HID lights causing inference

[Ddfee]

I need some info and advice. Months ago I did the A&R HID light install on my C14. Recently my Garmin Street Pilot GPS won't pick up the satellites.  I likewise did the same install on my wife's St1300 with the same results.  To test the Garmins I have taken them off the bikes and used them in my truck.  Both worked as they should. When I placed them back on the bike, they refuse to p/u the satellites.

Both of these units have worked flawlessly since new.  Now since the HID install, problems have surfaced. I have done some research online and some truck and car forums have discussed some radio interference problems due to the HIDs.

Is it possible that due to the close proximity of the HID ballast to the GPS mounting at the front of the bike, that the HID are causing interference?

I am hoping that one of the forum members has electronic experience that they can shed some light (no pun intended). I love the HIDs but need my GPS more.

Thoughts and input needed.

Thx

Dave

[maxtog]

I have A&R HID.  No problem with my Garmin Zumo at all.  HID ballasts can cause significant RFI, however.

[ZG]

I have the A&R HID kit and Zumo 660 and haven't had any issues either... 

[The Pope]

I have the A&R HID light as well, but use my phone as my GPS. No issues sither.

I'd suggest placing some foil shielding in areas between the HID ballast and the GPS.

[Richard. Wales UK]

Hi

As said above the HID power supplies can throw a lot of RF (Radio Frequency) interference out, and this could be travelling directly to the GPS unit or getting to it down the supply cables or both!

You need to try and find out how it is getting there

Several things you can try:
If you are running the GPS from the bike 12v the interference may be travelling down the supply cables, try running it from its own internal battery and see if the problem is still there?
If it has gone this will have confirmed how the interference is getting to the GPS, then you could try running a feed for the GPS unit directly to the battery (via a fuse), keep the wires as far away from the HID units and wiring as is practical.

If it is still there when the GPS is running on its own battery then try: -

Screen the HID power supply units and the wires between them and the bulbs.
 For the wires you can cut strips of foil and wrap them around, overlapping each turn in a spiral so the wires are totally enclosed and connect one end of the foil to chassis.
 For the power supplies wrapping them up may cause them to overheat, ok for a short test maybe and if this stops the problem then maybe spray them with
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/shielding-aerosols/7259987/
 which will screen them without causing them to overheat.

Another option is to try an external antenna for the GPS and put it on the back of the bike

Richard

[maxtog]

All excellent suggestions from Richard.

[Conrad]

Similar issue here.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=13676.0

[Richard. Wales UK]

Hi Dave

Did you trace the problem?

[Ddfee]

Nope still problems. I read the LED issues and the transponders...I have Led and Hid lights. Because I like gadgets, it's time for a new GPS and I have run out of options I have bought a new Zumo 350. I hoping that perhaps the newer models (my old GPS is a Garmin Street pilot) have better or more advanced circuitry....we will see, should be in the mail this week.

Dave

[Ddfee]

Ok, zumo 350lm installed, works flawlessly, maybe newer technology is more resistant to interference...it was time to update my aging street pilot anyways.

D

[wroman]

Ground the ballasts. Run a ground wire from the cases of the ballast to chassis ground.  I hope the ballast assembly's of metal.