Lights disrupting cycle computer
#1
Bad example
Thread Starter
Lights disrupting cycle computer
I have a wireless CatEye Vectra computer for my bikes. Since I got it, it sometimes would not work, no matter what I did. Today I finally realized that when I turned on my handlebar light, the computer stopped. I tested it a bit and discovered that if I moved the light away from the computer, it would start working again.
Unfortunately, I don't have quite enough width on my bars to move the light or computer. I suppose I could move the light somewhere else on the bike, but I'd rather leave it where it is. Would it be possible to shield the computer or light somehow to prevent the interference? Or can anyone suggest a different solution?
Thank you!
Unfortunately, I don't have quite enough width on my bars to move the light or computer. I suppose I could move the light somewhere else on the bike, but I'd rather leave it where it is. Would it be possible to shield the computer or light somehow to prevent the interference? Or can anyone suggest a different solution?
Thank you!
#2
Senior Member
Not really any good solutions other than: move the light (may not be a good solution), or use a wired computer. It's an issue with anything that creates a magnetic field, so even a dyno light mounted on the handlebar would cause the same issue. FWIW, you could try to fabricate/use an off-the-shelf crown mount for your light. It may help, it may not.
#3
Bad example
Thread Starter
Not really any good solutions other than: move the light (may not be a good solution), or use a wired computer. It's an issue with anything that creates a magnetic field, so even a dyno light mounted on the handlebar would cause the same issue. FWIW, you could try to fabricate/use an off-the-shelf crown mount for your light. It may help, it may not.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: N. California
Posts: 158
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL6, Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5+
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 37 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
6 Posts
Ran into a similar incompatibility here. An STS computer that generally froze with LED bike lights, particularly in flash modes. After enough frustration gave up an got a newer Ant+ computer, a Bontrager Node 2.1. That computer works fine with both a Bontrager ION 700 headlight, a Blaze 2 watt headlight & a Cyglolight Hotshot taillight in any mode. (Am using Hr strap + DuoTrap speed/cadence sensors). Computer is mounted on the stem with a headlight on either side mounted to the bar.
Last edited by BarryVee; 12-22-15 at 11:26 PM. Reason: Add mount info
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,826
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2568 Post(s)
Liked 1,889 Times
in
1,185 Posts
If it's a battery light and you're running it in flash mode, don't do that. Run the light in the brightest mode it's got, so you don't have any current switching going on, which would also generate magnetic fields.
If it's a dyno light, you might want to look into replacing the light wire(s) with coax cables, like the SON wires. The coax might provide enough shielding to let the speedo work.
If it's a dyno light, you might want to look into replacing the light wire(s) with coax cables, like the SON wires. The coax might provide enough shielding to let the speedo work.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,440
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1816 Post(s)
Liked 3,311 Times
in
1,555 Posts
.....
Unfortunately, I don't have quite enough width on my bars to move the light or computer. I suppose I could move the light somewhere else on the bike, but I'd rather leave it where it is. Would it be possible to shield the computer or light somehow to prevent the interference? Or can anyone suggest a different solution?
Thank you!
Unfortunately, I don't have quite enough width on my bars to move the light or computer. I suppose I could move the light somewhere else on the bike, but I'd rather leave it where it is. Would it be possible to shield the computer or light somehow to prevent the interference? Or can anyone suggest a different solution?
Thank you!
Adding shielding to the light needs to be done in the right way. It should be done at the circuit itself and connected to the battery negative. However, it needs to be done at the circuit board.
The noise can also be radiated from any wires leaving the circuit board, so a similar shield should be added around these wires.
I do this sort of thing for a living, and it's rarely a simple solution. There are no regulations for this sort of problem, so the manufacturers of lights and bike computers have no guidelines to design to. I'd suggest contacting the light manufacturer and see if they know that their light is causing problems and see if they can suggest a fix. Perhaps they can even swap it for a part that doesn't emit so much noise??
The alternatives have already been discussed.. moving the light away from the bike computer or switching to a wired bike computer... or moving the computer's transmitter closer to the receiver.
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Sigma 16.12 STS CAD computer and the sensors are on the left side of the unit. Long story short, my light (niterider 550 or 750) is now on the right side of the bars and I have no problems with a previously malfunctioning computer.
#9
Bad example
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone. @kingsleadhat, I'll definitely give it a try!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Solo44
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
3
11-04-13 12:31 PM
Fleet59
Road Cycling
2
03-28-11 06:46 AM