popping in speakers with taps

[BrownClown]

Hi guys,

Whenever I use the taps switch and the stereo is on, I get a pop through the speakers. If I hold the switch down it doesn't happen. It just happens when I first push it and when I release it.
Ideas?

[chpthril]

has this recently popped up? pardon the pun Has there been any stereo work done, like additions? Have the batteries been service in any way, before the noise started?

[skyski_tige]

I had the same issue. There is a diode that needs to be installed to stop the popping noise. Your dealer should know about the issue.

[chpthril]

I had the same issue. There is a diode that needs to be installed to stop the popping noise. Your dealer should know about the issue.

It's actually a Capacitor, but there are a few things that can be checked, that may solve the issue before one is needed.

[BrownClown]

Chp,

I was hoping you would chime in. The only thing that has been done is that I've charged the batteries. Other than that, nothing.

[BrownClown]

And yes, it started the last time I was out.

[somebodyelse5]

It's actually a Capacitor, but there are a few things that can be checked, that may solve the issue before one is needed.

Its because the taps is pulling so much juice right? Capacitors resist changes in Voltage, solving the problem! I actually listened in my Electrical Engineering class last semester haha. I actually made a cap outta paper, tin foil, and a paper sleeve haha.


Sometimes my PP resets itself when I mess with the taps, how would I solve this problem? Where would the cap go, you cant really use a cap other than in the stereo can you?

[Yadatbeme]

I'm having the same trouble. I just added two tower speakers, sub and amp to stock system. It pops when I let go of the Taps switch. I have a single battery set up. Any suggestions to fix are much appreciated.

[somebodyelse5]

I'm having the same trouble. I just added two tower speakers, sub and amp to stock system. It pops when I let go of the Taps switch. I have a single battery set up. Any suggestions to fix are much appreciated.

I think the cap like mike said will be the solution. Makes sense, the taps has a pretty big draw, and the cap gives the stereo something else to draw from while the taps is pulling more juice. Capacitors and inductors are so cool, whenever you pull the plug on something and it fades of, thats a capacitor or an inductor. Its how you comp stores temporary memory too...

you guys just saw the inner nerd in me.....

[tigeblue]

I too am having the same issue just last weekend and I haven't done anything different to my sound. I have 8 batteries. So I know I have enough juice..

[FacePlant]

I had this problem after adding my WS-420. I was able to tune it our by adjusting the gain on my amp.

[philwsailz]

The capacitor should be installed in the taps control circuit in parallel with the TAPS actuator.

The pop comes from either the switch opening and closing, (that little arc at the switch's make/break position sends out radio noise very similar to lightning) or from the field coil in a valve solenoid... Lots of times it comes from both. For a solenoid valve, when the coil of wire inside, (kinda like a speaker's voice coil) is energized, you create a magnet, and when you let that go, the magnetic field collapses creating a voltage spike. This is the exact same thing as what happens in the primary winding of a magneto-ignition coil.

When we place the capacitor in parallel with the load, we ABSORB the voltage spike, either from the closig of the switch, or the collapse of the magnetic field, and shunt it to ground. This has nothing to do with providing power to the stereo while the TAPS switch is opening or closing...

Keep in mind, the capacitor is installed in the TAPS wiring, not in the stereo wiring.


I hae attaached a crude chematic showing a typical capacitor install on typical ABYC colod-coded trim control wiring. I believe that Tige' uses this wiring for TAPS up and TAPS down, but you need to verify.

I hope this helps!

Phil
Kicker

[Waterski-Rebel]

I have a similar issue with my horn. It just started last weekend (which was our first weekend out this year). Any suggestions?

[philwsailz]

I have to ask, what else in the total boat system has changed, not that you notice the horn popping?

Most of the time, things like this pop up as a result of a change, whether it is related to the stereo or not.

The most common cause for increased pops, whines and other noises is your buddy, the self-appointed stereo expert who went in without your knowledge and adjusted the controls on your amplifier. We all know that guy, (sometimes it is us...). The reason that noises start showing up is gains adjustment... Have you adjusted gains upward recently? Also, low voltage on your battery will make noises more apparent. Low battery voltage is very common at the start of a boating season. Did you fully charge your batteries prior to launching the boat for the season? Do you take your battery, (or batteries) out for the season? If so, is the ground formly attached, or the strap between dual batteries firmly attached?

It could be the grandfather clock syndrome....
Ever been somewhere where the constant ticking of a clock was ever apparent? You are there a while, and all of the sudden the noise is totally tuned out. You forget the clock is ticking until you hear it chime, you focus on the clock, and realize it is ticking.... Is it possible the horn was popping since the beginning of time, and you only notice it this year, while you are on the boat fresh, nervous, for the first time this year, hyper-sensitive to everything you are hearing?

You can put a cap in paralle to the horn, and it will reduce or eliminate the pop similar to the TAPS fix detailed above, but I think you owe yourself the opportunity to check out everything, and make sure the horn pop is not illuminating a problem elsewhere, like a low battery, or a loose ground wire, (dual battery?) or soemthing else that has happened since you put the boat away last year.


Phil
Kicker

[b/w05]

I have the same issue with the popping when I hit the Taps button. Question, other than the "noise" is this a problem to just leave it or does it need to be cured? It started when I had a new system installed replacing the factory clarion system.