Well, I thought I had it all figured out....  I bought the PAC bus connector for my Sony head unit so I could use the RCA inputs for my iPod. I did this yesterday first thing and then spent the about an hour cleaning up the boat.  The sound was PERFECT.  No more static from the fm transmitter I used to use for listening to the iPod.  I was one happy boater until....

Once we got on the water and got the engine started I noticed a high pitch noise coming from the speakers.  It gets worse the  higher the engine rpms.  We had a boat full of people so I coudn't take the time to try and do any trouble shooting.  We are leaving Thursday for Norris Lake and I really would like to get rid of this noise. 

Has anyone had this problem and figured out how to get rid of it???

Thanks,

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Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

Bruce Fales:

Well, I thought I had it all figured out....  I bought the PAC bus connector for my Sony head unit so I could use the RCA inputs for my iPod. I did this yesterday first thing and then spent the about an hour cleaning up the boat.  The sound was PERFECT.  No more static from the fm transmitter I used to use for listening to the iPod.  I was one happy boater until....

Once we got on the water and got the engine started I noticed a high pitch noise coming from the speakers.  It gets worse the  higher the engine rpms.  We had a boat full of people so I coudn't take the time to try and do any trouble shooting.  We are leaving Thursday for Norris Lake and I really would like to get rid of this noise. 

Has anyone had this problem and figured out how to get rid of it???

Thanks,

This problem is similar to a "ground loop" issue found in many after market stereo installs with amps.The problem is many people do not ground properly.  

I would Try this, run some cheap black primary wire from your stereo ground and hold it to/touch the ipod, I would bet the noise goes away. In some cases you need to ground all the way back to the block. 

Does this PAC unit power the ipod? 

 P.S. I would get my money back on the PAC and just get a good Alpine unit with an Ipod control feature. They have one of the best interfaces available.

 

 

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Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

Robert.

Thanks for the tips.  I'll try the ground wire suggestion.  If I have to take it all the way to the block, where to I attach it to ground the system?

The PAC is just a small cable that fools the Sony head unit into thinking there is an CD changer installed.  Otherwise, the RCA inputs won't work.  The PAC Cable was about $35 from Crutchfield.  I do want to get an all new stereo system, but for now the budget just isn't there.  I also want to get the Smart Track Guages, and I think they'll come before the new stereo.

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Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

Yea, u got to set the budget. I am bad about boating/audio equipment. I don't know how to budget on these purchases. My buddys say's I am so "tight" that I squeak when I walk, but when it comes to boating and audio . . . . I guess this is my downfall . . .anyhow!

I would still try the ground wire to the head unit's ground first.  If running back to engine, try the battery.  Wish I could say it will work for sure . . .but ground loops and add a boat into the mix . . . 

BTW, what is it like towing boarders on that big monster boat? I have a 230 I can't imagine any bigger for towing folks. At least not with a runabout.

 

 

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Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

Bruce, as was suggested, try running a new ground from the radio to the battery.  If that doesn't help, you might try a different RCA to mini-jack cable. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Mike, that would be my first point to check as well:

The mini-jack TRS female connector on an iPod is rather tight . This means that if you have an old mini-jack plug as often used for cheap RCA to TRS cables, the mini-jack plug will not fit correctly! I have several of these cables - some fit, some don't. You will still get sound from the non-fitting cable, but it's mono (right output channel on left input) and the ground is routed through the right input channel (are you following this?). This setup is naturally very sensitive to any external signal, as there is no ground connection what so ever.

So, make sure the plug is properly connected i.e. the sleeve is not visible at all. If this is not the case, get another cable (pro-grade) or extension that does fit. The iPod optional remote/radio works fine for this purpose too.

If you still get noise, check the radio ground cable...

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Stefan

2008 275CCR 496MAG B3
"Arosa"

Mike,

I'll let my ignorance of electronics show here....Where do I attach the ground to the battery???

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Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

Just connect it up to the negative on the battery.  Bruce, you can do this as a 3 minute test just to see if it helps next time you go boating.  Just get a piece of wire, maybe 14 ga. or heavier.  Could be speaker wire if you have some.  Just twist the end around the clamp down screw on the battery terminal and then while you're running the engine and hearing the whine, touch the other end of the wire to the back of the radio chassis.  If it doesn't go away, might not be the problem but it's a really simple check. 

I guess the other thing is to make sure that you have the volume of the iPod turned up pretty high.  I don't go quite all the way up on mine but about 7/8 or so. If the iPod output is too low, then you'll really have to crank up the radio amp to hear it and that might not be the cleanest sound. 

I'm betting the ground will help.  If it does, then just get a nice piece of black ground wire, maybe 12 ga. and put a ring terminal on the battery end and connect there.  Then, run along the gunwale to the helm.  Find the black ground wire coming off the radio harness.  Cut that and use a butt connector there to make that connection.  Should be golden.

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

You definitly have a ground issue. I installed the pac unit and mini jack and my sounds prefectly clear

just as good as a CD. Should be an easy fix and you will be enjoying your tunes!

 

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Sweet Emotion
225 LPX

I hope it is just a ground issue.  The unit sounded fine before using the CD player and there was no whine when using the FM transmittor for the iPod.  I will get a chance to try these fixes on Thursday.

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Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

Robert,

I have only towed boarders twice and it was much easier than pulling a slalom skier out of the water.  I love the boat for the size and comfort and the ride (the Ohio River can get very rough), so I had to sacrifice the hole shot and small wake from a smaller boat.

At 47 I don't do nearly as much water sports as I do just cruising, so it works out fine.  So far, my daughters main interest is tubing and there is no problem there

---

Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

Bruce Fales:

Robert,

I have only towed boarders twice and it was much easier than pulling a slalom skier out of the water.  I love the boat for the size and comfort and the ride (the Ohio River can get very rough), so I had to sacrifice the hole shot and small wake from a smaller boat.

At 47 I don't do nearly as much water sports as I do just cruising, so it works out fine.  So far, my daughters main interest is tubing and there is no problem there

I was wondering cause I see your tower. I really like the looks of the X80 @ 28Feet and 800HP, seems like it might do a little of both . .

---

Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics