UPDATE on RF Interference for TriAnchor Lights

As some of you may have read on the various boards, there have been some folks who were experiencing RF issues using our LXTA TriAnchor light with some newer, more sensitive radios (primarily ICOM 504 and 522 and Uniden 600 series). Unfortunately, this issue was SO unpredictable and only a handful of folks would experience it, we were tearing out our hair to find out the root cause.

...so we redesigned the board...

...and then we had it tested with an outside EMC lab...

...and wanted to give you an update:

First, our new board design is no where near the radio band in testing - so there should be no more RF issues going forward. I will post the graphic of this once I receive it.

Second, we tested the old board design and found that only a teeny tiny portion touched on the bottom portion of the band - which explains why we had so few experience issues and why some folks who had the same radios had varying results. I will post this graphic as well.

So bottom line: The RF interference issues have been resolved and all products being sold now are using this new board design.

Again, with the older board design, many of our customers did not experience any issues, however there were a few who did and in some cases a choke (see previous post) will fix the problem. If you have an older light (bought from July 2007-April 2009) and are experiencing RF, give us a call. We'll try the choke first and if that does not solve the problem, we'll ask you to send it back for a board exchange. This exchange will be charged as labor only - as parts are covered under warranty. Thanks again for your business and support.

Q: I've talked to OGM's tech folks and need to install a choke, how do I install the Ferrite Bead onto the light wiring?

A: After several conversations with those few folks who are experiencing RF interference with their LED TriAnchor light, we think we have narrowed the cause down to the newer more sensitive VHF radios (and/or positioning of the antenna to the light). The radios that seem to be the most sensitive (and thus the interference) are ICOM 504 or 522 and also the West Marine/Uniden 600 models. Older radios or less sensitive radios don't seem to have any issues with interference, so the issue is very isolated as we can tell, however we are working on a way to eliminate the possibility going forward as newer technology becomes available. Our engineering team has devised a fix for the current TriAnchor light using a very specific ferrite bead (Fair-Rite P/N0 431167281), which can be purchased from a variety of electronic parts stores including Mouser and DigiKey. If you have one of the above radios and are experiencing RF interference, you can purchase one of these directly or call us for one.

To Install the Fair-Rite P/N 0431164781 bead, wrap the bead around a section of the wire with 1 loop in it and as close to the end by the light as possible. The wires should pass through it twice (as shown in photo). The Ferrite bead is a clamp on type, so no rewiring is required as long as you have enough play in the wire to make the loop.

Again, this is a very small percentage of folks and currently we've honed it to the very sensitive newer VHF radios. As mentioned in our earlier FAQ, we are designing a more eloquent fix into the new circuitry of our 12-24V TriAnchor light which will be available later this spring. We will also include this ferrite bead in our packaging, though most folks won't need it. We encourage you to test your light prior to installation and if you do need it, you will have it readily available.

Q: I recently read that some LED lights and particularly OGM’s tricolor/anchor LED light causes some problems with VHF interference.

Q Part II: How widespread is this issue and are there any fixes in the works?

A: OGM’s LED TriAnchor light was introduced in April 2004 and since that time, we’ve had quite a few of them in the field all over the world (many of our customers have traveled across several oceans using our LED TriAnchor and other running lights). Recently, we’ve begun getting some reports of VHF interference (only from customers who have our TriAnchor light), however there continues to be many, many others out there who don’t experience (and can’t replicate) any RF issues. To date we've had only 6 reports of RF interference and we are working with these customers to try to figure out what is unique about their vessel and how to eliminate the RF issue. Despite the small percentage of RF issues, we would still recommend testing the light with your configuration prior to stepping the mast if possible. As many of you know, since there are so many variables that could be involved, it’s difficult to say if it is the light itself, the existing wiring, placement of antenna, the combination of electronics, the installation, etc. etc. etc. Since we’ve not been able to isolate the issue from our end, we’ve opted to incorporate some additional internal modifications on the development of our 12V-24V version of the TriAnchor light and will offer this option at a nominal upgrade fee to those who are experiencing or feel they may experience VHF issues. Please let me reiterate that this is a very very small percentage of folks who experience any type of RF issue, and only recently, so chances are, you won’t have any issues. If you have already installed one of our TriAnchor lights and do happen to encounter any interference, please contact us and we will work with you to correct it.

Q: Are OGM LED navigation lights US Coast Guard Approved.

A: Yes! Our navigation lights are tested by an independent USCG approved testing laboratory. The lights are engraved with the USCG specification that it meets. For example, our 2 Nautical Mile visible lights are marked with USCG 2NM.

Q: I have an Anchor light now. Can I replace it with an OGM TriAnchor light without changing the mast wiring?

A: Yes! The TriAnchor light uses an innovative circuit to allow operation of both the Tricolor and Anchor modes of the light using just 2 wires. See the wiring FAQ for details on this wiring.

Q: What is the weight of the TriAnchor?

A: The TriAnchor weighs 11 ounces.

Q: What are the dimensions of the TriAnchor light?

A: The TriAnchor is 2.75 inches tall, and 2.75 inches in diameter.