How to kill radio static on my IS?

[BonS]

I recently installed a Kisan Technologies Signal Minder self-canceling turn signal / running lights / brake light flasher. I was happy until I turned on the radio/intercom. I now have a buzz from the PWM (pulse width modulation) that Kisan uses to control the brightness of the lights. I contacted Kisan and all they say is "install a Ground Loop Isolator for the radio/intercom".  I hate to sh!t can the signal minder because I really do like the self-canceling turn signals and other features. Frankly, I'm not convinced that isolating the radio ground on the Interstate is possible/practical and that it really will fix the buzzzzzzz.

Has anybody gone down this path?

[Disco]

Not on an IS, but had a similar situation on the 'wing with ignition noise coming through the AUX input into all audio.  One Ground Loop Isolator (from Electrical Connections) later and no noise whatsoever.  I'm not sure the one I used will plug and play in an IS, but I'd bet they have something that will work.

http://www.electricalconnection.com/audio/audio.htm

telephone: 865.219.9192

[BonS]

Thanks Dave, that's good to know. I'm now waiting for the man in brown to come to my door. I afraid that it's the law of conservation of misery. Fix one thing and another problem takes its place. I hope the GLI takes care of the buzz but I have to wonder what the side effect will be? Since I have both a radio and an intercom so I'm wondering whether I'll need two isolators? I ordered just one (universal) to try and I'll put it on the radio since it's coming through the speakers as well as the headset at this point.

[Trynt]

I have experienced the same problem with my Valk with the Kisan.  I tried a ground loop isolator and it actually made the buzz louder.  I contacted Kisan and was told the problem is with the frequency the Kisan unit uses.  They have supposedly made me a one-off replacement unit (free of charge) that operates at a lower frequency in attempt to eliminate the buzz.  I have been told the unit is "in the mail" as we speak. Contact the tech department there and ask for Andy.  He is aware of the problems with the Valkyrie and may offer you the same solution.

[BonS]

I have experienced the same problem with my Valk with the Kisan.  I tried a ground loop isolator and it actually made the buzz louder.  I contacted Kisan and was told the problem is with the frequency the Kisan unit uses.  They have supposedly made me a one-off replacement unit (free of charge) that operates at a lower frequency in attempt to eliminate the buzz.  I have been told the unit is "in the mail" as we speak. Contact the tech department there and ask for Andy.  He is aware of the problems with the Valkyrie and may offer you the same solution.

Interesting! I just exchanged an email with Andy @ Kisan today. He said ". . . If you can install a ground loop isolator for Comm system or headset Amp, it will quiet down." I'd love to hear how you make out with your replacement. The first one I had wasn't exactly DOA but wouldn't turn on the turn signals if I had the brakes on; not good. Andy agreed that it was the PWM circuit doing the damage but didn't mention a one-off. Grrrrr, and I've already ordered the isolator so I guess I'll give it the ol' college try and see how my luck is running. Please let me know how you fare!

[Disco]

Interesting thread.  I'll be following.  BonS, whose GLI did you order?  The person I corresponded with at EC is Lewis Preston.  He was very helpful.  No affiliation, yada, blah.

[BonS]

Interesting thread.  I'll be following.  BonS, whose GLI did you order?  The person I corresponded with at EC is Lewis Preston.  He was very helpful.  No affiliation, yada, blah.

I ordered from the Electrical Connection. When I receive the goods I'll examine the literature and lean on Lewis for support if wiring instructions aren't clear or things don't respond to treatment. I ordered a GLI and an inline power noise filter.

[Trynt]

I had already tried the ground loop isolator before I called Kisan.  When Andy suggested I try a GLI, I informed him it only made the buzz worse.  That is when he suggested the unit with the frequency change.

By the way, I have also noticed that I must activate the turn signals prior to braking. I have an older unit without the brake light function and it does not exhibit that glitch.

[BonS]

I had already tried the ground loop isolator before I called Kisan.  When Andy suggested I try a GLI, I informed him it only made the buzz worse.  That is when he suggested the unit with the frequency change.

I'll call Andy today and see if he'll send me a one-off as well. I'm heading to InZane soon and would rather listen to my pipes and tunes than a buzzzzzzz.

[Oyeaa]

I had one a few years ago.  Tried everything to kill the buzz.  NOTHING worked.  So I removed it and sold it on Ebay.  Then I built and installed a "Blinker Buddy".

The blinker buddy does not self cancel but my seat vibrates pretty good when they are flashing!

[BonS]

I had one a few years ago.  Tried everything to kill the buzz.  NOTHING worked.  So I removed it and sold it on Ebay.  Then I built and installed a "Blinker Buddy".

The blinker buddy does not self cancel but my seat vibrates pretty good when they are flashing!

Yup, I too have the blinker buddy and have kept it working after installing the Signal Minder: Insurance.

I talked to Andy at Kisan this afternoon. He suggested that I make sure my two grounds are clean and tight for starters. He also thinks the GLI may fix the problem. He went on to say that if all else fails he'll send a modified unit as a test to try to eliminate the PWM noise.

The wires for the running lights run the length of the bikes harness so there's plenty of opportunity for crosstalk. The long wires make good antennas. Andy did confirm that the modified Signal Minder will have a lower switching frequency that should take it below the audible spectrum.

I'm doubtful that I'll succeed but I'll stick it out a bit longer.