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Odometer Malfunction

Old 04-17-10, 10:13 PM
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Odometer Malfunction

So I am new to the road biking world and recently purchased a CATEYE Micro Wireless computer for my bike. I am having an issue with the odometer recording miles when the bike is still. For example overnight the bike will record 50 to 100 miles. I tried storing the computer in the closet away from my bike, then I tried leaving the computer on the bike and get the same results.

Any advice?
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Old 04-18-10, 06:54 AM
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Wireless is the problem. There's something in the environment that the receiver thinks is the transmitter. You can prove this by wrapping it completely in some aluminum foil. If that stops it, it's some kind of interference. If not, then the receiver is faulty.

If it's interference, it's not really a malfunction any more than it breaking when you hit it with a hammer is a malfunction. It's just one of the possible problems you may have when you decide to go with wireless.
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Old 04-18-10, 07:52 AM
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I have a wireless computer also and as soon as I remove it from the bike to record the data's on my laptop, the computer goes berserk and start recording and running wildly. Off the bike miles away from power lines and I get maximum reading of 76MPH and increases in other data such as total miles, avergae speed and time. So dissapointed with a wireless computer that I decided not to go with wireless on my next bike. I bought a cheap Schwinn computer at Walmart for $10.00 and basically collect the same data I wanted. It turns off when not receiving signal and keep most data accurate upon termination of a ride. It's possible that the wireless computer are getting intererence from my wireless laptop and cellphone. Before the computers, I was using a handheld GPS to record my speed, distance, travel time, average speed and max speed but when I get near a power line where a good part of the MUP is located, I also had runaway data recorded. so much for wireless.
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Old 04-18-10, 07:57 AM
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+ 1 on the Schwinn Computer
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Old 04-18-10, 08:39 AM
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Thanks for the great info ItsJustMe! I will definitely try the foil trick and see what I get. Does wireless internet typically cause this?
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Old 04-18-10, 11:04 AM
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Yes, I'd personally bet on wireless internet, especially if it's close to either the WAP or the computer (or some other wireless device like a Nintendo DS, iPod Touch, etc). But there are a lot of radio sources in any modern house. And with unlicensed radio devices such as this, there's no solution. The FCC's rules on unlicensed stuff is "if you interfere with a licensed operator, you have to shut your equipment off. But if anything else interferes with you, tough titties." Really, that's about all they can say. If it's your own stuff that's causing the trouble, it's possible you could physically move it or maybe change the channel that your wireless is working on.

First thing though is to confirm that it's interference. Then while you're sitting there watching it getting interfered with, try turning off all the wireless devices including your WAP. Of course, if you're very close to a neighbor with a WAP (like, in an apartment) it could be theirs causing the trouble. You really have no recourse if that's the case. I suppose you could cover the wall between your place and the neighbor's with aluminum foil, but that would probably just make you look like a nutter.
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Old 04-18-10, 09:35 PM
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is it analog wireless or digital wireless (ANT+)? my guess is because its the analog wireless type
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Old 04-18-10, 10:24 PM
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Alright so I reset my odometer this morning and then wrapped my computer in foil for the day, and it worked. No miles recorded over the day. So I guess I am going to have to work on what signal is actually causing the distrubance.

Not sure if this is analog or digital....
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