I disconnected and no static. Plugged it back in and... no static. Then I got static after turning both sets of lights off then back on. Now if I turn on just the front I get two bars reception (as if receiving), then turning on the back creates static.Well, try this: Turn the radio on and the lights. Disconnect the antenna connector on the radio. If the static goes away, it's RF coming in from the coax or antenna. If it doesn't, it's coming in on the DC line.
If I turn squelch up to 6 I get no static at all. But with the handheld I can tap the lights (turned on) with the antenna and no static or any blips. I’m wondering if either the antenna or antenna mount is not properly installed or functioning. It seems like it has no resistance at all to interference. I’m going to pull out the magnet mount antenna tomorrow and try that out as well.