Lights interfering with computers

[kwackers]

Given a setting mode for the number of AC frequency cycles per turn of the wheel (in addition to the usual circumference setting) such a battery-free computer would work with any model of hub generator. (Its tiny power demand should not significantly increase the drag, lights on or off.)

That's not a bad idea. I've a hub I bought for my bike (as yet unfitted) that once on I might have a go at making a small cycle computer. A small graphic display off a Nokia phone, automatic backlight (on whilst moving) and perhaps some data logging capabilities. Should be able to make it fairly small - if not as tiny as some of the one's floating around).

[Jim Cardiff]

I too have the B & M IQ battery light / Cateye wireless computer problem. Has anyone found a good battery front light which doesn't cause the same interference? Alternatively, does anyone know if the light also interfere with a Garmin GPS?

[meic]

My Ixon IQ has never interfered with my Garmin Vista HCx GPS and I ride with them almost touching each other.
I havent actually heard of any outside electro-magnetic source interfering with a GPS.

[Audax67]

Older computers and current cheap computers listen for any rhythmic pulse on their operating frequencies. My 2007 HAC4 Pro adds 50 beats/minute to my heartbeat if I ride beside a railway line, or accelerates smoothly to 280 kph if I mount my IQ Cyo at the fork crown. It's not entirely happy about my Etrex 20 but usually lives with it.

OTOH it lives quite happily with my crown-mounted Lumotech IQ Fly of 2008 vintage. However, B&M have probably updated the electronics of this unit in the meantime, so I'd not expect the current Fly to be quite as discrete. I also ship a CatEye HL530 alongside the Fly as a backup. It's OK too.