How to prevent audio interference from power cable?

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HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsiFly Owners Q&AiFly Owners Q&AHow to prevent audio interference from power cable?How to prevent audio interference from power cable?
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7/5/2013 4:16 PM
 

I used to run my 720 straight from the cigarette lighter adapter, and never had any problems with audio interference. After an in-flight electrical problem, I decided to buy an external battery for my 720 and run with it in-line between the cig lighter and the 720.

Recently, I've noticed a lot of interference/squeal on the radio/intercom, and I finally figured out that it's related to the wire that runs from the battery to my 720 on the yoke. When I have it routed neatly, it tends to cause more interference. If I just leave it flopping around in the air, it seems to be better, but I have yet to find a routing that completely eliminates all interference. Trial and error just isn't working for me this time.

Of course I'd like to route it more neatly. Is there anything I can do to help alleviate any interference? A certain waiy to coil the wire, or routing it parallel / perpendicular / coiled / some distance away from headphone cables / jacks / other wires?

Could a magnetic choke be part of the solution? What size choke would I need, and where would it (they?) need to go?

 
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7/5/2013 5:06 PM
 

Cobra,

A noise choke should definitely help. Does the battery cord you have, have a small check at the Unit end. Our newer cords actually have that little choke on it. If you need a new Battery Cord, we can send you one for free if you pay the $3 shipping. It would be interested if this fixed it.

If you unplug the Battery from the craft power, does the interference still happen or is it muted. Basically, I'm just trying to figure out if the noise is there whether the Battery is charging or not.


Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.
 
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7/11/2013 10:51 PM
 
Shane,

There is nothing I would identify as a choke on my battery cable. Can you tell from the photo I attached if this cable has it? (I think I'd like to get a new cable anyway; in addition to the interference, this one is also finicky and sometimes needs to be "jiggled" to get power to pass between the battery and the iFly).

 
 iFly battery cable (Large).jpg
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7/11/2013 11:43 PM
 

Cobra,

Give me a call in the office. We are low on battery cables right now, we have another order coming in soon. I'll see if I can find one with the choke on it. I believe they were straight in plugs as well. I'll check in the morning and see what I can come up with.


Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.
 
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8/6/2013 3:09 PM
 

Ed / Shane,

Finally had the opportunity to fly with the new battery cord that has the choke on it. Interference problem with the radio is now solved!

Previous (non-choked) cord threw off enough EMI that it would break squelch on the radio and affect some signals to the engine monitor. New (choked) cord acts like it's supposed to, and doesn't seem to cause any noticeable interference inside the cockpit.

Thanks for the fix!

Jim

 
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HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsiFly Owners Q&AiFly Owners Q&AHow to prevent audio interference from power cable?How to prevent audio interference from power cable?