Avantadrive_Original

I'm sure no one here has had to deal with this before, but I thought you all might be able to help... This all pertains to my 03 3.0 Avant.

Because I'm a medic, I have a mobile VHF radio installed (by me) in my car. If you're interested, its an ICOM 2100H radio. The radio is 55W output power, attached to an antenna that is bolted onto the inside of my front right fender (no flames, it looks good) and has good ground. The radio's power comes from a wire which is attached to the distribution box under the dash of the vehicle, and is grounded onto a bolt right near the fuse box. Here's the problem...

The radio has three output power settings: 55W, 10W, and 5W (W=watts). On 5W and 10W, it works fine. However, on 55W, I'm having trouble. When I key the mic and the car is on, you hear a ton of interference in all of the car's stereo speakers, and the radio continuously transmits (only way to stop it is to turn it off!). This does not happen on the other power settings at all (neither the sound or the continuous transmit). When the car is OFF, I can transmit on 55W no problem, there is no funky sound and the mic stops transmitting when i release the PTT button. Anyway, I realize this is complicated, but if anyone thinks they might have an idea as to what is causing this problem in my A4, I'd appreciate the help!

bhvrdr

Seriously, the 55w transmit may be too damn close to the main electronics of the car. Trunk mount. Just my .02 and I don't have a bunch of experience with it except a couple buddies who were cops in detroit and used to mess around with motorolas. Cheers! Mike

Avantadrive_Original

but aside from drilling into the roof (no way!) there's no other place to put it... but right now it's mounted on the passenger side, which is pretty far from the ECU and other major electrical components, so I don't think that's necessarily the issue

AggregatVier

Check the routing and shielding of the cable that runs to the antenna.

Avantadrive_Original

well since i installed it not that long ago, i'll say they're both fine

AggregatVier

Does the power cable run right next to it?

qua4ttro

however did you try moving the ground wire to a different location?

Avantadrive_Original

hm, yeah it's in the same general vicinity could that be causing it?

AggregatVier

...stereo installations to avoid hum and other interference modes.

RespectTheA6

away from antenna line