Loud static noise and weak audible voice
Moderators: Rick, Lance Murray
Loud static noise and weak audible voice
Hello all,
I took possession of my new used da40 and flying it back from Florida to Pennsylvania. On my first leg today I started to lose the signal for atc. I was flying at 9500. At first I thought the problem had to do with how far I was from the coast but that was not the case.
Could it be the squelch? I've never adjusted that when I used to rent the DA40's. Is that something that would normally get adjusted during flight? Hearing that static and keeping it loud (so as not to miss any communications from ATC) is really taxing. Interestingly I could hear the planes that were close to me well.
I took possession of my new used da40 and flying it back from Florida to Pennsylvania. On my first leg today I started to lose the signal for atc. I was flying at 9500. At first I thought the problem had to do with how far I was from the coast but that was not the case.
Could it be the squelch? I've never adjusted that when I used to rent the DA40's. Is that something that would normally get adjusted during flight? Hearing that static and keeping it loud (so as not to miss any communications from ATC) is really taxing. Interestingly I could hear the planes that were close to me well.
Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
I do and using two headsets.
Tomorrow I fly again and I think I'll play with the squelch settings. It wasn't fun flying with the volume turned up high so I can make out what is being said in between the loud static.
Tomorrow I fly again and I think I'll play with the squelch settings. It wasn't fun flying with the volume turned up high so I can make out what is being said in between the loud static.
- Chris
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Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
If the static goes away while ATC is talking to you, then the squelch probably just needs to be adjusted to block it when there's no incoming signal. I'm assuming this happens on all frequencies and not just one or two?
Congrats on your DA40!
Congrats on your DA40!
- mdieter
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Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
Here's a thought... We were using a cigarette plug to USB adapter from a reputable dealer (Sportys). That device generated so much RF interference that certain frequencies were unusable on the plane's radio. Disconnect any electronics you can to see if the problem disappears.
Another thing that comes to mind is a bad or broken antenna connection. That would make any received signal low and "in the noise" when you listen.
Good luck
Another thing that comes to mind is a bad or broken antenna connection. That would make any received signal low and "in the noise" when you listen.
Good luck
Mark
N43LM
DA40.1047
N43LM
DA40.1047
Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
Thank you Chris! It feels great
Mark, that must be it. I had a cheap USB Adapter plugged into the cigarette lighter port. I was using it to feed power to my Stratus and my iPad.
I doubt it's a broken antenna because the plane just came off of a fresh annual. I will test that theory tomorrow (second and third leg of kfxe-kabe) and will report back
Mark, that must be it. I had a cheap USB Adapter plugged into the cigarette lighter port. I was using it to feed power to my Stratus and my iPad.
I doubt it's a broken antenna because the plane just came off of a fresh annual. I will test that theory tomorrow (second and third leg of kfxe-kabe) and will report back
- Colin
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Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
My cigarette power port was placarded "for ground use only." I assume minimal shielding and testing with the avionics was part of the reason.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
Culprit found!! The cigarette light USB Adapter!!!! I didnt use it and had 0 problems. Everything was crystal clear.
This forum rocks!
This forum rocks!
- carym
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Re: Loud static noise and weak audible voice
Here is another possible option for auxiliary power. I did not have a cigarette port on my DA42, so I came up with this solution. The emergency battery packs for engine instruments required replacement at every annual. Since the batteries were never really used, the maintained a full charge with 12V output. I kept one of the batteries behind the left seat, wired up a cigarette lighter port to the battery, and used that port to keep my iPad and iPhone charged while flying. I never had to use more than 1 battery/year. Since we have to replace all 4 12V batteries each year, I accumulated more than enough batteries to last for years. Since this setup was not plugged into the plane's system, there was never a problem with radio interference.
Cary
DA42.AC036 (returned)
S35 (1964 V-tail Bonanza)
Alaska adventure: http://mariashflying.tumblr.com
DA42.AC036 (returned)
S35 (1964 V-tail Bonanza)
Alaska adventure: http://mariashflying.tumblr.com