ColinR
regular
Reged: 23/10/2001
Posts: 106
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I recently put an LED bulb in my all round white masthead light. It was supplied to fit an Aquasignal light. It works fine but for some reason causes bad static on the VHF. It only affects the main VHF, not the handheld or HF radio. Its on a different circuit from the VHF. I also have an LED anchor light, that plugs into a cigar lighter type socket and that doesn't cause any problem. Any ideas why and how to fix it, otherwise I'll be putting the original bulb back.
Thanks, Colin
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VicS
regular
Reged: 13/07/2002
Posts: 8914
Loc: Home: Kent. Boat: Chichester
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I think it is a problem that has been mentioned before! I reckon you should complain to the suppliers.
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Old Chemists never die, they just fail to react
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William_H
regular
Reged: 28/07/2003
Posts: 3499
Loc: West Australia
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LED bulbs with multiple actual LEDs get more efficiency by regulating the current with a switch mode type controller. This means that the power is switched at high frequencies (up to a few megahertz) The switching is very rapid such that harmonics of the switching frequency are generated. Usually this high frequency energy is contained in the fitting and stopped from radiating on the power line by capacitors and inductors.
I guess the proximity of the antenna to the LED fitting is the problem.
I would assume that if you disconnect the antenna cable from the VHF that all interference stops. Indicating that it is coming down the antenna cable. If it is still present then it may be coming in via the power wiring.
If it is coming in via the power wiring then capacitors across both the wires to the LED and the wires to the VHF power might help. Use capacitors around .1 microfarrad rated at 200 volts or more wired from +ve to-ve. Better filtering can be done by winding a few turns of the power wire around a ferrite core with another capacitor on each end of the inductor to ground -ve.
Ferrite is a black hard substance found in the aerial rod of an old transistor radio or in doughnut shapes in computers especially power supplies or can be bought cheaply from electronics suppliers.The ferrite increases the inductance of a simple coil by many times as it is made of finely divided magnetic material like iron dust.
Having said all this the LED should have interference suppression as I described likewise the input circuits of the VHF so you may have to change the bulb back to incandescent or move the aerial. olewill
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ColinR
regular
Reged: 23/10/2001
Posts: 106
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Many thanks for this but its gettting a bit too complicated. I also assumed the proximity of the bulb to the antenna is the issue and I think I will put the original bulb back and use the LED for my stern light. This is sold as a direct replacement for the masthead light and as that is where everyone has their VHF antenna it should be highlighted as an issue as its not really fit for purpose.
Colin
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Jonny_H
regular
Reged: 15/08/2006
Posts: 1495
Loc: Me - Newcastle, Boat - Fleetwo...
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Colin,
I am looking to put LED lights in my Aquasignal mast head and was concerned about this - could you let me know which company you got the bulb from so I can try a different one instead!
I'll report back whether another company's product is any better!
Jonny
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www.freewebs.com/jksailing
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jackho
regular
Reged: 22/03/2003
Posts: 248
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That's a very good point you have raised and deserves some "airing".
I agree your aerial is picking up interference from the "electronics" within the LED
array. I also suspect this may give similar problems elswhere eg close to GPS antenna ??? An interesting one to follow up.
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varne27mojo
regular
Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 193
Loc: Hampshire UK
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I assume from all that's been said so far that light bulbs are excluded from CE marking? Otherwise, RF radiation/interference should be designed out and tested. Off the top of my head, I can't remember where I put the CE standard - anyone out there an expert?
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webcraft
regular
Reged: 08/07/2001
Posts: 4191
Loc: al shop for local people
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I had the same problem.
We have an Aquasignal combined masthead tri and anchor light, and I fitted a 10W equivalent LED for the anchor light several years ago with great results and no problems - it means you can leave it on all night and ignore the current drain.
I eventually got a 25W equivalent for the tricolour fitting, and had exactly the same problem. The manufacturer said I was the only one to experience this, which seems unlikely. However, I do know that the McMurdo DSC set we have is particularly sensitive compared to most sets on the market today (was told by a former McMurdo tech guy) so perhaps it is dependent on the VHF set.
We eventually gave up and went back to the standard bulb, but is anyone comes up with a definite fix for this PLEASE PM me as I hate having to run the engine unnecessarily when the sailing is good!
Anyone wants to know which brand of LED was involved can PM me.
- W
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Comprehensive UK sail cruising website
BlueMoment - blown away into the blue . . .
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ColinR
regular
Reged: 23/10/2001
Posts: 106
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The company is mastproducts.com I had a look on their website and contacted their UK distributor Calibra Marine who replied immediately that it was a problem with early ones, since resolved and put a replacement in the post. I will check it this weekend. Their response was very good so I hope the new bulb is ok.
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Jonny_H
regular
Reged: 15/08/2006
Posts: 1495
Loc: Me - Newcastle, Boat - Fleetwo...
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Wow - sounds impressive customer service - do let us know how the new one performs as this is something on my 'to-do' list for the next couple of weeks.
Jonny
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www.freewebs.com/jksailing
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