I simply can't get LW in my car round here at all. The interference makes the cricket commentary impossible to listen to. There's a general level of interference which is there all the time, but the interior heating/cooling fan adds to it.

Anyone managed to crack this problem before?

Cheers,

Martin

Hi Martin,

have looked at the output of the Skoda using a spectrum analyser ( a thing that analyses the RF (Radio Frequency) output of the car (or anything else come to that. The worst on mine is the wiper motor - awful in RF interference terms and produces broad band RF noise. After that the alternator (i think) is not great for noise. The injectors/engine on the 110 bhp version of the octy L&K is not too band in some sectors including the LW spectrum (but think yours uses a different system ??). The biggest problem is the level of compromise the antenna supplied.

for suppressing the bits stated

for the motors - a approx 1 microfarad capacitor to earth (metal foil type fine) on all -remember if relevant) polarity

for the alternator - various aftermarket things have existed - essentially the best would be a 0.5 microfarad coaxial cap of sufficient capability to flow the full alternator output -DONT put a cap on the field contacts can cause probs!

ensure the earthing of everything using substantial (ideally flat braided) cable to an excellent earth

ferrite beads on all conductors possible (but at least on the power supply inputs to the radio etc) or replace power feed with screens cable and earth the screening

its a pig to cure believe me I'm on the caps and ferrite at present and its helped quite a bit so far - but have further to go as use SW receiver in the car and it just doesn't at present!

Edited 19 August, 201015 yr by Reubenhowes

As the Columbus doesn't receive LW I've added a DAB unit - works a treat with only very ocassional signal loss for me and that's only using the internal antenna.

See - http://www.pure.com/products/product.asp?Product=VL-60905

Have asked SWMBO for a personal DAB unit from Argos @ £40 for Christmas. Will play via tape deck and tape with jack lead thingy (which I already have). Highway too expensive for me right now....

As the Columbus doesn't receive LW I've added a DAB unit - works a treat with only very ocassional signal loss for me and that's only using the internal antenna.

See - http://www.pure.com/products/product.asp?Product=VL-60905

Very neat ! did not know they existed!