Hum from LED Controller

[DJMattyT]

If your tied to the courtesy lights, it is not direct from the battery, as Yamaha loops their power and jumpers it from one system to another on a single home run, except for accessories. So using them as a power source could be your issue. I ran a power supply cable to a separate switch panel. Mine didn't hum, so I can only offer what I have said. I agree with @Bruce , you can't isolate the ground, but you can isolate the power supply. And you can also install a ground loop isolator, a cheap fix and might help. They are typically used to reduce engine noise in the sound system. But as stated, all grounds are essentially connected, so it might help.

Ahh gotcha that looks like my next move if a different controller doesn't work then I have to bypass the courtesy light switch. Or run my own power to that then loop out of that

 

[txav8r]

You sure don't need much of a cable from the batteries to run a simple LED light setup. I ran a 10awg because I ran a number of accessories off of the sub panel I installed. You absolutely should install a fuse, but you don't nessessarily have to have a switch. I would run this to the battery switch rather than the battery itself, to avoid any parasitic battery drain. When the switch is off, all batteries are off.

 

[Scuba_ref]

Is your LED controller connected to the stereo via an audio input?

I had a similar ground loop issue caused by using a Raspberry Pi as an audio input. My solution was to use a Toslink fiber audio cable to connect the Pi's output to the Fusion head unit with a fiber to RCA converter in the middle.

This broke the ground loop. I also used a ground loop isolator that worked well but reduced the input level.

My LED controller is using it's internal microphone to synchronize with the music.

@Bruce where did you place your controller in relation to speakers? I have the same controller and will be installing it in the next few weeks...I was wondering where I was going to put it so the microphone will pick up the music over other boat noises.

 

[swatski]

@Bruce where did you place your controller in relation to speakers? I have the same controller and will be installing it in the next few weeks...I was wondering where I was going to put it so the microphone will pick up the music over other boat noises.

Also, do you use that knob on the controller at all? Is it on/off or just for tuning the music? I understand your "eject" switch powers the gizmo and LEDs, right?

 

[Bruce]

My LED controller is located in the console.

The knob is only for sensitivity adjustment. All other changes are made via the remote.

The "eject" switch was an unused switch in an 8 switch panel. It is fun to see people debate whether or not they should push it.

 

[Scuba_ref]

My LED controller is located in the console.

The knob is only for sensitivity adjustment. All other changes are made via the remote.

The "eject" switch was an unused switch in an 8 switch panel. It is fun to see people debate whether or not they should push it.

So that is not near any of the factory speaker locations...do you have additional speakers installed?

 

[Bruce]

It is pretty sensitive. I do have a speaker installed in the drivers feet area. I think it would be fine in there regardless.

 

[Scuba_ref]

Thanks @Bruce

 

[DJMattyT]

Just a little update, I took out my original remote and added a small BS $6 remote from Amazon and it got rid of the loud hum but when the stereo is ALL the way up there is a small noise but not nearly as bad as it was. This controller has horrible reviews and to be honest I don't know if it would last in marine conditions. My Wetsounds controller comes in tomorrow but I think I'm going to immediately return it and get the same one as listed above here by Bruce.

 

[DJMattyT]

 

[DJMattyT]

@Bruce I just got the wet sounds in the mail and it seems like the remote is pairing up with it or something. Only green is blinking and seems to be on sound mode? I can't get the remote to work

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce I just got the wet sounds in the mail and it seems like the remote is pairing up with it or something. Only green is blinking and seems to be on sound mode? I can't get the remote to work

I saw that Wetsounds had remote pairing instructions. Mine simply worked out of the box. Wetsounds may have chosen a different remote to allow for multiple controllers in the same space.

 

[Matt Phillips]

Two thoughts come to mind:

My first would be ground as has been described above. This is a good avenue to pursue.

My second would be on that Wi-Fi controller. It is very likely that this controller is running on the 2.4 GHz frequency which is a very noisy frequency subject to interference from a multitude of other devices. Just like in a home environment, if there's a channel selector switch, try 1,6, or 11.

 

[DJMattyT]

The Wetsounds controller was just way too much for a single colored LED boat. It was so hard going through functions while only using 1 color so I am going to stick with this little BS remote. Now the reviews on it are bad but I really like the functions on it for single color. So I am buying a 2nd maybe even 3rd as spares to keep in my glovebox and I bought fully waterproof quick disconnects, so if this thing shits out like reviews stated, then I will have 2 backups! Call me crazy but for $6 each I figured it's worth it. I just have to hit the ends of these disconnects with some silicone because they wouldn't shrink small enough.

 

[Bill D]

@DJMattyT i have used that same controller for a couple land based applications and they have done swell. Estimated 6-8 hours per day for close to 6 months now with no issues.

Keep it dry and I assume you'll have the same results.

 

[swatski]

@DJMattyT So - the youtube clip Scarab 195 HOI LED's above is with this $6 gizmo, right? I'm getting one! (or two, LOL)

 

[DJMattyT]

@DJMattyT So - the youtube clip Scarab 195 HOI LED's above is with this $6 gizmo, right? I'm getting one! (or two, LOL)

Yup that's it!