What is Alternator Noise? Alternator noise is a high pitched whine created by the car's electrical system. When the engine spins the alternator around, the alternator induces an AC voltage that is converted to DC and used to charge the car's electrical system. It acts pretty much as an inverted electric motor (motion is put in, and voltage comes out). The issue here is that a small amount of AC voltage remains in the system. Frequencies change accordingly to the engine's RPMs. If the engine spins quicker, noise frequency is higher. That is why you would hear alternator noise coming from mids and tweeters, but not subwoofers, since subwoofers only play low frequencies. What causes alternator noise? 1. Induced noise through RCA's: When a wire has current through it, a magnetic field circles around it (i.e electromagnets). Conversely, if there is a magnetic field perpendicular to a wire, current will be induced. If you have your RCA wires going from the radio or equalizer to the amp running in parallel to your power wires, an AC current will be induced and added to the sound signal. The sound signal travelling to the amp is a low voltage signal (in the mV range - thousands of a volt). The induced signal will be amplified along with the music. To avoid this don’t run power and RCA wires together. If there are points in which they do have to cross, try to place them perpendicular to each other. Run the power wire from the battery to the amp on one side of the car, and the RCA wires along the other side of the car. 2. Ground loops: Your car's electrical system (and your stereo) use the car metal chassis as a ground (there is always current flowing through your car's metal parts). Theoretically the car's metal has no resistance, and it should not matter where you tie grounds for amplifiers, radio, battery and alternator. They all should "look" like the same point, right? This is not completely true, the metal in your car does have resistance, and there is a potential difference from the front of the car, where the battery is to the middle of the car, where the radio is, and to the back of the car, where most amplifiers are. The potential difference of the grounds makes the whole system act as an antenna, where they pick up noise. Measure voltages at the battery, amplifiers and radio. There should be very little difference between the measured voltages. If there is a difference more than 1/2 volt, then you might have noise problems. To fix this problem, make sure that the amplifiers have a good ground first. Use at least 10 Gauge wires for the grounds (and power). If you have 2 or more amplifiers, DO NOT go from the ground terminal of one amp to the other and then from there to ground, most likely you will have noise. Ground each amplifier independently. Troubleshooting If you installed everything using the above guidelines and you still have noise, then try to figure out what is causing the noise . First, double check grounds at amplifiers, crossovers, radio, etc. Make sure AM/FM antenna has a good ground. Try to figure out what is causing the noise. If noise went away, you know the issue is maybe RCA wires or grounds hooked up to crossovers/equalizers. If you have more that one amplifier and have noise only on one amplifier try switching RCA wires around. If noise stays the same, then problem is the amplifier, if it switches, noise is coming from previous components up the line. As said before, it is very hard to find out what is causing alternator noise. Don’t buy noise filter boxes unless you are certain that the head unit or equalizer are causing the noise. 99.9% of the time you will be wasting your money in buying noise filters. If you have tried everything , and still have that annoying noise, contact your nearest car stereo store. Some shops may be hesitant to fix something they did not install. Look around for a good store.
Keyless entry and remote starter
It's not just sound that's on offer, however, with a range of fantastic keyless entry systems available, too. The beauty of keyless entry is in the simplicity and convenience, with a single touch of a button unlocking the doors and the trunk without the need for fumbling for keys in bags and pockets.
There's also a range of remote starting systems, meaning you can start up the car before you get in.
The added security of keyless entry is a bonus, too, as without the remote starter there is no chance of entering the vehicle at all. Convenience and security all in one ? not many objects offer you that capability.
Talking of security, Tweekin Car Audio offer a wide range of car alarms, an essential item both to protect your vehicle and please the insurers.
Quality alarms car
All of Tweekin Car Audio's alarm systems are of the highest quality, and with the range covering such a wide variety, there will be a selection to choose from whatever your budget or security requirements. Alarms are a sophisticated item these days, and it is worth browsing the extensive on line catalogue in order to make sure the right details are included in the model that you choose.
If you are inclined towards two wheels, there is a range of motorcycle alarms available, and securing your bike is a vital part of the enjoyment involved in riding, as you can make stops at places without worrying whether or not your pride and joy will still be there when you come back to it.
Great range of audio
In terms of audio, nobody offers a more comprehensive range than Tweekin Car Audio, and the range of in-dash systems is comprehensive in its own right. With many famed brands in the range, you will not be disappointed with the choice available.
Moving on, and Tweekin Car Audio can offer the latest in LCD screens for viewing purposes ? and the selection for headrest fitted systems, giving the passenger the best in video and audio in one, is simply superb.
There is even an LCD rear view mirror available, an item that is at the forefront of automotive technology right now, but will become a must have in the very near future as driving takes on a new lease of life.
Using Tweekin Car Audio's on line system is simple and secure, with safe payment available in many different methods and delivery to your door, plus an after sales service of repairs and replacements that is second to none.
Whether it's a dash board CD player that you want, or a fabulous remote locking system, its all there in the easy to browse and well laid out catalogue on the web site, ready for you to enhance your audio and security systems.
Both Professor Apex & Chris Dallmann 1 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.