Sirius Radio static ?

Question

I am having an issue with static when radio is played through the FM frequency in my car. I am aware of all the issues with radio frequencies and the antenna being a cause but here is the kicker, when you grab the AC power cord which powers the radio it sounds perfect, no static when I let it go static comes back. Although this is not all the time it is very irritating when it does happen. This is a new radio with a brand new power cord, I replaced my old cord on my old radio and it did not help so I thought it might be the old docking station connection. Is it possible that it might be an issue with my cigarette lighter or other interference from something else? Can I buy something or rig something up so I don't have to touch the cord to eliminate the static ? Ground it somehow ?

Answer 1

Some radios use one of  wires in the power cord for an antenna.  If the power cord has no ground prong you can try reversing the plug at the wall if the size of the prongs allow that.  In other wards, if the plug is such that it can be turned over at the wall, it is possible that on some occasions you have it plugged such that the wire which is being used as an antenna is plugged to the ground terminal.  Reversing the plug at the wall might fix the problem.  

Hopefully you have some FM antenna s***w terminals on the back of the radio so it will accept an FM antenna and not need to use the power cord for the antenna.  You touch the power cord and the static goes away, that is because you are acting as an antenna, which strengthens the radio signal and reduces the static.

Answer 2

Based on the few facts in your question I would say that you have an antenna related problem with your radio.  By holding the power cable you are coupling your body into the product like connecting an antenna.  That is what leads me to say that the radio is not "seeing" the antenna.  Check the connections to the antenna and make sure that the antenna is in the clear and "sees" the satellite.  Where is the antenna for this radio?  Could they be using the power cord as an antenna?  Sometimes designers will do this.  People don't think about it but all the AC wiring in your house can be a fabulous antenna.  It can also be a great route for ingress of interference into your electronics products if you have something in your house like a bad fish tank heater thermostat (they are notorious) or a bad door bell operator.  Even though the system is FM, ingress of AM interference on the power line can cause interference in the stages of the radio after demodulation.  Does your AM radio work well in your house?  If it is full of static too then you have an ingress issue and you have to hunt for the problem.  It could be in your house or out on a power pole near your house.  Listen for the tell-tale buzzing of static on the poles near your house.  Call the power company if you hear it.  If you can see it arcing tell the power company that you are also calling the fire department.  A telephone pole fire is not a good thing.  People can be hurt or killed.  I've probably exceeded the speed limit here and it is something nice and simple.  Lets hope so.  Run a few checks and enter some more data as an edit.