Sunseeker 2016 MBS 2400w radios buzz/hum problem

[biteabee]

Had radio buzz problem from beginning and has been at the dealers for five weeks. Filters have been tried. They are going to try a new converter that they have been waiting for, two weeks now, not in yet. Same on both radios in all modes of operation driving with master switch on or off and engine off with external power or master switch on alone. When starting out cold sometimes will be clear for around three minutes. On one occasion while driving radio cleared for a few minutes when master switch was turned off. Any ideas?

[Mikegjax]

Originally Posted by biteabee

Had radio buzz problem from beginning and has been at the dealers for five weeks. Filters have been tried. They are going to try a new converter that they have been waiting for, two weeks now, not in yet. Same on both radios in all modes of operation driving with master switch on or off and engine off with external power or master switch on alone. When starting out cold sometimes will be clear for around three minutes. On one occasion while driving radio cleared for a few minutes when master switch was turned off. Any ideas?

Have you tried a "ground loop isolator" ? That fixed mine.

[biteabee]

One thing I forgot to mention is that cd's and mp3's play fine just the radio is the problem. Also, low level hum in coach with that radio on and volume turned all the way down.

[Mikegjax]

Sounds like ground loop problem.

[RedLdr1]

Most buzzing and humming is related to a grounding issue. If it only appears when using the radio I'd start with the radio antenna ground.

[Lvn2tvl]

Originally Posted by biteabee

Had radio buzz problem from beginning and has been at the dealers for five weeks. Filters have been tried. They are going to try a new converter that they have been waiting for, two weeks now, not in yet. Same on both radios in all modes of operation driving with master switch on or off and engine off with external power or master switch on alone. When starting out cold sometimes will be clear for around three minutes. On one occasion while driving radio cleared for a few minutes when master switch was turned off. Any ideas?

So just for grins the dealer probably has a spare radio around the shop. Hook it up to the radio connections and see if the problem is still there on the spare radio. If it is continue on if not the radio has an issue. Sounds simple but sometimes the easiest check is overlooked.

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by biteabee

Had radio buzz problem from beginning and has been at the dealers for five weeks. Filters have been tried. They are going to try a new converter that they have been waiting for, two weeks now, not in yet. Same on both radios in all modes of operation driving with master switch on or off and engine off with external power or master switch on alone. When starting out cold sometimes will be clear for around three minutes. On one occasion while driving radio cleared for a few minutes when master switch was turned off. Any ideas?

Suggestions; First and foremost, your RV dealer does not sell or service audio systems, nor are the guys back in the service area skilled. As evidenced by how long they have had it so far.

Proper Grounding

Most non-equipment related problems in car audio are the result of poorly chosen ground points. Always check the integrity of every connection including the battery, head unit, amplifiers and signal processors. Any part of the audio system can bring noise into the system. In general your connections need to be secure (grounds should be to the chassis), the charging system should be in top condition and all factory connections (battery posts, ground strap, alternator connections) should be secure. You may need to increase the size of your factory ground if you install a very large stereo system. It should also be noted that the negative battery post is usually a terrible place to ground car audio equipment. All of the ripple (noise) from the alternator and other items in the vehicle travel to this point. If you choose it as a ground point then you are inviting all of these elements into your sound system.

It is a result of a "ground Loop" where in something is not properly grounded with regards to everything else in the "system."
Sharing grounds with equipment that is not part of your "audio" system, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances and equipment most commonly causes it.

Take it to an audio shop and have the dealer billed. Of course you need FR to approve it. And they should, because they shipped it to the dealer with the issue.

[biteabee]

Coach radio is a Jensen JWM6A and Chassis is Jensen a VX7020. I was told both were taken out and did it on the bench. I do not know if power was on in rv and bench was right next to it? I also was told that another new Sunseeker that they just got in last week exactly like mine a 2400w has the problem as well. I wonder what a house radio would do in the rv perhaps one with its own batteries with the coach master switch on? Thank you all for your help. Much appreciated.

