DICE - Interference problem gallore!

[Anonymous]

Have had my DICE (replacement unit for my first which died) for several months now and while it worked well for awhile in the last few weeks I am getting a HUGE amount of interference. Sometimes it is so loud that it sounds far worse than an old FM transmitter I used to use.

I have noticed that its worse when accelerating (ie increasing RPMs) so I'm beginning to think its engine interference.

I haven't changed anything in the setup since original installation.

I have discussed with Tom at EAS and he has suggested a unit swap or to purchase the Noise Filter.
However both of these involve VERY expensive shipping back to the US, something I had to fork out for when I last replaced the DICE 1 week after purchasing. For example while the noise filter costs only $14, the cheapest shipping available is US$40 for it!! And FedEX is $80!! So naturallly i'm reluctant to spend even more money with no guarantee it'll work.

Has anyone else successfully used a noise filter with their DICE? Is it easy to install (judging from the pic, I'll have to cut the DICE cables somehow and crimp on the filter).

I have found a local version of a 20AMP noise filter but I'm not sure how to install it.

Any advice would be appreciated as I'm missing listening to my Ipod with good sound

 

[Z4NL]

I suspect a broken wire, most likely the black (-) mass lead(s) of the DICE or your head unit. Check them out.

 

[Anonymous]

I suspect a broken wire, most likely the black (-) mass lead(s) of the DICE or your head unit. Check them out.

This *could* be the problem as the cable at the ipod interface has recently been bent while I have it connected to the ipod in the centre console between the seats....I would have thought though this would potentially not allow any audio through if it was a broken wire

 

[GVfB]

Z4NL is correct: what you hear is a ground loop or "alternator whine". Using the same mass point for the Ipod and the headunit will break the ground loop.

Noise filters between the input signal only filter out high frequencies.

 

[Anonymous]

Z4NL is correct: what you hear is a ground loop or "alternator whine". Using the same mass point for the Ipod and the headunit will break the ground loop.

Z4NL, what do you mean by "using the same mass point for the ipod and headunit"? Sorry my electronic skills are limited.. How do I correct this?

 

[Z4NL]

Z4NL, what do you mean by "using the same mass point for the ipod and headunit"?

Ehm, that line actually came from GVfB, but the bottom line is that the black mass wire of the DICE needs to have a proper connection with the mass point of the head unit (either the black lead or the metal housing of the head unit). It's likely that there is a "differential" between the DICE's mass and that of the headunit, causing the alternator interference in your speakers. I suggest that you check if the black mass lead of the DICE unit is properly connected to the car's chassis / battery (-) terminal.

Keep us posted on your progress ;-)

Cheers,

-Jan