Wideband Interference - Oh my!

[WRMA547]

Lately I have been running into a persistent issue with Rx. When I set my radio to WB it seems I am getting constant (by appearance) Rx Interference.  However, if I set the same channel to NB, it goes away, but I deal with the limitations on NB.

 

I've done the basic logical troubleshooting and ruled out radio, cable, and power. Checked SWR, just to be safe (1.2), and also connections. The Interference seems to stay. I can still pickup others near me and transmit, but the static Interference remains as soon as the PTT is released. When transmitting in WB others mention I am choppy or unclear, then when in NB I "sound like a CB".

 

I am at a loss as I am rather new to this. Any thoughts on what I can test or try?

 

Equip:

Radio - Midlands MXT575

Antenna - MXAT05VP

[SteveShannon]

15 minutes ago, WRMA547 said:

Lately I have been running into a persistent issue with Rx. When I set my radio to WB it seems I am getting constant (by appearance) Rx Interference.  However, if I set the same channel to NB, it goes away, but I deal with the limitations on NB.

 

I've done the basic logical troubleshooting and ruled out radio, cable, and power. Checked SWR, just to be safe (1.2), and also connections. The Interference seems to stay. I can still pickup others near me and transmit, but the static Interference remains as soon as the PTT is released. When transmitting in WB others mention I am choppy or unclear, then when in NB I "sound like a CB".

 

I am at a loss as I am rather new to this. Any thoughts on what I can test or try?

 

Equip:

Radio - Midlands MXT575

Antenna - MXAT05VP

Are you operating from a vehicle or as a base station? You seem to be describing two different things: “static interference after releasing the PTT” and choppiness and poor quality audio while transmitting.  

Let’s take them one at a time. First, static interference.  Do you mean that you hear static immediately after letting go of the PTT?  How long does it continue? Static is always present to some extent. The squelch control turns off the audio when the signal strength is below a certain threshold. Turning up the squelch increases the threshold. Have you tried turning up the squelch?

[MarkInTampa]

Just on one channel or all of them?

 

[WRUU653]

My first thought was squelch as well. However I do have a question, is it on all channels or just one? I ask because I get interference on one frequency in one vehicle.

 Edit- @MarkInTampa beat me to it.

Edited 23 hours ago by WRUU653
^^^

[WRMA547]

Ok, trying to reply to all. I SHOULD have mentioned that and I whiffed. 

Squelch has been adjusted to rule out out of range Tx. I've gone as high as 8 and 9 with the static present. It persists as soon as I release the PTT and doesn't seem to stop unless I get a clean TX coming in. Then, as soon as over, it starts again. 

At first, it was just channels 7 and 17, but seems to be present on most channel when I switch to wideband. 

 

This is set up in my Jeep. After installation it worked great, this is a new phenomenon that started a few weeks back. 

[SteveShannon]

58 minutes ago, WRMA547 said:

Ok, trying to reply to all. I SHOULD have mentioned that and I whiffed. 

Squelch has been adjusted to rule out out of range Tx. I've gone as high as 8 and 9 with the static present. It persists as soon as I release the PTT and doesn't seem to stop unless I get a clean TX coming in. Then, as soon as over, it starts again. 

At first, it was just channels 7 and 17, but seems to be present on most channel when I switch to wideband. 

 

This is set up in my Jeep. After installation it worked great, this is a new phenomenon that started a few weeks back. 

That helps. Does it only happen when the jeep is running or also when everything but the radio is turned off?

[WRMA547]

50 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

That helps. Does it only happen when the jeep is running or also when everything but the radio is turned off?

Both. I at first thought power wires were too close, so I adjusted the ant cables and they're now not near any power wires AND I rewired to thicker power and ran direct to battery for power. I also used the ferrus insulators. 

[SteveShannon]

Send the radio back. Or at least try a different radio to see if the problem persists. 

[gortex2]

So it only happens when Jeep is on ? Alot of folks add aftermarket LED lights to jeeps that casue a ton of interfearance. If its only when key is on or running I'd check to see what turns on with the key. If its present regardless then its a radio issue.