My 430W has worked very well over the last 6 months, however, just recently I started getting some crackling/interference on almost every reception. The range is still solid and have experienced no issues receiving any transmission, including enroute center frequencies over x-country. There is an occasional transmission that comes in without the crackling, but it is rare. The crackling is not enough to prevent hearing the transmission, but it is annoying. I have not yet asked if there is a problem with my transmission, but have not heard a single complaint from ATC or other pilots. The squelch has never been broken from this and I have noticed it happening when I know that I am close to other planes or a tower. Though it is universally less severe when close.
My other radio (KY-96) does not exhibit this behavior, but I don't like using it as it has no sidetone and I don't like not hearing my voice on transmissions (I haven't really dug into why it doesn't work as it is my backup and don't transmit on it much).
I flew through the rain the other day and I think this is when it started. However, I don't believe that I get any leakage in the area of the 430W and had no other issues with the radio, including shooting an approach with it.
I am currently thinking it's an antenna ground issue, but haven't really dug into it yet. I re-torqued all of the bolts during my condition inspection a couple of months ago.
I will swap antenna's before my next flight to see if the problem follows it.
I appreciate any guidance from the experts.
Larry
My other radio (KY-96) does not exhibit this behavior, but I don't like using it as it has no sidetone and I don't like not hearing my voice on transmissions (I haven't really dug into why it doesn't work as it is my backup and don't transmit on it much).
I flew through the rain the other day and I think this is when it started. However, I don't believe that I get any leakage in the area of the 430W and had no other issues with the radio, including shooting an approach with it.
I am currently thinking it's an antenna ground issue, but haven't really dug into it yet. I re-torqued all of the bolts during my condition inspection a couple of months ago.
I will swap antenna's before my next flight to see if the problem follows it.
I appreciate any guidance from the experts.
Larry