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Could neon lamps interfere with IR signals?

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  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: City of Québec,Canada
  • 1,258 posts
Could neon lamps interfere with IR signals?
Posted by Jacktal on Monday, June 14, 2010 3:49 PM

I'm actually builiding an overhead structure (actually a beam of sort) to support neon lamps over my benchwork (layout to be).But thinking of it,it would also be a great place to install my UR90 IR receivers.However,I'm worried that installing them beside my lamps fixtures that the neon lighting frequencies could interfere with IR frequencies wich are also light based,I believe.BTW,the neon lamps would light away from the UR90's,no direct light.Is it possible?Thanks for any info.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Monday, June 14, 2010 4:05 PM

 Cant tell until you try it.  I've seen Neon interfere with many different signals.

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, June 14, 2010 4:52 PM

 If you mean that the neon lights will be on one side of the support beam and the UR90 on the other - I doubt this will be a problem. Friend of mine has his UR90 near the ceiling, right near one of the fluorescent light fixtures in his drop ceiling, and it doesn't cause any problems with control via IR.

                                  --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Monday, June 14, 2010 9:21 PM

 The problem with neon signs isn't the actual light but the energy that they emit.  Not the same as Fluorescent.  I've seen them cause data corruption resulting in errors in a couple of different types of systems and at several feet. (not trains)

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: City of Québec,Canada
  • 1,258 posts
Posted by Jacktal on Monday, June 14, 2010 9:48 PM

My apology here...it seems that I've expressed myself wrong.I'm not talking about signs or any very special lighting system.What I'll be using are standard fluorescent tubes (24 in. in this case),the type one can see most everywhere in homes and offices.I've contemplated the idea of using even Halogen lamps but they cost more,generate atrocious heat and don't come close to good old fluorescent tubes in efficiency.

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 8:15 AM

  I have seen no issues with standard flourescent tubes.  Using the IR wireles throttles is assisted by having a good white reflective surface so the beam can bounce around.  There will always be a 'spot' where the IR does not work unless you are pointing the throttle directly as the receiver.

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

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