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so I was looking over another forum post about loosing FM reception and saw someone say they had no issue with a RF PBR but when they changed to a T400x4 it killed his reception.
Now, I have a TM400x4 (same amp just marine grade) and I have zero issue and it got me to thinking...
I have mine mounted in a RG and it's UNDER the radio, you SG guys mount the amp on top of the radio.
Could it be as simple as amp placement? I haven't seen anything but wanted to see what you guys thought.
That's an interesting thought. I have a RF T400x2ad. I have mine mounted on a bracket above the stock HK HU, and I had degraded FM reception. I got most of it back by adding EMI chokes on the wires going into and out of the amp, but the FM reception is still not as clean as the PBR300x2.
From everything I've read the guys with the rushmores are not experiencing FM loss regardless of amp. So I don't think it has to do with amp or placement.
I can confirm. My CV B2 is mounted under the head unit and difference in FM signal reception is negligible. That is even with my stubby rear antenna tucked under the rear fender.
That's an interesting thought. I have a RF T400x2ad. I have mine mounted on a bracket above the stock HK HU, and I had degraded FM reception. I got most of it back by adding EMI chokes on the wires going into and out of the amp, but the FM reception is still not as clean as the PBR300x2.
I am contemplating running 2 antenna's and using a y adatper to do so. Route one on each side of inner fairing. The only theory I haven't got a solid answer on is if I will gain signal or cut it in half. My ID mq150.2 will be similar to the diamond m2. Seems there are 3-4 varient of the same chassis with different internals.
so I was looking over another forum post about loosing FM reception and saw someone say they had no issue with a RF PBR but when they changed to a T400x4 it killed his reception.
Now, I have a TM400x4 (same amp just marine grade) and I have zero issue and it got me to thinking...
I have mine mounted in a RG and it's UNDER the radio, you SG guys mount the amp on top of the radio.
Could it be as simple as amp placement? I haven't seen anything but wanted to see what you guys thought.
When Rockford Fosgate originally released the T400X4ad & T400X2ad (black version) amplifiers, there was a digital EMI issue from the power supply. Thanks to member feedback here, engineering was able to identify the issue and isolated the EMI utilizing ceramic chokes on the power supply.
Rockford Fosgate released the TM400X4 & TM400X2 (siliver marine version) with this update already in place, so all models have controlled EMI.
Rockford Fosgate published an EMI Installation Advisory describing the issue and installation tips to minimize issues when locating the amplifier and running cables in the fairing. I'm including a summary with a link below where you can download the actual PDF:
Installation Advisory
Reduced AM/FM Radio Reception In Motorcycle Installs Using Class-D and Class-A/D Amps
ISSUE:
Class-D and Class-A/D amplifiers have power supplies that switch on and off at high frequencies, which can emit EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) signals into the air. These signals can cause interference with signal processors, wireless devices, and radio waves including AM and FM signals. Modifications in amp designs have been made to keep this to a minimum. However, devices that are in close proximity to the amp can still suffer from such interference.
SOLUTION:
1. Mount the amplifier as far away as possible from the motorcyles radio, antenna and antenna cable.
NOTE: Antenna placement seems to be key. Bikes with a rear whip antenna seem to be O.K. Fairing mounted aftermarket antennas do not work when amplifier is mounted to radio.
2. Keep amplifier cables - which carry interfering signals - away from radio, antenna, and antenna cable.
3. Provide a good amplifier ground. Ground cable should run directly to battery. Grounding an amp to motorcycle fairings or forks is insufficient due to higher current requirements of amplifier.
4. Aftermarket tuners are more susceptible than factory tuners to noise issues. Amps mounted close to aftermarket radios have more interference than amps mounted to factory Harley-Davidson radios.
5. Some stations might get skipped by the SCAN function, but if manually tuned, will come in fine.
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2014 & NEWER MODELS ONLY:
Image2014 factory Harley-Davidson radios have a Cat Scan - if not set up right - will not allow tuner scan to stop on all channels. A software reset may unselect previously chosen AM/FM search categories. To resolve, enter Cat menu and check each genre to include when scanning radio stations.
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Amps and FM reception
