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Author Topic: Hybrids and RFI  (Read 311 times)

N7ZM

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Hybrids and RFI
« on: November 17, 2022, 10:10:08 AM »

        I am considering buying a new 2023 Rav4 hybrid or 2023 Prius hybrid. Can HF co-exist with one of these hybrids or is the RFI just too much? I run a Yaesu FT-857D mobile with a screwdriver antenna.
Thanks, 73
Ron N7ZM
n7zm@att.net
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WA2EIO

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2022, 11:35:10 AM »

My '18 Highlander Hybrid generates S-9+ noise on the HF frequencies whenever  the car is 'on' whether it running on the gas engine or the electric or just parked.   
I have decided to go with a separate LiFePO4 battery for power and operate only when parked.  Unfortunately, that means not being able to run the heat or AC, so mobile operation is a 'nice weather' affair, parked, for me.   
Take along an all-band portable radio and try it in the car you are considering.   Of course extensive bonding and ferrite use will probably also be necessary, but see what the car sounds like with the all band  portable will give you an idea of what you may be up against.   I am surprised no one else has responded; I guess most mobile ops are using internal combustion engines.
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W7FS

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2022, 03:43:57 PM »

I have owned two hybrids, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (RIP) and a 2016 Lincoln MKZ.  Both gave me zero issues and required no extra ordinary efforts.  RFI not noticeable on any of the bands on my FT857D.  Obviously, YMMV but these were (and are) great cars...100K miles on the Fusion before a jerk turned left in front of me at 55mph, and 49K on the current MKZ.  Good luck.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2022, 04:17:00 PM »

Just take a portable radio with you when shopping the cars!
A good excuse for that new FT818 or IC705 in the stocking!
Turn radio on and listen for noise.

-Mike.
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KE6SLS

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2022, 04:45:22 PM »

Just take a portable radio with you when shopping the cars!
A good excuse for that new FT818 or IC705 in the stocking!
Turn radio on and listen for noise.

-Mike.

Now THAT is a good idea!  The 705 or the 7100 are both small enough to easily let you scan/test/listen while you test drive new cars!

73
j
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K0UA

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2022, 06:54:33 PM »

I have heard plenty of the older Prius's (Priuii?) while running HF mobile from my 2010 Silverado gas powered truck.  I can usually hear them coming for a couple of blocks. I have never seen a Tesla here. I don't know about other Hybrids.  After you buy the hybrid, please come back and educate the rest of us on your hybrid/HF journey.
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73  James K0UA

WA2EIO

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2022, 07:17:19 PM »

Apparently Teslas generate so much noise that they do not have an AM radio installed, since it is too susceptible to noise/static:

https://evehiclepro.com/tesla-am-radio/
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KH6AQ

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #7 on: November 18, 2022, 12:47:47 PM »

You might take your vehicle with it's mobile installation and park it at the car dealer near cars you're interested in buying.
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N7ZM

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2022, 05:22:41 PM »

Mike, it would be nice to take a radio or your old HF setup in car to see if you had RFI. Non on lot, you can only order here at our town Toyota. The Prius has a 5 to 8 month waiting period and the Rav4 has up to a 1 year wait. That's what the salesman told me.  Non on lot to test drive, never saw this before in all my years. Went to next town to look and was told about this wait also.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2022, 10:14:42 AM »

Note that many of the EVs supply 13.8v via an inverter with limited capacity. so check for both noise AND spare 13.8v current or wattage!  You want to power your radio AND have a low noise floor!
Oh!... and there is a lot of plastic... look for antenna mounting locations!

-Mike.
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K9RJ

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2022, 07:59:50 PM »

The XYL's 2008 Prius has an AM radio and it works fine. Have not checked on HF for RFI but may do it with my Belka portable receiver.
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KA4GFY

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2022, 06:49:42 AM »

I knew a ham with a Hyundai hybrid (don't remember what year) and it was pretty bad for RFI.  He ended up trading it for a totally gas SUV so he could run his HF mobile equipment.

I will occasionally hear an electric vehicle when it pulls up next to me a traffic light when I have the HF equipment on in my SUV.  Some are VERY noisy.

73,
Rich, KA4GFY
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AA5TB

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2023, 01:45:04 PM »

Just for the record, I have both a 2015 Nissan LEAF EV and a 2021 Chevy Bolt EV. Both have no detectable RFI at HF thru UHF, inside or outside the car, charging or driving. They are the most RFI quiet cars I’ve had. The L1/L2 chargers are actually inside the cars, the EVSE units that connect to the grid simply supply AC to the car and have protection circuitry.

I know of some older hybrids that are horrible. It is worth investigating and finding someone who has checked for RFI with a particular hybrid that you are interested in. There is no reason manufacturers can’t make them RF quiet.

73,
AA5TB
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WA3SKN

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Re: Hybrids and RFI
« Reply #13 on: February 19, 2023, 03:54:40 PM »

btw...
Busses are the worst!  They don't use sine wave generators to power the florescent lights.  You will hear the noise half a block away!

-Mike.
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