OK, I admit I was skeptical of CFL's after this thread got started. I too had heard lots of bad things concerning their RF noisiness, and had bad experiences over the years in hotels where they were used. So, I went to Walmart today and bought two different models of these lights to see whether they are the bane of DXers or not.
The two lamps I purchased were the Philips 14 watt Soft White A19 and the GE 13 watt Energy Smart. Both claimed light output similar to 60 watt incandescent bulbs. Both were less than $4.00 US each. Each claim ~ 7000-8000 hour life, roughly 7-8 times a normal incandescent light life. The Philips light was shaped like a traditional incandescent bulb, which means it will work with lampshades that clamp directly onto the bulb. Both lamps became uncomfortably warm to the touch after using them for a period of one hour. Both packages contained a notice that the lamp contains mercury and should be "managed in accordance with disposal laws." Both gave the following web address for more information: www.lamprecycle.org. While both lamps had references to being compliant with FCC Part 18 Rules, the GE lamp had an extensive disclaimer that it might cause interference to radios and TVs, and that it should not be used near communications equipment operating between .45-30 MHz. [Push the pause button for a moment: If the manufacturer's own instructions are to specifically avoid using the product near navigation, communication or maritime safety equipment, I do not see how the government can outright ban all incandescent lighting since to do so would violate these instructions! What would we do for lighting in those situations??] On to the test. My setup was a RadioShack DX-398 portable with the telescopic whip fully extended. The radio was located about 2 feet from a desk lamp which contained the bulb. I checked a number of frequencies in the LW and MW bands from 198 - 1700 kHz. While there were a number of buzzes and noises on the radio throughout the scans, none of them were attributable to the CFL. As a matter of fact, even with the antenna touching the bulb, there was no additional noise when the lamp was turned on. Nada. One thing I did notice was that, if I cupped the bulb in my hand, the radio picked up a rather nasty buzz - I presume that I was becoming a big antenna for what noise did exist in this case. If I placed the radio where it actually was touching the bulb, it also would pick up a very loud buzz. But the buzz fell away to the point it was non-existent about 3 inches away. I'm an electrical engineer by training, and I feel pretty convinced that these bulbs are not a great danger to the radio listening community (at least on LW and MW). While I don't particularly care for the color of the lighting, I imagine that after a day or two you would get used to it. I plan on leaving the two bulbs in use in my radio room for the foreseeable future for further analysis and testing. If I do find out anything negative, you can be sure I will report it here. Brett Saylor Central PA _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
