Cycle Computer

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  • the_hundredth_idiot
    the_hundredth_idiot Posts: 813
    I've solved the problem ...

    ... or, at least, I think I've identified the problem. I checked over everything (again) last night and it all seems fine when I'm at home:

    - the magnet passes very close to the sensor,
    - I can hear a faint clicking when the magnet passes the sensor,
    - the sensor is about 40 cm from the computer (i.e. within the 60 cm specified in the instructions),
    - batteries in both are fine (tested with my little voltmeter thingy),
    - the computer shows a little flashing wireless symbol, indicating that it is receiving a signal from the sensor.

    So I sat back to think about this problem. Why is it only a problem on the way home on an evening and not on the way to work on a morning. And then, almost literally, :idea: : the difference is whether my front light is switched on or off (at the moment, I cycle to work in daylight and cycle home in darkness). That is, something about the light (a Cateye EL510, I think) is interfering with the signal.

    So I tested it this morning by riding in with my front light on - and the computer wasn't accurate. The actual distance is 6.04 miles measured regularly on two different bikes with two different computers. My trips home with this new computer have registered between 4.66 miles and 5.26 miles. The trip to work this morning with the light on registered 5.80 miles (previous mornings have registered 6.04 miles).

    I don't know why the light would interfere with the signal but it does seem to be the problem. Has anyone else come across this or could explain why it might interfere? Or is it just as simple as it being electrical circuits next to each other?

    The solution is obvious (I guess) in as much as I need to move the light. Where to, I'm not sure as computer on the stem and light to the right of it on the bars seems the obvious place. I might see if moving the light to the left of the stem makes a difference (i.e. opposite direction to the "line of sight" between the sensor and the computer).

    Thanks again for all your suggestions.
    Never be tempted to race against a Barclays Cycle Hire bike. If you do, there are only two outcomes. Of these, by far the better is that you now have the scalp of a Boris Bike.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    I'm sorry, some wireless computers are prone to this interference. I have used VDO, Cyclosport and a Cateye HR200 DW (with heart rate) and all of these have been fine with LED lights.
  • Redpudding
    Redpudding Posts: 11
    DW01 wrote:
    Redpudding wrote:
    I got one of those Lidl 'puters with HRM but I noticed last weekend when I put on the front light the screen went blank! some kinda electricinterference I assume but don't see any way to sort this as I cant really shift the poition of light or the 'puter screen. any suggestions other than the obvious...cycle in the dark!!!

    Redpudding, did you find that the hrm part of it worked? i bought one the other day and its brilliant apart from that which i just couldn't get working... Any ideas or tips?

    Nothing worked after I sweitched on the light. Bwefore that all was working fine. No tips really I just followed the instruction book regarding HRM and seemed to work OK. U need to input your weight sex etc tho'. Did u mind on that?

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