Interesting XTS5000 battery/RFI problem

[Josh]

I don't know why, but the astro portable series really sucks on some bands and frequencies.

The Astro Spectra, Astro Saber, and XTS3000 on VHF all create birdies on 160.800, I believe it was the processor they used creating RFI that got back into the radio unless the antenna was separated by at least 10ft+, which isn't really possible for a portable to do and still be usable as a portable, same in the mobile setting, but this isn't about that.

I have an XTS5000 in front of me, H18KEF9PW6AN with factory tags, host/DSP 9, November 2003 build code (decoded from serial #). BRAVO122 processor.

Whenever I put a standard non-impres battery on it, the radio functions normally. This included an NTN8829AR ni-cad from 2004 and a Li-Ion NTN8610B from 2001.

When I put an IMPRES battery, part NNTN4435B 451 date code, I get interference in some form on all frequencies. Not only that but the radio puts out interference on yes, 160.800Mhz, which gets into my other radios including the mobile for a good 10-15'.

The only other IMPRES battery I have is a Li-Ion 4150 from 2007. I put it on the said radio and get no interference that I can easily replicate.

The problematic IMPRES battery works fine on my other XTS5k (same host/dsp, processor).

What could be causing this problem? I have tried changing the Ultra Narrow IF frequency filter with no/little luck. Seems that the only thing I can do is raise the squelch to a level high enough to get the interference to not unmute, but then I miss a lot of necessary VHF Simplex railroad communication too.

It would seem that maybe the best option is to either A) not use IMPRES batteries, or B) Buy a new IMPRES battery, but it would seem that this shouldn't be an issue at all. Interference created with the IMPRES battery has been noted not just on railroad frequencies in the 160-161, but also the low 150's.

Is there some filter that can be adjusted that can help keep processor noise out? I'm stumped.

[Pj]

I'd have to point to that single battery... I can't say that I have every had a problem with any ASTRO/XTL/XTS radio on that channel (or any of the ex-CR or RR channels in general). Could be a bad cell or board in that batttery.

Or, they are just not aligned properly...or even more...you have something going on near you or your vehicle that is throwing all sorts of RFI in general.

[Victor Xray]

Mike Gilbert and I have had similar problems with Impres batteries before, although our RFI was experienced in the form of desense. http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=63676

[Josh]

Mike Gilbert and I have had similar problems with Impres batteries before, although our RFI was experienced in the form of desense. http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=63676

Yeah, sounds about right. the IMPRES problem battery however is a NI-MH, another IMPRES battery that exhibited the same problems though was a Ni-Cad.

Desense or noise, most of the communications we use our XTS5k radio is conventional simplex CSQ. We aren't completely astro yet, even on PL guarded channels the RX LED would flash.

I guess the easy solution is a different IMPRES battery, preferably brand new.