Bright lights & Garmins

Iamnot Wiggins

I run an old Light & Motion LiON light and I used to run a cateye wireless computer. However, as the light was so bright, it blocked the signal from the sensor on the forks to the computer and rendered it pretty much useless during the winter!

As Garmins don't use any sensors per se, should I worry about the same thing happening? Has anybody has a similar expereince with a bright light/Garmin combo?

APIII

Not heard of that happening before. I use a Lupine Wilma (1500w) and a garmin 705 without issue.

Iamnot Wiggins

Thank you.

I'm probably going to get an Edge 500 so as long as there's no issues then I should be good to go!

gixer5

I use some AyUp lights and a Garmin 800 without any problems.

keef66

I suspect my Fenix torch is interfering sporadically with my cheapo Halfords wireless computer. Sometimes it records a shorter distance for a loop I know the length of. However, as it's dark I cannot see the computer display while on the bike so I don't know if it's going dead for part of the route or simply getting it's sums wrong.

It doesn't worry me to the extent I'd consider a garmin instead though

LangerDan

My old Light & Motion Stella played merry havoc with my old Polar computer, particularly when on flashing mode. Have had no problems with the current Garmin alongside a Knog, a Lezyne or a Supernova

apreading

My Garmin 800 is almost touching my cheapo magicshine clone and the backup torch on the other side - never skipped a beat. However, I must admit I havent tried using the HRM monitor with the lights on (as I rarely use it anyway) and havent yet fitted my cadence sensor - so whether their wireless communication would be affected, I cannot say.

drlodge

My Garmin 800 is right next to my Leyzene Super Drive, I use the HRM too and it hasn't skipped a beat.

MattC59

It's not the brightness (as you mention) that causes the issue, it's the light source. I can't remember the name of that lamp type, but the problem that you mention was common with all makes that use that type. The circuitry driving the light source causes RF interference, confusing or blocking the signal.

I've got Hope Vision2 lights and an Edge800, I've never had an issue with signal being blocked. You should be fine with any modern light.

fish156

Used to be more of a problem with older sensors - before things went to higher frequency, e.g. 2.4GHz.

Worst was running a LED on a lower setting, since this effectively turns the light on and off very rapidly at a particular frequency that upset older sensors, e.g. The Polar 200 I used to own.

Iamnot Wiggins

keef66 wrote:

I suspect my Fenix torch is interfering sporadically with my cheapo Halfords wireless computer. Sometimes it records a shorter distance for a loop I know the length of. However, as it's dark I cannot see the computer display while on the bike so I don't know if it's going dead for part of the route or simply getting it's sums wrong.

It doesn't worry me to the extent I'd consider a garmin instead though

That's not the reason I'm considering one by the way. Just getting ideas together for Xmas!

redvee

Garmin 800 with Fenix L2D and Magicshine with no issues at all including HRM use.