Radio Interference From LED's

[Mustang65]

For those radio operators out there. Have you encountered any LED issues?

LINK..

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[DavidJay]

The LED (light emitting diode) itself is not a source of interference. It is a DC device that doesn't generate any RFI.

Note that the article is about LED light bulbs, i.e. replacements for incandescent bulb assemblies. The photo really confuses the issue as it shows a bare-lead LED but the article is talking about light bulbs. LEDs are low-voltage devices, so in a light bulb replacement unit it is necessary to convert home voltage AC (i.e. 100v-240v, 50/60 hz) to low voltage DC. Some converters may be designed with switching designs that may emit some RFI.

For our RV use, almost all of our LED lighting is powered off of the 12VDC system of the RV so all the LED requires is a simple resistance voltage drop. No AC conversion necessary.

[Mustang65]

I am talking about the home ones, we have a few members that have radios in their homes. Everyone of my in house lights (23) are LED bulbs. Only (2) others are CFL, I had a CFL go up in smoke in July, it was by an HVAC supply duct and DW thought it was the AC burning up. One of the LED bulbs was buzzing and I returned it for a new one. I have 2 remaining CFL bulbs, because for some reason my Home Control modules (2) do noy like the LED bulbs, need to order a few more modules. I am thinking of getting a HAM Opr license so, I guess I will have a neighbor bring his unit over and try it out. Hate to have to replace the LED's.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[DavidJay]

OK, you posted this on an RV forum so I presumed we were talking about RVs.

This type of low level RFI will not significantly affect Amateur communications. It will not affect VHF/UHF At all. You could experience some QRM on the very weakest of HF signals, but generally if the signal is readable enough for good communications this will not be bad enough to prevent a contact.