High Pitched Noise in 2007 23' Safari

[mikenicholso]

I searched the forum and didn't find a hit, so I'll start a new thread.

I am just back from our first long trip (3000 miles to Maine and back). But during the trip the wife and kids really complained anytime the lights were turned on as they heard a high pitched noise. Being over 40 I heard nothing and was happy as a clam, but when Momma aint' happy my joy quickly fades as well.

I have the source traced down to the fuse panel next to the heater. But have NO idea why or what to do about it. As long as all the lights are off, we are fine, but once any of the lights are turned on, they tell me the noise starts.

Any suggestions would be most welcome, as I really do like having them along for the trips.

Mike

[Wayne&Sam]

It is probably the cooling fan on the converter. It comes on as needed when the batteries are being charged so you should only notice in when on shore power. If it really comes on every time you turn on the lights and stays on the entire time, you might have some weak batteries. Normally the fan should cycle on and off.

[mikenicholso]

Unfortunately the fans works fine and the high frequency noise is not effected by it. The noise does not cycle with the on and off of the fan. But thanks for your feedback, I need help with this one.

[Wayne&Sam]

In an older SOB I had there was a noise, higher than the fan that was constant. It was a part that needed a nudge to make it stop, at least for a while. But I've never had that with my AS.

[Phoenix]

Some humming sounds can come from magnetic components on printed circuit boards, like transformers and toroid coils. Also, some capacitors may also vibrate or "sing".

You might try to make a stethiscope type device out of an empty paper towel tube or a piece of garden hose so that you can snoop around and locate the origin of the sound. If it is a printed circuit board (like on the converter or some other power supply), you may be able to stake down the heavier components (big heavy coils, transformers, etc.) on the board with hot melt glue.

Note: Be careful around converter and inverter PCBs, as they have 110 volts on them and can cause electrocution.

[tallytwo1994]

Your sure it's not the lights making the noise?

[subfan1]

Bad transformers or overloaded transformers make a humming noise. Try turning everything on and then turn each breaker off until you isolate the ckt making the noise. An open capacitor might be the problem as well. Do you have a multimeter?

[A-Merry-Can]

my wizzard makes different pitch sounds based off load. Especially the overhead lights. Not sure why. I never noticed it when the converter was hidden in a cabinet, but now that I'm renovating ant it's out in the open, it's kinda noticeable. Not sure what to do, though. Good luck!

[tpi]

I had a high pitch squeal from the Parallax 7355 converter when the cooling fan failed. It would overheat and go into some kind of protection mode, and at that point it made a very high frequency noise.

If you have the Parallax converter I strongly suspect it is the source of the noise. You may be able to get it replace under warranty. If not they aren't that hard to replace and cost a couple hundred.

[5cats]

I suspect a converter going bad as well.

In my case, I chucked the Parallax 7355 for a Xantrex XADC.
-jd.

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by mikenicholso

Unfortunately the fans works fine and the high frequency noise is not effected by it. The noise does not cycle with the on and off of the fan. But thanks for your feedback, I need help with this one.

You just have to start shutting things down one at a time and with the help of the younger ears to hear when it stops. It still may he the converter not necessarily the fans. Many thing can cause a high tone pitch, propane going to the orifice on the ice box, the propane regulator and son. Isolate the system then trace the offending system, propane, electrical, even the water system. Best of luck. Look for loose electrical connections, and grounding points also.

[mikenicholso]

I should have mentioned that it stops when I flip off the circuit breaker to the lights.

The converter maybe going bad. But since I bought the 2007 trailer used this summer, I doubt there would be any warranty.

Since I can't hear it, and it keeps the kids out I may just wait for it to fail.

[AnnieMae2004]

You might have a bad ballast transformer for your lights!!. Try only turning on the incadescent lights for a sound check.
If the noise is associated with the florescence lights check the ballast to insure it is secure and away from any metal. If all is good then try to isolate the specific ballast by deduction.
I have a 2004 30 ft Classic and have been a fultimer for 7 years to date and have not experienced a light problem with my unit. However I have noticed the florescence operating responding differently when I am off shore power.

Do you think the frequency would work for Mother-in-Laws?? Hummmmm.

Good Luck

Mike

[astewart]

Most coverters now use a switching power supply cct which uses high frequency (rather than the older 60hz hum from traditional power supplies). We used to find the offending coil (be careful - high voltages) by tapping with a plastic alignment rod and then use laquer or nail polish to fix the loose wires to stop the oscillation. If it's not under warranty you may want to get the unit replaced anyway (eventually the coil will fail from fatigue). Switching ccts are load dependant which is why you don't have a problem without the lights.

Good luck!

[mikenicholso]

Thanks all for the continued review and suggestions. I will post when I am able to take some action to future investigate and resolve.

[mikenicholso]

Thanks to everyone who responded! The problem has been resolved.... It was the converter so a tip of the hat to those suggested it. I replaced the stock Parallax 7355 with a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power PD4655 with the included DC distribution board all from Industrial Communication Solutions - B&B Electronics. The installation was a cinch, with one little gotcha. The amount of main line wire would not reach the new positions of the terminals. Then I realized there was plenty of length once I looked behind the converter via the water pump cabinet door. loosening the wire clap and sliding some additional wire was all that was required. Now I have a multi-stage charging system and a very quiet camper. Wife and kids are very pleased, so thanks again to all - Mike

[AirsDream]

Sounds like a good fix - congrats on getting it done ... nice to have helpful hints from those who know what they're talking about, and on these Forums there is a lot of "been there, done that" sort of advice that is incredibly useful.

[FLYNCLD]

I thought for a minute there the "high -pitched whine" could be coming from the wife & kids and was wondering if you had tried removing them! But it sounds like you got it fixed!