Mr. Underbridge

I've got a db4LW wireless computer. Fairly low-end, picked it up at performance, been using it for a few months with no problems. Worked during commute home yesterday, and commute in this morning. No problem.

Last night however, when the bike was parked in its usual spot, the computer was acting wonky for a couple of hours. It kept picking up intermittent signals from...something...and every few seconds would think it was moving at about 5-10 miles an hour.

This isn't an earth shattering problem, but it has me curious. The microwave oven was not in use. We have a wireless internet router, but the bike never has responded to it before.

The only thing different I can think of was a decent rainstorm, but no lightning strikes. Can they generate enough RF to get a response from a wireless pickup?

Not a big deal, just curious.

JTGraphics

You most likely have an electrical box or something near by.
Here is an old thread with a little more info:
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/280258-wireless-computer-reliability-test-w-cell-phone.html

Mr. Underbridge

Interesting. I can say there's no junction box nearby, but it certainly shows these things are a little more touchy than I thought. Also, this is the bike's usual parking spot and this behavior is completely new (as far as I can tell). The only other time I see anything like it is when I get the bike near our RFID card readers at work (and then the thing oscillates between 54, 52, and 71 mph). But this was happening at home.

Thanks for the link, my search skills appear to have failed fail me.

dck

I've got one of those on one of my bikes. It's racked-up about 5,000 miles in the last couple weeks hanging in the garage.

tpelle

I have one on my bike, which lives in the family room right next to the son's rack of computer stuff - network switches, wireless access point, DHCP router, file server, and various and sundry other computers. No problems at all. The only problem I had was the magnet for the cadence function on the left crankarm slipping out of position. Otherwise OK.

vpiuva

I've noticed when I've had my bike in a stand but with the front wheel locked with the magnet close to the sensor I will get intermittent low speed readings. What was your wheel orientation?

SonataInFSharp

I had a wireless computer that picked up so much darn interference that it was inaccurate and unusuable, so I went back to a normal wired computer from Target and it's perfect.

Mr. Underbridge

Interesting, hadn't thought of that. I *think* it was away from the sensor and I remember spinning it once to see if it was working as usual when moving (it was). So unless it found the sensor both times, probably not? However, I've since ridden it, so I can't know for sure.

I may get a chance for a test of my thunderstorm theory, we're looking to have another today.

nickf829

ive got the same comp with the same problem. when i take my bike into town and run errands it goes nuts outside of stores with metal detectors. ill go in for half an hour and come back with 35-40 miles averaging over 70mph, and i don't even break a sweat! it must be time to move onto a more challenging sport, like pinochle

Winter76

The reviews here: https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1181791560902

also agree that this device is prone to interferance.

z415

I've had problems like that. Mine tells me that I fly about at 200mph if I have it on in my car.

Winter76

ummm ewww?