Radio station interference

[tedmunds4]

It seems on our new Cutwater 24C that after hounding the factory and dealer (Pocket Yachts) there is a solution to our FM radio not receiving a few - albeit very few- stations. It was discovered by Tim, their tech, that the circuit of the TV when the fuse is installed, corrupts the signal to the radio. To demonstrate, he removed the fuse and we got almost all the stations I get in my car. Very good, eh? Well, when he plugged the TV fuse back in - wallah! the radio went back to not receiving many stations again. So, according to Tim's analysis, there needs to be some sort of filter in the line to eliminate the interference, but who will address the issue, and when it will happen is still out for anyone's guess. But, if you don't use your TV often, you might try this fix....
Ted Edmunds
Seaclusion - 24C Cutwater

 

[Red Raven]

I don’t know anything about the TV fuse but I found that the antenna wire was just coiled up behind the radio on our boat. Uncoiled it and connected the end to the metal window frame and viola! much better reception. It is possible the sensitivity to the TV circuit is due to the lack of a good antenna. Playing with the antenna connection (or lack there of) may make a difference.

Having said this, I’m going to check to see if pulling the TV fuse improves it even better! Thank you!

 

[stwendl]

The tv antenna is powered by the black box in the overhead compartment on my r27. The amp has two outputs. One for the tv and for radio with different frequency filters. My radio was not plugged in to the second port and reception improved after doing so

 

[SgtAlf]

When I have the radar transmitting my FM reception is degraded.

 

[stwendl]

Wondering if this is a safety feature. If the radar is on, perhaps distraction by radio may not be a good idea. Need to listen to outside sounds for foghorn etc

 

[Red Raven]

The tv antenna is powered by the black box in the overhead compartment on my r27. The amp has two outputs. One for the tv and for radio with different frequency filters. My radio was not plugged in to the second port and reception improved after doing so

I looked into this today and sure enough found a second antenna output on the amp above the helm. Nothing indicating it was for the radio though. Where did you find info about the frequency band? Also, how did you route a coaxial cable from the radio to the amp?

 

[stwendl]

I took the amp out, and looked up the model on google to find info about its functionality. Don’t ask me for the model, did not write it down and I won’t be near the boat for two weeks.

The radio uses a Motorola style car radio antenna connector, and you will need about 6-8 feet of extension. The make adapter cables from Motorola to f-type connectors and you can use a standard extension cord. However they are a bit stiff and hard to route around corners. I routed a short stubby Motorola to f type adapter behind the radio up to the window, and then a regular f type extension up the window, behind the tv and to the amp. Problem solved

 

[Red Raven]

Thanks! Were you able to run the wire inside the window pillar or did it have to go on the surface?