check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar rearview170 Topargee products Enginesaver Low Water Alarms
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> Diesel heater affecting radio reception
Post Info TOPIC: Diesel heater affecting radio reception
Robreen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 48
Date:
Diesel heater affecting radio reception
Permalink  

G'day all. I have a diesel heater installed in our van. It is connected direct to the batteries as per makers instructions. Works very well. When the heater is switched on and until it is switched off, it causes the am radio is be unusable. There is a heap of static on the radio. When the heater is switched on, the radio works quite well. Any suggestions please? Thank you. Robert

__________________

Say G'day out there
Tony Bev


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 5388
Date:
Permalink  

I have successfully used FERRITE VOLTAGE SPIKE on the positive and negative wires of the radio, to stop interference

But ...

I had no idea where the interference was coming from, and do not have a Diesel Heater

They come in different sizes, and just clip around the wires

Below is a link to some at JayCar, which seems to be a national company

https://www.jaycar.com.au/u25-ferrite-voltage-spike-protectors-noise-suppressors-each/p/LF1290



__________________

Tony

It cost nothing to be polite
Aus-Kiwi


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 7642
Date:
Permalink  

Try twisting the wires on heater ?

__________________
Whats out there
Mike Harding


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4706
Date:
Permalink  

I understand these heaters use a solenoid type pump to force the diesel into the combustion chamber and it is most likely poor design of the drive electronics for this pump which is causing the problem.

First: check all wiring and ground connections.

Next: identify the supply wires for the pump and wrap as many turn as possible around the split ferrites mentioned by Tony - this should be done as close to the drive electronics as possible. Also try multiple ferrites in series.

If the above does not fix the problem then a more complex filter with inductance and capacitance will be required.

Also try a power diode (5A or so) in *reverse* bias mode across the pump and as close to it as possible - ie. anode to pump negative, cathode to pump positive.

Unfortunately few designers of electronics give a toss about spurious RF emissions especially in the MF and HF bands unless they are forced to by law and even then many ignore it.

Please keep us informed of your progress, or lack thereof, this is a subject dear to my heart.



__________________

 

"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"

Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Robreen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 48
Date:
Permalink  

G'day all. Thank you for your replies. I will check all connections and joints for the heater and get some of those ferries from jaycar and attach a couple near the pump and radio. We will see. Let the forum know. Regards Robert

__________________

Say G'day out there
Robreen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 48
Date:
Permalink  

G'day all again. More about my problem. The interference only occurs when the fan for the heater is on without the heater being on. A portable radio is also affected when the fan is on. I have cleaned all the battery connections. They are nice and shiny. The problem is still occurring. The heater is of Chinese make. Regards Robert

__________________

Say G'day out there
Mike Harding


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4706
Date:
Permalink  

Robreen wrote:

G'day all again. More about my problem. The interference only occurs when the fan for the heater is on without the heater being on. A portable radio is also affected when the fan is on. I have cleaned all the battery connections. They are nice and shiny. The problem is still occurring. The heater is of Chinese make. Regards Robert

 My comments still apply. Replace "pump" with "fan".



__________________

 

"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"

Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Bush walker


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 57
Date:
Permalink  

I think tat you will find that the static is caused by the fan motor  If you try fitting a capacitor noise suppressor like the ones used on cars for the alternator and coil it may help solve your problem

 



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> Diesel heater affecting radio reception
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook