Bad radio reception, rpm "whine"??

[Geo's66]

Guys- after new stereo, windshield antenna, my radio station reception sucks and the rpm "whine" is really bad-

What's the cause and what's the fix? I do have a powder coated frame, maybe bad grounding I need to grind and re-screw straps, bolts to?

 

[TheCoroner]

Did you install the new equipment, or did you have it done?
I think you're spot on with the grounding guess. This was a common problem in the car audio world, they used to refer to it as alternator whine. The fix was always improving existing grounds, and/or adding an additional ground wire.

If possible I'd rig up a different antenna for testing purposes. It doesn't have to be mounted, just plugged into the radio, that'll eliminate the radio or the new antenna as the problem with reception.

 

[565bbchevy]

Did you add a new ignition system? If so add a noise filter in line and it will solve it.

 

[fleming442]

Ground both the radio and the antenna braided shield to a clean chassis ground. The battery is the primary noise filter in the electrical system. Is it grounded to the body as well as the block and frame?

 

[Geo's66]

Great info guys- exactly what I thought- many times when the frames are powdercoated, bad grounds screw it all up- I had it built by a friend and we're both learning on the electrical stuff!!- thanks!!

 

[pontiacgp]

the radio itself has alot to do with reception, the Kenwood 501 I had would bring in 2 channels with the small powered antenna I have while my Alpine 149BT will bring in more than 6 with the same car and antenna. I don't care much for reception since I listen to XM and usb sticks

 

[UNGN]

Alternator whine and bad reception are two different things. My Off road miata doesn't even have an AM/FM radio and there is a little whine when I turn up volume.

If improving the grounds doesn't work, an inline noise filter on the power wire should take out most of it.