wireless computer -- overcoming interference?
 

I have a Sigma 1606L wireless bike computer I like a lot.
But
My magicShine light creates interference and makes it fail.
Is there a solution? Does the interfering noise come from the light or the battery?

I also have a Garmin 305 I use with a "Minty Boost" (http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/) USB charger.

It also creates interference that makes my Sigma fail. I'd really like to solve that problem.

Is there a solution?

Thanks, wizards!

yes, get a wired 1606L.

Your clever solution doesn't exactly overcome the interference between the wireless computer and the power supply, now does it?

Please don't derail question by turning it into a wired vs wireless discussion. I'm looking for info fixing a situation, not advice to buy more stuff.

I am not trying to derail and turn this into a wired vs wireless discussion. And my solution does overcome your problem. The fact is that wireless isn't all that great on these inexpensive computers. Most consumer electronics are built to accept interference, not prevent them. Now maybe a computer with digital wireless may be better but your still spending money that way and I'll bet somewhere along the way you going to find those get some interference also.

Your only options are to shield the computer or shield the light and battery, or both, or get a wired computer. You may try to reposition your computer and lights away from each other but you will probably still get interference.

I wasn't trying to be smart or sarcastic. Just truthful.

PS. I ordered the wired version of you computer after dealing with a Mavic wireless computer. wired = no problems.

MagicShine sucess. I moved the battery farther away from the computer. It's not as clean and tidy an installation, but it worked.

Interesting. I wonder whether these lights which cause problems are in violation of FCC EMI regulations. Low voltage digital electronics is now so common that this type of interference seems to be way too common.

I tried moving my MS light and computer, but only have so much space on my handlebars. I couldn't find a way to stop the interference, so I bought a new wired computer. Fortunately, wired computers are generally less expensive than wireless. You can buy Bell wired computers at places like Target and Walmart for less than $10.

I have the same computer, so while we're on the topic of interference: Sometimes I'd be riding along and my speed or cadence readouts would display 0. This usually resolves itself automatically after a couple of minutes. I sometimes untwist the computer from the mount and then reattach it; this forces the computer to redetect the sensors, and solves the problem as well. I can only assume this is due to some sort of environmental interference. Does anyone else get this?

My solution was to get a different computer, in particular one running on 2.4 GHz. I also took the opportunity to get cadence and HR, along with a backlit display and some other functions I hardly use.

Next time, I'll just go wired.

BTW, other things can cause interference with wireless computers. I got a cheapo wireless from Performance a while back that would get crazy readings whenever I passed under traffic lights. It would show top speeds of 100+ mph and throw off the time and average speed functions. My other wireless computers didn't have that problem, however.

Like you have already done, moving the computer or light away form each other is the only way. I have a CREE LED flashlight, and its interfered with my Sigma 1606L, moved the computer, but was unable to read it on the fly, but it kept a log for me when i stopped.

On the Sigma 1606L, I just removed mine from my bike. After about 1000 miles, parts of the screen started to disappear, email sigma and they sent me a new head unit free, so I applaud their great CS. But now the new computer is not working at 1500 miles. I think IF I ever get another computer (I don't think I care to), its going to have to be wired.

I will be sending them another email seeing if there is a way to reset the new unit, but I don't want to have to keep bugging them to send me new stuff. It should just work. I don't think I'm asking too much.

i would use some copper mesh as em shielding if you want to keep it good

Not familiar with the Magic Shine or Cree lights - these must have switching or resonant voltage regulators to maintain lamp performance as the batteries discharge and age?

This is why I use a Cateye wireless computer it works great.And my cateye light right by it too.I was going to go wired but my LBS said this one would work good so far he has been right.I have heard a lot of bad things about Sigma 1606L doing just what you said your did.But I would try to get my light away from my sigma160006L to see if that would help.If you have a front rack you could mount your light there that would move it as far as it could be from your sigma1606L.
My 2 cents

I've had success with one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-TBX01-T.../dp/B000FIAVN8 .

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

Sigma will have all new models for 2010. They've made several changes, including - I assume - the ability to sit next to a cheap Chinese light system without freaking out. (Pretty sad that the computer has to shield itself from the cheap light causing the problem, rather than the light company cleaning up it's act.)

I did a quick test and wrapped the battery in foil and that seemed to help shield the computer from interference. I am not sure if will cause a problem with the battery or not. It seems the circuitry in the battery may be the cause.

Yup, I use something similar, a no-name, cheaper knockoff. I installed my MagicShine and my low power blinky on this. It's far enough from the computer to get rid of interference.

Adam