Woodyg3

So I've been out 3 times with my new wireless computer. The first time all was fine. The next two, I got ridiculous max speeds and my total distance was off. I was riding with my runner's GPS watch so I could test the distance calibration on the new computer. Is there any way that the GPS unit could possibly interfere with the wireless computer signal? I'm thinking not, and that it is buried power lines or stop light sensors or something similar that is screwing with my computer, but I thought I'd ask.

bumperm

One good way to isolate the source of possible electrical interferance is to shut down other stuff. In this case, while your cycle computer is missbehaving, turn off the GPS. Does the cycle computer recover it's senses? Repeat to confirm.

And yes, it's possible for the two devices to refuse to co-exist peacefully, while another GPS may not be a problem at all. Generally, GPS devices aren't particularly noisy, but any device with a CPU or switching power supply, or RF transmitter may be guilty.

bumper

robertkat

Agreed with bumper, the two just may not like each other. Did you have a head light? I know that LED headlights can cause interference with a wireless computer.

thompsonpost

My cell phone disturbs my wireless VDO. Maybe yours too.

YOJiMBO20

Whenever I stop at a few certain lights I look down and see my current speed is about 99.8 even though I'm not moving.

My vote is for light sensors. They are magnetic fields, after all.

Boudicca

This is the reason I've given up on wireless computers. It was nice to think I could ride at 56 km/h on a gentle incline, but it didn't match reality. I hadn't thought of light sensors, but there are streetcars, car radios, traffic signals, cellphones. No clue which made it go haywire, but something sure did.

(Maybe it was my charismatic, electromagnetic personality)

dorkypants

The sales guy at my local Performance Bike store warned me that their house brand wireless computers would register crazy max. speed readings. According to him cellphone towers are what affects them.

thompsonpost

Turn your phone on and pass it by the back of your computer. 95 max. 59 average.

Woodyg3

Yeah, I did have my cell phone with me, too, and hadn't thought of that. We live in a world of electronic gizmos these days. I'm thinking I might not mind a little wire wrapped around my fork so much any more. It looks kinda' dumb, but at least it works.

Woodyg3

And the computer I have is one of their Ascent brand units. My max speed yesterday was 100 mph and the total distance was 15 on a route I know is 12. Well, at least it was cheap...

BobLoblaw

Add those 'invisible fence' dog barriers to the list of things that screw up wireless devices. I can tell when I pass one because my HR suddenly hits 228.

BL