FM Radio Static while using generator

[jrkowalski]

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 do to prevent the static?

[jrkowalski]

Better late than never, I can't tell you all how grateful I am for all the suggestions & guidance.

[Gdetrailer]

wa8yxm wrote:
I will go with two suggestions

ONe is (as someone up-thread mentioned) Ignition interference (Spark plug)
To test for this try a battery operated AM/FM portable.. IT will be worse on AM.


the other is that 5% thd.. Well that's ONE type of "Distortion" on the power. without a scope it's hard to tell what the thing is doing.

Kind of late to the party aren't you?

OP posted 6/3 that a resistor plug fixed the noise.

[wa8yxm]

I will go with two suggestions

ONe is (as someone up-thread mentioned) Ignition interference (Spark plug)
To test for this try a battery operated AM/FM portable.. IT will be worse on AM.


the other is that 5% thd.. Well that's ONE type of "Distortion" on the power. without a scope it's hard to tell what the thing is doing.

[gotsmart]

I could have a field day making light of talented hamsters (sic) running all day on their treadmills but alas, I live in fear of the 'Maude's.

[jrkowalski]

Yesterday I installed a resistor plug which took care of the problem. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to help out. Much appreciated.

[jrkowalski]

Gdetrailer, I suspected it wasn't a resistor plug either. You did much better than I did looking for cross references. As inexpensive as plugs are, I think it makes sense to change it out & try that. I maybe showing my age when I thought Jensen was a quality unit..... There is an antenna on the roof of the trailer. (2 actually, the other is for the TV) It sounds fine when running on battery power even when remote camping and also when plugged into the house. I am picking up the trailer in 1 week for an upcoming trip so I will run the tests outlined above. In the meantime, I'll swap the plug out on the generator. Thanks for all the help!

[Gdetrailer]

jrkowalski wrote:
Gdetrailer, it never occurred to me to run my truck radio while the generator is running. I will check that also. The radio is a Jensen & looks like a quality unit, but who knows? How does one "turn off the converter"? Do I just turn off the main shut off switch that is mounted on the trailer in my cargo space or would it actually be found on the converter unit itself? Thanks for your input.

Jensen, well that is a name that doesn't really have much quality and is typical of a RV unit.

There was a time back in the 1950's when Jensen made some pretty high quality speakers but now days it is nothing more than a name badge stuck on low quality import equipment.

You do want to verify that the trailer manufacturer actually hooked up a external antenna.. You should have a short whip antenna on the roof or side of the trailer..

No external antenna would mean that they simply tacked a short wire to the wall behind the radio and is not going to gave very good results (weak signal is affected more by RFI generated near your trailer).

As far as converter goes, check your power panel, there often is a breaker labeled CONV, flip the breaker to the OFF position.

Sometimes the converter shares a breaker with some wall outlets, so there may be a breaker labels "outlets/conv"..

If you can't figure out which circuit the converter is on, flipping the main 30A breaker will work fine... That will allow you to turn off everything but still have the shore cord plugged into the generator..

[Gdetrailer]

jrkowalski wrote:
Ok, I removed the spark plug but can't seem to find any information on it. The manual doesn't even identify which plug they recommend. The information on the plug is
LG NANDI
F6TC
27100
I can't even find a LG cross reference chart. Since it doesn't have an "R" in the model number, I am guessing it isn't a resitor plug?

F6TC is the number to search for.

I am taking a swipe at this that your plug is non resistor.

One cross reference I found gave these as substitutes..

NGK, BP61S
Denso, W16EX-U
Champion, N11YC
Autolite, 54
Bosch, WR6DC

Autolite, 54 was superceded by 64 and Autolites cross reference matched F6TC to Autolite 63. Both 63 and 64 have the same thread, same reach, same heat range (IE MEDIUM) and are both resistor plugs.

Champion N11YC is non resistor but you can use RN11YC4 which is the resistor version, these are both identical thread and size and both are in the HOT heat range.

The others listed I didn't get a chance to research but if they don't have a "R" in the PN they most likely are not resistor plugs, but you might be able to find the resistor versions..

[CapnCampn]

The spark plug in my Champion 4K generator was a:

NHSP
LD
F6TC
063

The F6TC part makes me think it's the same as yours. If you want to try a resistor plug, use an NGK BR6ES (P/N 4922). They're 2-3 bucks.

My champion manual says my replacement plug is NGK B6ES. I couldn't find one of those at my closest shops, so I chose the BR6ES - same plug just resistor version - it was cheaper too.

I never tried the radio with either plug. 🙂

So... there's a cross reference plug you can try after your other (free!) tests if you want.

CC

[jrkowalski]

MEXICOANDERER???????

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Sorta remember writing a recommendation to try a SUBSTITUTE receiver first. Got me. It's been quite a day here. A dozen lengthy requests for LED headlight retrofits.

[jrkowalski]

Ok, I removed the spark plug but can't seem to find any information on it. The manual doesn't even identify which plug they recommend. The information on the plug is
LG NANDI
F6TC
27100
I can't even find a LG cross reference chart. Since it doesn't have an "R" in the model number, I am guessing it isn't a resitor plug?

[CapnCampn]

I was going to suggest a resistor spark plug, as someone else did too - they're cheap too for a quick test, then you've also got a spare!
It's not quite as cheap of a test as just running the gen while not connected, but not bad. 🙂

I suppose step one would be check the existing plug to see if it is a resistor version.

Good Luck!

CC

[jrkowalski]

Gdetrailer, it never occurred to me to run my truck radio while the generator is running. I will check that also. The radio is a Jensen & looks like a quality unit, but who knows? How does one "turn off the converter"? Do I just turn off the main shut off switch that is mounted on the trailer in my cargo space or would it actually be found on the converter unit itself? Thanks for your input.