cab at front end. Help !!

tonyg3nwl

 

[davenewellhome]

Your base vehicle battery (engine battery) is under the cab floor I believe.

 

D.

[rupert123]

In the Fiat cab it is under cab floor, passenger side footwell.

[roger s]

Have you taken the 706's power leads directly to the engine battery ? always a good idea.

Do you have the 706's OPC639 EMC Filter in the power supply leads ?

I did suffer some interference on the last van, not the control panel though, and additional grounding of the aerial mount (to the Boxers chassis)helped a lot (as well as reducing SWR!!)

[tonyg3nwl]

Hi Again. Thanks for info re engine battery location. I found a cover panel under carpets so presumeably this has to be removed to find the battery.

 

re filter in 706 leads, it is not in lead at present, but was in lead for original tests, and made no difference. can easily reinstate it but will have to find a suitable location to hide it as it is rather bulky. If I can find a solution to qrm problem then hopefully adding filter would improve it even more.

 

Base of whip is earthed to earth lug just inside bonnet on left side.

 

When weather gets a bit warmer I will try engine battery connection for radio power.

 

base vehicle is Peugeot badged, not Fiat, 2.2 ltr diesel.

 

Thanks for responses.. all suggestions welcomed.

[tonyg3nwl]

Hi Again. Just an update on the hash noise problem.

I have had multiple email exchanges with Clive on this subject and with his help traced down the control box manufacturer and wiring harness supplier. Both have been very cooperative in attempting to locate and kill the offending noise. The box supplier sent me a spare control box ( modified ) to try, and the cable form company provided a modified screened cable ( sadly too short for my vehicle.) numerous tests with modified box/ original panel/ modified cable combinations have been carried out which point to the need to thoroughly screen the cable.

 

I am amazed and very pleased with the cooperation received from the equipment suppliers and from the "expert" Clive. Once the companies get back to work after the Xmas break, I will report back to them and hopefully negotiate a longer lead for further tests.

 

tonyg3nwl