HID light interference with wireless computer?
 

Will the HID type of lights cause inerference with the wireless computers? I have been shopping for a new light with high output and was considering the HID type. However, I ran into a guy this week that said his his wireless computer would not work whenever he turned his HID light on. He suspected the HID light produced too much RF noise that was overriding his wireless signal. Has anyone else had this experience with the HID or any other high output lighting system?

from what i've read yes, they do cause interference....or was that with a hrm?

but check in the mtn bike forum, a few guys have them there (thats where I saw the info) and will be able to help if no one else chimes in here.....

I haven't looked at the manual in awhile, but I seem to recall my L&M HID light had a warning that it could interfere with wireless cyclocomputers (I think if they were placed too closely together). Since I don't have a wireless cyclocomputer, I didn't pay much attention to it....

But now that you mention it, I just checked L&M's FAQs (5th question down), and it does say that electromagnetic interference from the HID will prevent a wireless computer from working. Their suggestion is to mount the computer at least a foot away from the light.

I just bought the Light & Motion ARC HID light, and it says in the manual:

"The HID lamp used in the ARC emits a weak electromagnetic field and will interfere with some wireless cycle computers and heart rate monitors."

I dont have a wireless computer, so I havent seen that happen though.

I run my L&M HID right next to my Cateye double wireless. Zero issues.

I don't have a HID, but one of the guys I ride with loses all computer whenever he uses his.

Thanks for the input. Guess I need to investigate further before I invest big bucks.

I think it's an issue they've worked about. My Cateye is literally one inch from the light. Perhaps it's brand specific.

niterider interfiers with almost everything...

Wheee, thanks. Just got the cateye and planning to add HID in Sept. One less thing to worry about.

I'm not an EMI expert, but the metal casing of the L&M models may help limit the EMI. Niterider uses plastic... very tough plastic, but still not metal.

It may depend on if the computer is digital or analog.






corgi powered lights have no EMI