billyho96

Can I use a ground loop isolator, on the commander, with out the direct imput installation (ie fm modulated)

Lung Fu Mo Shi

Could you be a bit more clear on what inputs you are using and what you're trying to do?

ortiz

Not clear on what your trying to do. but a GLI will helps eliminate electrical noise and hum caused by ground loops.

Usually caused by two power items grounded to the same source. (ei. Car engine and anything plug to the cigarette lighter playing through the car stereo).

billyho96

I don't know the setup. Audio Guy did it and I have bad alternator wind. It is a standard setup, I guess. I didn't have the snhond3.

Alternator wind sucks

ortiz

Are you talking about the radio/cd player producing noise when the car is on. Then yes a GLI can help. But if you payed someone to do it, take it back an tell them to fix it (Probably not a clean ground). Most decks should not need a GLI.

billyho96

The alternator wind is only when the xm is on and it is horrible. I live in a small town without a great shop.

The guy was like "well some times it just does that" and I'm like WTF?

I heard a GLI would stop the wind, but don't know if it can be used without the direct RCA (?) imput

ortiz

Their are different GLIs. However, I would check the ground off the XM (I am assuming that the XM component is seperate from the deck and has its own power). Ask him to change the ground to a different location or to the same ground as the deck.

Bass Mechanic

the alternator WHINE is caused by a difference in ground potential between the output of the XM commander and the INPUT pf the snhond3 adapter. the GLI will allow both to be electrically separate and have different grounds while still passing the signal from 1 unit to the other. this is done by using a transformer couple inside the GLI. it will completly eliminate the alternator WHINE sound and if your installer doesnt know that and how to fix it i think you got ripped off on that install service. i would make them fix it or get your money back.

ortiz

He doesn't have the SNHOND03.

Bass Mechanic

ahh then i dont know what would cause it. when i installed mine temporarly with the FM modulater there was just some hiss from the FM tuner. and i dont know if the XM would get a ground through the antenna connection of the fm modulator since it is a separate part from the commander unit. but if this is the case and the XM is not grounded then it may very well be the source of the noise.

billyho96

still, though can I use a GLI with the XM commander installation if I don't using snhond3 to connect. I really need help because I'll have to explain it to the audio guys.

Yes he sucks, but its the only one in town, and I don't know how to do it myself

ortiz

To really be able to tell you can you tell us exacally what you have put in your car. I know you said XM radio but how many parts did it come with? What did you buy? Try to include any connectors and cable you bought. Also is does it have an FM modulator or is it connected to your stereo (do you hit the AUX button or tune to a FM station).

billyho96

I have the delphi commander, FM modulated

Bass Mechanic

the Xm commander is actually made by Terk

vsokolov

stay away from groun loop isolator the problem is really either ground wire or power line and the worth of all if they install $3 shitty fm module most likely you just need a new fm module get an audovox fm module i've been installing them for about 5 years never had a problem

billyho96

Can someone translate this to a person who is not an audio/electronics person.

Dan Martin

Billyho,
I think he's trying to say that not all FM modulators are created equal. He would recommend an Audiovox FM modulator over anything else in the market.

Personally I have found that FM modulators work fairly well in rural areas but they get overwhelmed by stronger radio signals in the city. The SNHOND input is a far better solution than FM. Well worth the extra money.

ortiz

I think Dan has got part of it. The other part is to have the ground wire checked or ground it somewhere else.