Radio Noise - Mystery Solved

[Kim]

In the 10 months since acquiring my 2000 Cab, I have experienced an intermittent (no discernable pattern) buzzing noise from my CDR-220. I was able to discover that it was volume independent, but would disappear if I turned the radio completely off.

The sound was like someone doing a hip-hop rythm with a door bell buzzer, or .... if you're old enough to recognize the reference .... like an angry bee sending Morse code. It would last 5-10 seconds, then maybe not be heard again for several days.

Today, the mystery was solved. When the buzzing began, I removed my cell phone from the storage shelf above the radio. (I sometimes place it there, but its usually in my pocket). The sound ceased immediately. I moved the phone back close to the radio just in time to hear the last few buzzes. Apparently, a cell phone experiences periodic activity (perhaps switching cell towers) that causes it to emit radio frequency interference that is picked up by my radio.

It was a relief, as I have even contacted Becker regarding sending the unit in for a (not cheap) check up.

Kim

2000 Cab

[toddel68]

And this puzzled you for 10 months? :eek: There's nothing more distinctive than the sound of a gsm phone contacting the base station...

Besides: the wisdom is here in this forum

Edited November 7, 2005 by toddel68

[a9jlu]

In the 10 months since acquiring my 2000 Cab, I have experienced an intermittent (no discernable pattern) buzzing noise from my CDR-220. I was able to discover that it was volume independent, but would disappear if I turned the radio completely off.

The sound was like someone doing a hip-hop rythm with a door bell buzzer, or .... if you're old enough to recognize the reference .... like an angry bee sending Morse code. It would last 5-10 seconds, then maybe not be heard again for several days.

Today, the mystery was solved. When the buzzing began, I removed my cell phone from the storage shelf above the radio. (I sometimes place it there, but its usually in my pocket). The sound ceased immediately. I moved the phone back close to the radio just in time to hear the last few buzzes. Apparently, a cell phone experiences periodic activity (perhaps switching cell towers) that causes it to emit radio frequency interference that is picked up by my radio.

It was a relief, as I have even contacted Becker regarding sending the unit in for a (not cheap) check up.

Kim

2000 Cab

it also happens near computer speakers!

[Kim]

And this puzzled you for 10 months? :eek: There's nothing more distinctive than the sound of a gsm phone contacting the base station...

Besides: the wisdom is here in this forum

NOW, I really feel dumb. I have read almost everything that has been posted over the past year .... don't know how I missed that.

The only saving grace is that I did not ask on the forum .... when the answer had already been clearly spelled out. Come to think of it .... that's probably why I did not do a search .... since I was not preparing to post a question. Always search before I ask, lest I trigger the "have you searched?" responses, which would be well deserved.

A subscription to RennTech is the cheapest, must-have accessory for a Porsche.

Kim

2000 Cab