Help - Zumo / Autocom problem

[SPL]

Hope someone can help me - as this is driving me mad

I've fitted a Zumo and a brand new (bought in the sale) Autocom Pro AVI to my 07 1200GS - but I have interference.

The Zumo is powered from the BMW GPS socket, and the Autocom is fitted to the document bracket and powered off the back of the accessory socket.

I only have the standard music lead that came with the Autocom between the Zumo and the Aux 3 (did have the phone lead too to start with, and taking it off doesn't seem to have made any difference).

The problems I'm getting are;

• Constant high pitched whine which comes in when the engine has been running for about 5 minutes
• A "raspberry" noise which rises with the revs once I'm over about 5.5K RPM

Fitting a ground loop isolator to the music lead has reduced the whine to the extent that it's not too bad with music playing, but is still quite intrusive when the Zumo is giving me voice instructions or if I pause the music.

I've done a search, and can't find any suggested cures for these problems.
Anyone have an ideas or suggestions, as I've run out of ideas

 

[Deleted account W]

I moved my Autocom from the battery area under the tank to the fuse box under the seat because of this same problem. It cured it. This was on an 1150 though

 

[wilbjr21]

Autocom now recommend the tool tray because of this - had no problem with mine though

 

[John Armstrong]

I've run out of ideas

Try phoning Autocom?

 

[SPL]

As everyone seems to use that document bracket on the 1200, I thought I'd be OK

I did spot in another thread that someone said be careful not to let any of the leads touch the battery, so you might well be onto something there - thanks guys

P.S. - John, Autocom would be my next port of call, but I thought I might get some fast replies on here, and you've not let me down

Maybe some bikes just produce more electrical "noise" than others, and I've got a loud one
(If it is, then small price to pay, as I also seem to have a fast one )

Will try moving it at the weekend unless someone comes up with a definite answer before then.

 

[Bigrodders]

Hi,
I connected my Starcom to the back of the accessory socket but got interference . Cured it after contacting Starcom and was advised to connect it direct to the battery with an in line fuse. Now no interference, they said the canbus can cause problems.

 

[Stu-13]

I've use a part 1314 shielded music lead on the GT which allows you put the cable anywhere. I bet there's a similar one for the Zumo.

Give auto com a call they are really helpful.

 

[mattlemon]

I only have the standard music lead that came with the Autocom between the Zumo and the Aux 3 (did have the phone lead too to start with, and taking it off doesn't seem to have made any difference).

I'd say that this is where the problem is. Both the music and phone lead are non isolated cables. Since you're running both the Zumo and the Comms off the bikes power supply, to connect them you need an isolated cable to prevent ground loops. I have a StarCom and if you're using both of the bikes power then you have to use another cable that has an electrical isolator in the middle of the cable. It stops the risk of damaging the kit and also any interference.

Matt

 

[SPL]

Thanks for the replies guys

By a process of elimination, I think I've worked out that my ground loop isolator (separate box) doesn't seem to be working.

I've ordered a 1314 lead, and hopefully that should do the trick...

 

[SilverFish]

You could also try putting the Autocom earth directly to the battery terminal, keeping the Positive feed on the back of the accessory socket.

You could also check the routing of the audio lead to the Zumo, I think the LHS of the bike has an easier run up with fewer wires.

I've the exact same setup, only slight difference is that the Autocom is in the tool tray, but that shouldnt make be it, and it has been on the document holder before.

Mike

 

[GSrich]

The problem will nothing to do with the power, the WRONG lead is being used. You will need the specific cables to get you connected correctly.

Rich