CB Static Problem
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
On AM, there is always noise. Sometimes you can squelch it out and sometimes not. AM receivers, unfiltered and not very selective such as that in the HK unit, are prone to interference from lots of sources. It's not FM, so expect some static on AM. That said... Sounds like its not plugs or the stator/rotor. (based on your responses so far). If your headset works fine while listening to the radio and without the static you are hearing in CB mode, then it is not the headset.
Possibilities:
-crushed or damaged coax line leading to antenna. You would need some equipment you may not have to check this at the antenna end.
-damaged antenna. The base loading coil could be seperated or intermittent. Possibly some other issues with the antenna. Try one of your buddies antennas for to rule this out.
-Intermittent ground or intermittent center conductor to ground short in the coax or in the connector that connects coax to the antenna.
-Something may be arcing on your bike. Get your bike in a super dark place, start it, and look around in the engine compartment for anything making an arc or spark to ground.
-Pull off your spark plug caps and then push them back on.
-Make sure all grounds a solid and clean. Start at the battery terminal, and anywhere else there is a ground lug. If there is paint between the ground lug and the bare metal, scrape the paint away.
-Turn off your cell phone and see if the noise goes away on the cb
-If you have any aftermarket leds or led controllers on your bike, these can be a source of interference depending upon how their controllers are designed
-Make sure the ground to the metal plate in the bottom of the tour pak is clean and tight.
These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.
Possibilities:
-crushed or damaged coax line leading to antenna. You would need some equipment you may not have to check this at the antenna end.
-damaged antenna. The base loading coil could be seperated or intermittent. Possibly some other issues with the antenna. Try one of your buddies antennas for to rule this out.
-Intermittent ground or intermittent center conductor to ground short in the coax or in the connector that connects coax to the antenna.
-Something may be arcing on your bike. Get your bike in a super dark place, start it, and look around in the engine compartment for anything making an arc or spark to ground.
-Pull off your spark plug caps and then push them back on.
-Make sure all grounds a solid and clean. Start at the battery terminal, and anywhere else there is a ground lug. If there is paint between the ground lug and the bare metal, scrape the paint away.
-Turn off your cell phone and see if the noise goes away on the cb
-If you have any aftermarket leds or led controllers on your bike, these can be a source of interference depending upon how their controllers are designed
-Make sure the ground to the metal plate in the bottom of the tour pak is clean and tight.
These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 522
Likes: 27
From: Glendale, Arizona
Thanks I will check out some of these items, as far as the static on AM I am going by what I hear when riding other Harleys and they don't have the problem that I do. My GPS (ZUMO 665 plays fine with nav and mp3, so I will have to check the antenna thing I checked all connections that I could find, )
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 522
Likes: 27
From: Glendale, Arizona
Well after a lot of checking i found the problem, I did check the antennas to assure that the correct one was on the correct side and it was. It had never been off the bike but when i did take it off i found a chalky white residue around the threads, i can only assume it came from the weather (rain) I cleaned it pu not thinking that it would make a difference and applied some Dielectric grease. Well all is clear as a bell now!!! Thanks for all the suggestions I only hope that this will help some others fix their problem in the future.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Just for clarity's sake, the CB antenna is on the side by the tourpack latches (Right hand side). My antennaes were also put on the wrong sides during setup.
One other thing to check is your intercom...do you get the static on the intercom as well or just the CB. If just the CB, my guesses would be a problem with the CB itself, or a ground issue as someone has already stated.
Good luck!
One other thing to check is your intercom...do you get the static on the intercom as well or just the CB. If just the CB, my guesses would be a problem with the CB itself, or a ground issue as someone has already stated.
Good luck!
Stage III
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: texas
I have a 2011 ultra that I'm having the same problem with. It's driving me crazy on trips. My dealer more or less told me yesterday that I would have to live with it because they have tried everything they know and harley techs can't help either. Did you ever get your problem solved? Cb reception is fine if the motor is not running. Anything you can add is apprecitated.
Stage III
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: texas
Thanks so much. I will forward this to my dealership and some other guys that are having the same problem. Hope it works for us also. When my bike is not running, no static on receiving end, only when motor is running so I'm not sure I have the same problem but will surely check it out.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
I was getting 1/4 mile at best max. reception and transmition. I also tried every adjustment possible. Read this and went outside with my dielectric grease and pulled the right antenna and it was clean. Looked at the antenna markings, guess what, it was assembled AM/FM on the right where the CB should have been. I then switched them and hope that cures my problem. Will see this weekend.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 47
From: N. Texas
Silly maybe not, I have owned my bike 1 1/2 years. (bought used at dealer) I thought static was due to being a CB radio. Turns out both antennas were am/fm. I put cb antenna on today so I hope to have an improvement. DUH