USBUIRTs and low energy lights?

[gazzzman]

anyone else having a problem with low energy lights and their USBUIRT?
if the unit gets even a sniff of the light from one of those low energy lamps it just goes crazy!!!
BTW what are we all going to do with our X10 dimmers and socket rockets when they outlaw incandescent lamps??
apparently the EU are discussing their removal from sale as I write this

[jondecker76]

For compact fluorescent lights and x10, use the XPS3 wall switch - its compatible. They are non-dimming and requires a neutral wire at the switch box, however. I use them in every room of my house except my theatre room which has dimmable switches (I run halogen lights off the dimming switch)

[gazzzman]

hi there
thanks for the info!
that is going to require a LOT of re-wiring to implement!
I do not have a neutral lead in ANY of my switches lol!
(I really don't like CFLs either )
and given that the USBUIRT will not work in the same room as one
I see some difficult decisions ahead!
(and maybe a pile of X!) stuff going on Ebay lol!)
still..... lets try and get the basics working first... some sound would be nice lol!

[jo006]

I have the same problem with some of my A/V equipment when using CFL's.   I have been using them for about three years now and it has been an ongoing battle.  One thing that seems to work for me is to not allow a direct line of sight between the CFL and the IR receiver.  Maybe you can shield the USBUIRT somehow.

Justin

[gazzzman]

hi there Justin!
yes line of sight is a big no-no!
it is a lot better when they can't see each other directly
I think I am going to experiment to see what I can use either at the reciever end or by way of some sort of shade, as an optical filter
I am sure if there is IR comming from the CFL it isn't usefull!
and if it is just the IR reciever is seeing the some other part of the light spectrun from the CFL then as the other part of the light spectrum is not needed for correct operation of the IR reciever.. it should be mechanicaly filterable

[danielk]

You might also try swapping brands. IR devices are confused by any light that cycles near either 22khz or 56khz, depending on the remote. The operating frequency of a CFL is usually somewhere between 20khz and 60 khz, but there are CFLs that operate on frequencies up to 1Mhz and there and ones that change their frequency when dimmed. Unfortunately, CFL bulbs come with neither emission spectra nor operating frequency on the box. So you need to experiment and demote the failures to utility shed lighting.

[gazzzman]

. Unfortunately, CFL bulbs come with neither emission spectra nor operating frequency on the box. So you need to experiment and demote the failures to utility shed lighting.

ha ha! I have a few old plasma TV's I could use to heat the same shed for the same reason lol!
it might be an idea if any of us figure out what works for them to create a list/discussion?
oh well finishing off at work now
time to see if I can get any propper sound out of Sarah lol!
thanks for the info danielk!
have a great weekend