Honda Electronic Noise Discussion

[KE5TCG]

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[csimo]

There's an old thread here on ROC on this issue. I think the fuel pump was a major source of EMI on the Ridgeline... but they may have found other sources.

[fullwave2]

Alan's website, Welcome to KØBG's Web Site has been my primary source of information on noise issues within the RL. Fortunately for us, besides being one of the most helpful experts on Amateur Radio Mobile installations he also owns a Ridgeline and posts on this forum.
Without question, the quality of your mobile hamming experience is directly proportional to the quality of your installation. Alan covers many topics including electronic noise in the Ridgeline as well as RF and DC Grounding, the use of ferrite chokes to mitigate noise issues and the proper installation of grounding straps.
This topic is of particular interest to me since I'm in the process of completing the installation a Tarheel 100A-HP and am now working on installing an SGC SG-500 linear amplifier. Just installed an auxiliary battery, an Optima Red Top 34/78 with direct wiring to the rear seat via #4 AWG fused with Maxi fuses at the battery.
Delaying the actual purchase of the amp is giving me ample time to get the install right. Alan has answered every single email of mine with the upmost patience and often considerable detail. This has really been an educational experience for me and I thank Alan, K0BG for that. He's really a credit to ham radio.
I've been taking pictures of the install and will post them when I'm complete.
An example of the quality of the answers I've gotten from Alan, the following is his reply to my specific question around "birdies" being heard on 20 meters.
By the way, sorry about the length of this post:
K0BG response -
The MICS control unit is part of the fuse panel, and is located in the left kicker panel. The buss is uses is called the B-CAN (body controller area network). The data signal is 33.33 kbps. Placing mix 31 split beads (3/4 inch ID) over the wiring harness helped a little, although is didn't cause the signal to go away.

The F-CAN (fast controller area network) comes from the Gauge control module. It runs at 500 kbps and this is the main culprit! You almost have to dismantle the dash to get at the module, and beading it did nothing!

There is also a K-line from the MICS to the HDS (this is the display that shows when a door is open or a tire is low). This one is 10.4 kbps. I can see it on the spectrum analyzer, but can't really hear it with the radio because it is in the same places that the F-CAN is.

All of these run anytime the ignition is on. However, the only time you hear the F-CAN is when there is oil pressure present. Since it runs to the navi, the stability controls, and 5 other places, quelling it is nearly impossible.

My old CE15 is close to calibration, and it measures the uV level at point 2. Considering the S meter barely moves, I suspect the actual level to be very close to what the CE15 says it is.

I've had folks tell me they can't hear it in their Ridgelines, but in most cases they were using either an FT857 or DX70. The 7000 and the 706 will hear down to about .1 uV even on SSB, so you're going to hear the signal anytime the background level is low enough. Lately, that's all of the time!

The only other problem I have is interfering with the transmission controller when the system is in closed loop (cold engine). Once it switches to open loop, the problem goes away. About all it does is cause the 1 to 2 upshift to be rather harsh.

[Tcape]

Originally Posted by KE5TCG

This is a discussion from a forum for Ham radio operators about treating electronic noise interference in an old Honda passenger car.

It isn't entirely accurate, technically, but it may be of some use or interest.

Honda Wiring

AHA! THAT'S what's been causing the fluttering noise in my Retrax!
Tom

[HondaTech]

Off topic some - but I have an iPhone with AT&T service... and anytime I receive a text message I can hear noise over the audio system. Not just in the RL, but at home, or at work.... Weird.



HT

[BruceRTL]

Originally Posted by HondaTech

Off topic some - but I have an iPhone with AT&T service... and anytime I receive a text message I can hear noise over the audio system. Not just in the RL, but at home, or at work.... Weird.



HT

I get this all the time with my Motorola Razor (AT&T) whenever it is sitting within a foot or so of any audio/amplier device. Sometimes even if a call or message is not coming in - but it's louder if one is coming in. I figured it was just my phone.

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by BruceRTL

I get this all the time with my Motorola Razor (AT&T) whenever it is sitting within a foot or so of any audio/amplier device. Sometimes even if a call or message is not coming in - but it's louder if one is coming in. I figured it was just my phone.

IT'S THE ALIENS!!!

They are piggy-backing your cellular signal to coordinate a global invasion force! Make an aluminum foil hat and run for cover!

[BruceRTL]

Originally Posted by VoicesInMyHead

IT'S THE ALIENS!!!

They are piggy-backing your cellular signal to coordinate a global invasion force! Make an aluminum foil hat and run for cover!

If I sit under the antenna looking front grill of my RL, I feel safe.

[fullwave2]

Originally Posted by HondaTech

Off topic some - but I have an iPhone with AT&T service... and anytime I receive a text message I can hear noise over the audio system. Not just in the RL, but at home, or at work.... Weird.
HT

What you're hearing are the electronic "packets" of data being transmitted and received from your cell phone. It it's really troublesome you could buy a couple snap on ferrite chokes at your local Radio Shack. Use them on your speaker wire by making a few turns of the wire through the choke. If you're not sure what I'm referring to you can check out this page:
Ferrite Snap On Beads and Chokes

[HondaTech]

I know what you mean by the "chokes". It isn't really that bothersome to me.
This happens with my friends phone too - it seems limited to AT&T.



HT