Wizard generates noise when powered

[sniper762]

Hi all!

I am using my Wizard in my BMW 1-series by hooking it to the AUX-port of the built in stereo. That way I can use it for TomTom, MP3's and phone, using the speakers of the car.

http://romain59.chez-alice.fr/120d/branchement-ipod.jpg

This works like a charm, but when I power the device using the cigarette lighter, it starts developing a lot of background noise. I can even hear the ESP computer kick in when I step on the gas to make the rear break out (rear-wheel drive rules!!!) It then generates a high-pitched tone.

I already routed power straight from the battery but this only made things worse. Appart from the noise already described, I then also hear the car's dynamo cause a noise that varies with the RPM of the engine.

I am starting to believe that this noise is standard when the Wizard is powered, but I would like to hear if you have similar experiences.

Thanks for your input!

Stefan

[TangerineTractor]

I have exactly the same issue in a Ford Mondeo...

Tried alsorts, filters, supressors... no joy. When plugged in, it gives 'noise' on the line in, which is a total pain in the butt!

[sniper762]

So, this seems to be a typical Wizard issue... :(

To bad, since I thought I had re-invented the wheel.... Anyone have a clue as to what causes the problem. Could switching to a lower voltage or lower amperage perhaps solve the problem?

Thanks!

Stefan

[Yanktar03]

I dunno...this issue is lot older than the Wizard and older than mobile phones, too. Lots of audio devices have had this problem with car or 120v home adaptors.

The simplest test is to try another adaptor, like a Targus. If that works, your adaptor is not filtering engine "noise" (electronic, not audio). Or it's not smoothing the electric current sufficiently. Since mine doesn't have this problem in either my car (M-B) or my truck (toy), I wonder about your adaptor/MDA.

Does it do it in other cars? Does it do it when using a 120v adaptor, or (better still) when you plug the car adaptor into a 120v to 12v converter?

One 2nd best solution would be to carry a second, charged battery, and recharge when you aren't using it as an MP3.

Curiously, nobody seems to have come up with a reverse A2DP Blue Tooth solution that allows you to beam your Hi-Fi sig to a receiver that pumps it into the AUX on a car, PC or home stereo system. I haven't tried using the B/T Stereo Headphone adaptor that came with my B/T phones to see if it can receive as well as broadcast (You use it with non-B/T devices so they can talk to your headphones--I use it at night when I don't want to wake the house but want to watch a loud movie).

Good Luck!

[hondophred]

Sounds like your garden variety ground loop troubles.

I would do a quick search on google for 'ground loop' and see what comes up.