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RF can cause problems

yrralguthrie

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You need to read this all the way through; it sort of rambles. While using my laptop while sitting feet up in a recliner, it went bonkers. The screen started blinking, and the mouse pointer froze. I just happened to notice my pickup key fob was lying on the computer just below the keyboard. I took it off the computer, and all the problems went away. Evidently the small radio frequency from the keyfob was close enough to the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or some other device that it interfered. Now, for the reason for putting this here. I've also had to reset my center display a couple of times. This was while the key fob was on my belt very close to my cell phone, which was cordless connected to the display. I strongly think the keyfob if it is kept close to the phone can cause some of the problems reported with the center display.
 
Interesting observation—and it actually makes a lot of sense from an RF interference standpoint. Key fobs operate around 315 MHz or 433 MHz (depending on the region and vehicle), and while that’s quite a bit lower than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4 GHz), it’s still possible for poorly shielded or sensitive electronics to experience interference, especially when devices are in close proximity.

The situation with the laptop could’ve triggered some kind of temporary EMI (electromagnetic interference), especially if the Bluetooth module was actively scanning. As for the center display, having the key fob close to a phone that’s connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi could create unpredictable behavior, depending on how the vehicle’s head unit handles wireless signals and handshake protocols.

Definitely worth investigating further—could explain some of the random display glitches others have reported. Thanks for posting this!
 
When i drive through a particular set of traffic lights my radio cuts in and out. Every time.
 
Very interesting observation indeed. I use a Logitec M720 mouse in my home office and there are some days where it is completely erratic and beyond useless. It can connect directly using BT or a Wireless Dongle, (the BT connection seems to perform much better during these episodes). I've removed and isolated other RF sources many times over with little to no improvement but not once did I consider if I had my keys in my pants pockets still.

I'll do some experimenting today and see if there's any correlation.
UPDATE: Keys have been sitting within inces of my mouse for the past hour and function has been flawless. Even pressing a button continuously hasn't triggered any unexpected behavior.
 
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When i drive through a particular set of traffic lights my radio cuts in and out. Every time.
There's a spot close to a local car wash/gas station where the SiriusXM cuts out in my wife's car every time. Has never effected my truck though. There are high voltage power lines in same area. Can't figure out if it's the power lines or possibly something at the car wash causing the issue. It's weird that it doesn't bother my truck, but does the wife's Traverse is weird
 
Very interesting observation indeed. I use a Logitec M720 mouse in my home office and there are some days where it is completely erratic and beyond useless. It can connect directly using BT or a Wireless Dongle, (the BT connection seems to perform much better during these episodes). I've removed and isolated other RF sources many times over with little to no improvement but not once did I consider if I had my keys in my pants pockets still.

I'll do some experimenting today and see if there's any correlation.
UPDATE: Keys have been sitting within inces of my mouse for the past hour and function has been flawless. Even pressing a button continuously hasn't triggered any unexpected behavior.
I've had to make sure my phone doesn't sit between my M510 mouse and the wireless receiver.
Never had an issue with my key fob interfering.
 
If the light that interferes with your radio has a camera, that may be the source of the problem. I didn't mean to insinuate that a keyfob was going to cause trouble merely that it can and did with me. Anything that emits RF can cause a problem. And most people don't use a Faraday bag because THEY view it as a pain the the ***. Obviously, you don't, and I have NO problem with that.
 
If the light that interferes with your radio has a camera, that may be the source of the problem. I didn't mean to insinuate that a keyfob was going to cause trouble merely that it can and did with me. Anything that emits RF can cause a problem. And most people don't use a Faraday bag because THEY view it as a pain the the ***. Obviously, you don't, and I have NO problem with that.
Yes this is why some LED bulbs used in third brake light causes issues
 
.....what does "why would you faraday..." mean

are you also on the spectrum?

the op said
"While using my laptop while sitting feet up in a recliner, it went bonkers."
Guess you could have provided more context with your reply, considering OPs post covered more than just his mouse issues. But, I guess quoting the portion of his post you were referencing might be too hard for you
 
Guess you could have provided more context with your reply, considering OPs post covered more than just his mouse issues. But, I guess quoting the portion of his post you were referencing might be too hard for you
maybe you missed this from brutal-ho
"That implies he's responding to the OP original......"

that tells me I did not have to quote.
 
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maybe you missed this from brutal-ho
"That implies he's responding to the OP original......"

that tells me I did not have to quote.
I see no replies from Brutal.

And still scratching my head about your insensitive comment about being on the spectrum. There was nothing wrong with the wording I used
 

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