[TowerTalk] Green Power Lightbulb QRN

[n7ka at comcast.net]

I am using 2 Sylvania lights, 13W CF13EL/MINI SPIRAL and 23W CF23EL/MINI TWIST/BL/3  with no problems 160-2M.  Both are within 2 feet of the radios.

Arne N7KA

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Eric Hilding" <b38 at hilding.com>
> If you've been considering replacement of your current traditional light
> bulbs in the house with the new whiz bang "Green Power" curly jobs before
> your next favorite contest, DON'T DO IT (at least without some
> testing-testing-testing).
> 
>  
> 
> The 40 watt bulb in the lamp near my rig bit the dust a few minutes ago
> while I was listening on 160m.  Interestingly, the band noise tonight was
> minimal here.
> 
>  
> 
> I went to the cupboard and decided to finally open the packaged for a new
> "curly-widget" GE soft white 40 watt bulb that claims to only use the energy
> of a 10 watter.  But wait.there's more. the package says it's a "5 Year Bulb
> - Long Life * 8000 Hours (lightning bolt) Energy Saver."  With info like
> that, it's gotta be good, right?
> 
>  
> 
> IMHO, somebody QLF'd in production and forgot to add "QRN MAKER" to the
> package!!!
> 
>  
> 
> The RX was on in the background, and when I screwed in the new bulb and
> turned it on, WHAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. a BIG QRN level appeared that sounded
> kinda like power line noise.
> 
>  
> 
> I turned off the lamp and the noise disappeared.  Hmmm.  Coincidence?  Nope.
> 5 more on/off tests and each time BIG QRN.  I checked other bands.  It was
> worse on 60m, and 15m was a disaster.  Interestingly, several times when I
> left the new bulb on for a while, the QRN disappeared.  But not always.
> Hmmm.
> 
>  
> 
> Maybe this is a single "Lemon-bulb" incident, maybe not.  The package says
> "Made In China" and it has GE's name on it, so it's gotta be a good, right? 
> 
>  
> 
> Has anyone else experienced similar QRN problems with the new "Green Power"
> curly bulbs?
> 
>  
> 
> FYI & 73.
> 
>  
> 
> Rick, K6VVA
> 
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> _______________________________________________
> 
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> 
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