LED Light Strips in Cabin- Are they creating radio interference?

  • September 03, 2014 8:00 PM
    Message # 3091884
    Deleted user

    Hi everyone,

    I am reworking Polaris (W32 #550) and hopefully I have her back in the water after 25 years in my front yard. In the '70s  I installed fluorescent overhead lights, and the first ones were creating a hum in the Multiband radio. It got worse with the Asimov masthead strobe lights with the flash generator installed over the chart table. I ran that when I got too tired during the night watch, my wife was sleeping peacefully having had the first watch half. The masthead strobe was whining up and down when switched on making that portion of the trip to Hawaii somewhat stressful.

    My main concern is, do the LEDs create radio interference? I like some music at night, not mental torture.

    I saw at West Marine LED strips of varying lengths that would be a perfect replacement for the old fluorescent tubes. 

    What is your experience with them?

    Thanks, Mike Zorn, Olympia Wa.

    Last modified: September 03, 2014 8:03 PM | Deleted user
  • September 03, 2014 10:36 PM
    Reply # 3091946 on 3091884
    Anonymous

    We have gone all LED on Sundowner.  So far no problem with FM/AM/VHF.  We do not use SSB so no comment on that.  We used high quality LEDs from the now defunct Bebi and also from MarineBeam. 

  • September 04, 2014 4:47 AM
    Reply # 3092225 on 3091884

    I have been using strip LEDs from ledwholesalers.com for 5 years.  No signs of interference.  But that answer is totally dependent on the manufacturer.  You can not generalize the answer to all LED strips.


    I used them to convert fluorescent light fixtures.  They come as 18 inch strips with adhesive backing and 12v wiring on both ends.  I think they cost about $1 per inch. You can cut the strips into any size with siscors and use both ends. I use 1, 2. Or 3 nine inch strips in each fixture to get the amount of light I want.

    You would not want to use these strips naked. They are too bright.  They need some kind of diffuser lens.

     Be sure to get the warm white version.

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