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<\/p>\nIt sometimes seems that as new products for fishermen\/boat owners come to market, we discover unexpected limitations, side-effects, or the need for work-arounds.<\/p>\n
This appears to be the case with some LED lights, a product that has become increasingly ubiquitous on many fishing boats. \u00a0Some LEDs, it seems, have been found to emit radio frequency energy that can interfere with the radio frequencies of TV, WiFi, FM radio, and \u2013 unfortunately — can mess-up VHF reception. \u00a0This latter concern is a potential hazard for commercial fishermen which is what prompted the Coast Guard to issue Safety Alert 13-18 last fall.<\/p>\n
When you stop to think about it, there are many lights on most fishing vessels. \u00a0In addition to red, white, and green navigation lights, there are often spreadable work lights to light the deck and the field. \u00a0Inside, dome lights, under-cabinet lights, and engine room lights are often found. \u00a0I can presume, based on new boat coverage in these pages, that many of those who are fortunate enough to be commissioning a new vessel are probably also installing LED lights.<\/p>\n
Additionally, other fishermen might be planning a winter project to replace their current incandescent lights with LED lights. \u00a0In either case, here are some things to consider. \u00a0The quality of the LED light bulb may matter a lot, as there are some on the market that cause interference with VHF and AIS (Automatic Identification System) communication.<\/p>\n
There are several YouTube videos that illustrate the interference problem and suggest some work-arounds. \u00a0A video at shows an enterprising man capturing the radio frequency \u201cnoise\u201d on his oscilloscope as he is trying to rectify interference from some new LED lights he installed in a workshop.\u00a0 He placed a simple filter from a parts store in the electric service line and demonstrated that it reduced the interference. \u00a0In another video at a man who had replaced his car headlights with LED bulbs tries to remedy the interference they caused with his car radio.<\/p>\n
His \u201cfix\u201d was to install a number of ferrite chaulks (aka chokes) on the power line to the lights. After installing several chaulks his FM channels were satisfactorily clean.<\/p>\n
Clearly, the better approach is to purchase LED bulbs that do not emit radio frequency energy, rather than struggle with cumbersome work-arounds. \u00a0The website <www.doctorLED.com<\/a>> \u00a0is an excellent source of information and tips.<\/p>\n One helpful component is the section titled \u201cHow to spot low-quality marine LED bulbs.\u201d Although not foolproof, there are good hints. Caveat emptor —\u00a0 buyer beware — the bulb packaging may not disclose whether the bulb generates radio frequency energy.<\/p>\n The Dr. LED brand provides a large variety of bulbs for the marine market.\u00a0 The website claims that that they are tested according to the protocol described in the USCG Safety Alert 13-18 and meet FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Part 15B requirements. \u00a0If you are looking to replace your incandescent bulbs throughout your vessel, use the conversion tables on this website to be sure you have the correct voltage, bulb style, and bulb base.<\/p>\n Most fishermen are pretty good at deciphering the sometimes scratchy messages that come over the VHF radio — but clearly nobody wants radio frequency interference from LED lights to obliterate a serious Channel 16 communication.<\/p>\n Ann Backus, MS, is the director of outreach for the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental Health in Boston, MA.\u00a0 She may be reached by phone at (617) 432-3327 or by e-mail at <abackus@hsph.harvard.edu<\/a>“><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n