Knowledgebase: Auto Mounts
FM Transmitter sounds noisy what can I do to make it sound better?
Posted by Gomadic Engineering on 17 May 2007 01:58 PM

There are a few factors that may lead into poor FM Transmitter performance.

1) The station you choose is very important. We suggest a station that has at least one digit of freedom. Meaning if you use station 101.0 then there should be no local broadcasts from stations 100.0 to 102.0. Here is a good website to find the best stations in your area http://fmchannel.sirius.com

2) Are you hearing noises? This is a misunderstood problem by many and often our chargers are blamed. With the right knowledge this is a simple problem to fix. Ground loop is a common problem when connecting multiple audio-visual system components together, there is a good change of making a nasty ground loops. Ground loop problems are one of the most common noise problems in audio systems. The result is that the unwanted signal will be amplified until it is audible and clearly undesirable. Even voltage differences lower than 1 mV can cause annoying humming sound on your audio system. This is usually cause by bad Grounds in your car or too many "Ground Paths" in a car.

To solve this is fairly simple and inexpensive. You can buy Ground Loop Isolators for about $10 at places like Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc ... here is a link to buy a couple different models online (these noise filters plug directly in line with the headphone jack) Pyle PLGI35T 3.5 mm/1/8-Inch Stereo Audio Ground Loop Isolator ... or ... 3.5mm Ground Loop Isolator with 1.3dB gain ... or ... Peripheral PGLI35 3.5mm Ground Loop Isolator ... or ... 3.5m Noise Reducing Car Audio AUX Cable

3) Check the contacts in your lighter receptacle. Is it rusty? Is it clean? Without a good connection the FM transmitter and charger cannot do its job.



More about noises in your car audio sound system ...

Electrically speaking, your car is a pretty active place. Every piece of electronic equipment in your car, such as power windows, your windshield wipers, and the alternator, generates its own small electrical field. These fields can be conducted through the metal that makes up your car's body and chassis. They're not really a problem until they sneak into the audio components of your stereo system and become noise.

 

You know what noise in a stereo system sounds like: it's that high-pitched whine that often gets louder as the car goes faster. It's generally due to electrical radiation being conducted by the audio cables of the vehicle's stereo. The threat of noise increases when you add an external amplifier, as the presence of more power- and signal-carrying cables translates into more potential intrusion points for radiated noise. It can be a pretty pesky problem, easily introduced, but difficult to pinpoint and eliminate.

 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take when installing a new amplifier to prevent the introduction of noise.

 

  • Grounding: An important factor in preventing the intrusion of noise is to make sure your amp is solidly grounded. Your amp's ground wire should be fastened securely to a section of bare metal, and connected tightly to the amp itself.
  • Isolate your amp: If you have a strong ground, yet noise still seems to be a problem, try mounting your amp on a board, then installing the board in your vehicle using rubber grommets or feet. This can help isolate the amp from any electrical noise currents that might be conducted through your car's metal panels.
  • Wiring: Never underestimate the importance of well-insulated, high-quality wiring as a weapon against noise. Cheap wiring tends to fall prey to noise intrusion in such a highly conductive environment (the cables you use at home won't keep out noise, because they're designed to function in a place that's not particularly conductive). It's best to use wiring made specifically to reduce noise (twisted-pair designs, oxygen-free copper wiring, chemical-proof jacketing, for example); the better the wiring, the less noise you'll get.
  • Cable routing: Don't make your amp its own worst enemy! Ironically enough, your amp's power cables can radiate noise into its signal cables (patch cords and speaker wire). When running the power and signal cables through your car during installation, you should route them as far from each other as possible (at least 18 inches apart is ideal).

 

 

Keywords: gournd loop noise car audio stereo charger bad hiss radio sound





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