FM Radio Static while using generator
When I run my portable generator while using my FM Stereo it produces a lot of static. I was careful to purchase a generator that produces power <5% THD so as to avoid this. Is there something I can d...
Forum Discussion
jrkowalski wrote:
horton333, I appreciate your feedback. The generator is brand new with the original spark plug, I called the tech support line & they said they never heard of this issue and suggested a filter as well. They said generators produce "dirty" power. I read them their own language from the manual & let them know this was one of the reasons I bought it. "Our Platinum Portable Generators contain low
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) alternator technology, which produces “Clean Energy”
with a Sine Wave Distortion of 5% or less! With this “Clean Energy,” all of your sensitive
tools and equipment can be powered safely, without the risk of damage!"
I will check the "shield" as you indicate to see if it came loose.
From everything you have said this is extremely unlikely to be conducted noise, so the THD is not really relevant. The radio seems to be receiving the noise directly as a radio frequency signal, not through the 115v line. To totally prove that is the case you could run the generator, but not connected to the trailer, while the radio is on battery power. You should still hear the noise even with no physical connection between the two. If you do have a chance to try that then try it with and without the 115V cable connected to the generator (but still not connected to the trailer). If the noise gets louder with the 115V cable attached then that could be a big clue as to how to solve this.
If the generator has a label that says it is 'FCC complaint' then you do have some recourse to the manufacturer as that would require them to have certified the amount of radiated power is at low levels. Depending on it's classification when sold it may not have an FCC label though.