[biteabee]

I agree with post above about trying another radio, any old radio. When both radios did the same thing on the bench that would of been the next logical step. To try another radio that works on the bench. If it works in the motor home then it is the radios that are the problem. If not go on to all the other stuff, converter, ground etc. I have read quite a few posts on this and other forums that a better converter fixed a similar problem. Still have not heard from the dealer that the converter ever came in. Going on three weeks now. I do not know if it is exactly the same kind or not that they are going to try.

[Lvn2tvl]

Originally Posted by biteabee

Coach radio is a Jensen JWM6A and Chassis is Jensen a VX7020. I was told both were taken out and did it on the bench. I do not know if power was on in rv and bench was right next to it? I also was told that another new Sunseeker that they just got in last week exactly like mine a 2400w has the problem as well. I wonder what a house radio would do in the rv perhaps one with its own batteries with the coach master switch on? Thank you all for your help. Much appreciated.

Whow it's occurring in a completely different rig like yours? Are you able to disable, turn off, the inverter and use the accessory position on the key selector to test the coach radio just using the vehicle starting battery for the power source?

[biteabee]

Originally Posted by Lvn2tvl

Whow it's occurring in a completely different rig like yours? Are you able to disable, turn off, the inverter and use the accessory position on the key selector to test the coach radio just using the vehicle starting battery for the power source?

Does it on accessory position and main battery switch off on chassis. I do not know if converter has power on or not in that mode. I do not have an inverter.

[Lvn2tvl]

I'm not sure but you need to eliminate every noise source and test using only battery to power the radio in the coach. This seems to be a systemic problem since the same issue is on a rig similar to yours. Just not sure if coach is the issue i.e. (grounding, electronics,etc.) like others have said or the actual radio but having two rigs with the same issue may have eliminated the radio as the problem. Good luck, let us know what you find out what the solution is for sure.

[Mikegjax]

Again I would lean toward a ground loop problem. A ground loop isolator can be picked up a Best Buy for around $15.00.

Easy install on the RCA connectors.

There are some old threads on this subject and most have lead to the ground problem.

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by Mikegjax

Again I would lean toward a ground loop problem. A ground loop isolator can be picked up a Best Buy for around $15.00.

Easy install on the RCA connectors.

There are some old threads on this subject and most have lead to the ground problem.

X2

It's not the radio. Take it to a good auto audio shop in your area. Have your dealer cry "uncle" to them and get it fixed correctly.*

Audiophiles are a unique breed. Your dealer sells RV's, not sound systems. Because you have multiple components connected into your. "system", there are opportunities for ground loop interference.

[Lvn2tvl]

I agree that you appear to have a ground loop issue however the comment that both radios were bench tested (out of the coach) and had the same problem bothers me. Since you got it that way from the dealer I also agree it's better to have them correct for you at no expense to you and not jeopardize your warranty. You mentioned that filters have been tried so these may be the isolators discussed earlier. The only thing you could really do without jeopardizing your warranty would be to unplug various devices to see if you can find out which one (or more) are causing the issue. The converter may very well fix the problem but if not (as also mentioned earlier) the audio specialist would be a good option. Best of luck to an early solution. FYI: I am a techie by trade and have always enjoyed working on broadcast noise issues that others give up on. Just don't give up looking for the cause of the unwanted noise and you'll eventually find the source.

[biteabee]

New information today was that when radios were bench tested Dec 9 power and ground were isolated but hooked up to coach antenna and did not try another antenna that was also isolated. They would of been able to kill power to coach and the converter. I do not know if radios did not work in both modes, seems like it as I was told flat that radios had the problem on bench. Now Jan 18th they are looking at antenna? I believe converter has been tried and did not work. I think isolators were tried as well and that I have to let them handle it due to the warranty. Coming up on six weeks in the shop in two days, about half that time waiting for parts to try.

[Still Kickin]

Let me say that your dealer sells RV's, not sound systems. Does six weeks and no results seem reasonable to you, if so hope this resolves well for you.

[biteabee]

Came in yesterday. I have not picked it up yet so we will see.

[Lvn2tvl]

Hurrah for sure!! Congratulations and enjoy your 2016 camping season.

[biteabee]

Next thing to try from Forest River would be to do away with "T" that ties the chassis and coach radios to same antenna and go with separate antennas. That is the only connection between the two radios.