FM Radio interference

[mlines]

Our FM broadcast radio becomes unusable when:

1. CTEK Smart charger is powered on
2. LED lighting is on.

Clearly both sources are generating RF. The LEDs could be either transmitting or carried on the 12 volt wiring. The CTEK is transmitting as it does it both when connected and disconnected from the 12volt wiring.

The broadcast radio is a Fusion radio fitting it the standard boat 12v wiring. I suspect that the aerial is a typical American sportsboat solution of a wire loomed into the boat wiring as a standard coax disappears into the bulkhead but no aerial exists on the boat.

So I am looking for the quickest and easiest cure. I suspect that fitting a proper broadcast aerial outside the boat fed by proper co-ax is the best starting point, what does the Jury think

 

[vas]

I think that what you're describing is in the right direction. Have a look just in case the coax antenna cable disappears and then goes to the windscreen frame (if it's ss) and bonds there. Maybe something's rusty there...

cheers

V.

 

[Alpha22]

I'm not sure how improving the antenna will remove RF interference.... more likely it will receive it better.

Adding ferrite cores to the offending equipment may assist a little.

LED lighting is well known for its dirty RF.... the more 'quality' units are less prone to the problem than the cheaper ones.

Beware..... it is probably killing the marine VHF as well!!!!

 

[mlines]

I'm not sure how improving the antenna will remove RF interference.... more likely it will receive it better.

This is by improving the signal/noise ratio. Put a proper aerial away from the boat wiring, up at height and feed it with co-ax. I think this would be the best bang for buck, but open to all ideas.

 

[salar]

Buy proper marine LEDs not cheap Chinese imports. Quality marine LEDs will have the right circuitry to prevent interference and yes LED interference will cack your VHF too.