Radio Issue

[sse01]

We have had our boat for a month now with approximately 22 hours on it. The radio (basic 4 speaker Clarion head from the factory) started having some static at 14 hours. Once we started hearing the static (with iPod & FM stations), anytime we used any additional electrical accessory (Taps, blower, etc.) no sound would come from the speakers. Now the sound level is very low, even when the volume is turned all the way up. I cannot hear the stereo unless the boat is turned off.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[dogbert]

Sounds like a loose ground wire.

[spharis]

Quick solution for those who like such things is to try a ground loop isolator near the amp.

Long term this can be a very very very very very very very very hard problem to solve.

[zad0030]

I had a similiar Issue.

Yes you can install a ground loop Isolator for the amp. But what I did was just run a small length of wire from the amp ground to a screw on the back of the stereo Head unit. This will also work.

[dogbert]

Yeah, but I think he's complaining about not hearing much at all, after plugging in the iPod. That makes me think his unit is not able to get enough power, which is usually caused by a poor or insufficient ground connection.

[dogbert]

Ooops, hit enter too soon.

Anyway, what will happen is that even though your multi-meter will test 12 volts (this also happens on 110/220 circuits), when you put load on it, it will go to nothing.

[talltigeguy]

I am betting on a loose wire.

[sse01]

I will try the multi-meter tomorrow. To clarify, it is just very low volume from the two different inputs that I have tried (iPod & FM). The static is no longer there.

I am not sweating it too much, I am taking it to the dealer on Wednesday to get a couple things fixed and get our trailer (ours was not built in time, dealer gave us a loaner). I just did not want it to be something that I had missed!

[dogbert]

If you're taking it to the Ski Dock, just make sure you let Charlie know.

[sse01]

If you're taking it to the Ski Dock, just make sure you let Charlie know.

That's where it is going!!! I will make sure to talk to him about it.

Thanks!

[dogbert]

They'll fix you up.