static on radio from refrigerator

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Jul 3, 2006
13
Hunter 336 Noank
I installed a small refrigerator under the nav station on my H336. Everytime the compressor kicks on, there is static on the radio until the compressor cycles off. The refrigerator is plugged into the AC outlet at the nav station. Is there anything that can added to the stereo or the refrigerator to eliminate the static?

Sole Pleasure
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,464
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
Usually yes but the solution depends - are you referring to the VHF FM radio or a broadcast band AM radio. The fix can be different for each. I'd rather you specify what radio rather than having to type a description of both.
 
Oct 6, 2011
678
CM 32 USA
Static could be from that ET Mel Gibson movie. Keep your boat near the water and you should be fine.
 
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
You have a grounding issue.
Ground the chassis of the refer to the boat ground circuit.
These units have the motor and compressor in a metal pressure vessel so the only way for radio to get out is through the power/ground/neutral wires
If you are using an extension cord stop or reroute it away from the radio antenna circuits
 
Jul 3, 2006
13
Hunter 336 Noank
static in radio

Usually yes but the solution depends - are you referring to the VHF FM radio or a broadcast band AM radio. The fix can be different for each. I'd rather you specify what radio rather than having to type a description of both.
It is an AM/FM stereo Radio
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,464
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
It is an AM/FM stereo Radio
Bills answer is good for a conducted RF noise issue but because it is your AM/FM radio, you most likely have a radiated noise problem. The difference is,as the names imply, one of noise received by common conductor wiring or radiated through the air. The latter being harder to cure by moving wires around.

In you case, the use of ferrite beads or an RF choke on the electric supply lines as close to the compressor motor as practicable should reduce the noise. You might also have to install them on the wiring for the radio, both at the elec supply and speaker wires.
 
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
Try this.
remove the antenna from the back of the radio while the refer is running. If the noise stops the mode is through the antenna picking up radio waves. If it does not stop then it is picking up the noise through its power ground wires. A lesser possibility is the speaker wires. You can try the same disconnect test. It is easy and quick way to see which way you need to go to fix the problem.
 
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