Posted: 10/27/2016 9:02:46 PM EDT
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So now that LED "light bulbs" are finally coming down in price, I am thinking about moving some of the light fixtures in the house that way. Not long ago, the cheapest "bulb" was $10, and even that was too big a leap for me. Now, you can buy cheap LED "bulbs" for less than $3 each in bulk. I'm thinking about taking the plunge. My main concern is RFI from the switching transformers in these things. I have my doubts that a $2 bulb has a 110V AC to 5V DC or whatever switcher with any kind of decent RFI protection, especially from China. I've had my problems with "wall warts" causing an INSANE amount of RFI for their size, and don't feel much better about a tiny "bulb". So, what are your experiences? Any good / bad brands to look out for? |
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The Phillips "60 watt" LED bulbs that Amazon is currently selling in bulk for $2 apiece are supposed to relatively quiet, RFI-wise.
However, I've noticed that the range of my garage door opener is still significantly less with them installed than it is with incandescents. In all other regards, they're awesome. |
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I bought some home depot eco smart bulbs to replace some spot lights. Had elevated (s4 hash) on 2m. My coax was within 5 feet of the lights and antenna on top of the house was directly above the cans. I found that if I removed the closest bulbs from my antenna it went away. I reported the noise to the manuf that said they were compliant.. I politely advised that i would send them to the fcc to verify. I got a home depot gift card in the mail to replace the bulbs with another part curtesy of eco smart. Just a fyi, if your led bulbs die out there is a website and serial number on most of the bulbs that you can get refund.. 7 year life my a$$...
Prosise |
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I got some eco-smart bulbs from Home Depot a while back. Not the flood lights for the "cans", but the regular type you put in a lamp. If I put an AM radio within a foot or so of the bulb, there is some noise, but any further away, and they are not a problem. I have one in the lamp in my spare bedroom "shack", but I don't have a house full of them, either. They are certainly not as bad as some of the wall warts I have.
Now, I'm only on HF/6m, so I can't comment on the higher bands. But they have not been an issue for me. Marijuana......legal. "Real" light bulbs......illegal. 
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Quoted:
The Phillips "60 watt" LED bulbs that Amazon is currently selling in bulk for $2 apiece are supposed to relatively quiet, RFI-wise. However, I've noticed that the range of my garage door opener is still significantly less with them installed than it is with incandescents. In all other regards, they're awesome. Try a new battery in your opener. Control your variables. The igniter on my stove kills my cable or satcom signal. LED bulbs have no effect, and I have a dozen of them in the kitchen, and they are on most of the time. |
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I have ~15 Utilitech 60 Watt equivalent bulbs from Lowe's installed throughout the house with no RFI problems over the HF spectrum. A six-pack is going for ~$9 at the moment. They're listed as "warm white" in color and to these old eyes closely approximate an incandescent bulb.
I can place the tip of the whip antenna of a portable all-band portable just inches from the bulb with very little change in the ambient noise. I had to replace the ballast in the 8' fluorescent fixture over the garage workbench and the only thing available was a commercial-rated electronic ballast. The RFI from it is so bad the garage doors won't work if the fixture is on. I'm seriously considering gutting the fixture, putting in some medium base sockets, and using 8 of the Utilitech bulbs. Afterthought: Perhaps if enough of us write the ARRL they will compile a list of appliances and equipment that are RFI-free and those that are RFI generators. Besides fluorescent and LED bulbs, some of the worst offenders are heat pumps, water heaters, ranges, ovens, washing machines, and clothes dryers. |
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Thanks, I guess I will pick up a few and give them a shot. On the same note, it looks like the power company came out today and fixed a power line noise source or two. Not all of them, but some of the louder ones. Just in time for CQWW SSB (and my birthday) this weekend! YIPPEE! |
| I don't know the brand but the ones that Costco sells are horrible for RFI. We're talking wiping out the entire AM broadcast band from 20 feet away. I really need to change them out but I will say that they have been incredibly durable outside when other bulbs have not been including some expensive Cree bulbs. |