[IRCA] Another data point in the CFL discussion (was: CFB (Compact Florescent Blubs))

[Brett Saylor <bds2@xxxxxxx>]

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







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