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Author Topic: Radio Interference  (Read 1708 times)
Malkozaine
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Posts: 78


Lake County, Illinois


« on: June 05, 2022, 10:09:57 PM »

So I have a 99 Interstate.  I replaced the headlights, all four turn signals, and two of the brake lights with LEDs.  Now my radio can get a ton of static that I assume is from the LEDS.  It's can be even worse when I use my turn signals.  So my assumption is either I am getting noise from all the LEDs and/or the digital relay for the turn signals.  Would these clipped to the lights wires help out, or does anyone else have any advice:

Tamicy 60 Pieces Clip-on Ferrite Ring Core RFI EMI Noise Suppressor Cable Clip for 3mm/ 5mm/ 7mm/ 9mm/ 13mm Diameter/Video Cable Power Cord (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BPHCXR3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_7B9SZ3461V00AQMP0QEG
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Jims99
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Posts: 804


Ormond Beach Fl.


« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2022, 05:03:19 AM »

Same issues here, and have not found a solution yet. I’ve tried different ferrites with no differences. I mostly Bluetooth from phone but would like to be able to listen to radio again. Reception was never great anyway.
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The light at the end of the tunnel, is a train.
99 tourer
00 interstate
97 standard
91 wing
78 trail 70
Bagger John - #3785
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Posts: 1952



« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2022, 05:21:52 AM »

The problem with most automotive LED assemblies (including many driving lights, such as the Clearwater series) is they use a PWM (pulse width modulator) to control the light's power factor. If you look at the applied waveform at the LEDs themselves with a scope, you'll see a square wave.

Circuits generating square waves are notorious propagators of harmonics. Some radio receivers take advantage of this and use the principle in calibrator circuits; such designs can produce accurately-spaced harmonics well into the VHF region.

Over the years I've battled the EMI/RFI dragon quite often when swapping from incandescent to LED lighting. The vast majority of problems are localized to the higher-power devices: Head and spotlights/driving lights. I've never encountered a noisy LED taillight, turn signal or instrument bulb.

Snap-on chokes are marginally effective at limiting EMI. I have a couple of Concours 14s, each with Clearwater Glenda (fork mount) driving lights. These bikes are also equipped with CB and amateur radio transceivers. For a while I was buying snap-on ferrites by the pound, to little avail. The issue ultimately lies with the fact that EMI must be contained within the device that's generating it, and not allowed to propagate along the power wiring - which effectively becomes an antenna. Snap-on ferrites come in different mixes (each of which works better at some frequencies than others) and without knowing the mix type, permeability and the nature of the EMI itself it's a crap shoot at best.

Search the 1500 Tech Board for a thread I posted last year about how to suppress EMI/RFI with a Daymaker headlight. That should give us a reference point to design a solution for your noise problem.

ETA:

Quote
It can be even worse when I use my turn signals.

Look at grounding of all turn signal connections - then I'd inspect all other ground connections which bolt to either frame or engine block. I see...shenanigans...with either stock or aftermarket incandescent turn signals if there's something amiss with their grounds.



« Last Edit: June 06, 2022, 05:42:18 AM by Bagger John - #3785 » Logged
SCain
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Posts: 619


Rio Rancho, NM


« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2022, 06:04:29 AM »

I have changed out all my lights with LED's on my 2001 IS, I replaced the stock flasher with a Show Chrome 13-306 LED Flasher, its a plug and play unit.
I have never had a bit of static in my Radio, GPS or CB and I use these all the time.

My headlights are:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BTW6RCG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A25IT18KNPEAO8&psc=1

My Foglights are:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CTMTATI/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=A266XWKS0ITDEY&psc=1

My front turn signals are HD Pancake style with LED Pucks White/Amber.
My rear turn signals are LED Bulbs,

My trunk lights are converted to 25 and 48 LED Puck style discs in the stock housings.

Just wanted to share what I have done, with good results.

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Steve
Ramie
Member
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Posts: 1318


2001 I/S St. Michael MN


« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2022, 10:45:08 AM »

2001 Interstate Led turn signals and brake lights, silverstar headlight bulbs, no problems with interference or static.
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