LED Interior Retrofit w/ Amazon order

[evofxdwg]

This my amazon review - Short version: Interference with TV on one channel from the nearest fixture. Otherwise, happy. Wait and see on long term reliability. (go to amazon reviews to see pix)

link

January 22, 2018Size: 20-Packs(2nd Generation)|Color: Warm White(3000-3500K Color temperature)|Verified Purchase
Review “20x Super Bright 921 194 T10 LED Bulb, Warm White 12V 24-SMD Wedge Lamp….”

I was concerned about reliability, apparent brightness, color rendition, the possible RF interference that has been mentioned in reviews here. Also, I have been searching for good pricing on a retrofit so cost/value is a concern. I will hit each subject below. All 20 modules were installed in interior dual-lamp and a few single-lamp fixtures on 1/22/2018, replacing most of the standard incandescent lamps in the interior of our 2006 Coachmen Mirada 330SL.

>Reliability: Initial reliability was 100% as all 20 of the modules worked when installed. I installed and left them on for somewhat over 1.5 hr. All were still working just fine and the fixture lenses were cool. Longer term reliability will be updated as we go on camping trips beginning spring 2018. (Also, I accidentally installed one backwards and it still worked fine, although it doesn’t make sense to only illuminate the reflector from a distance of ½ inch. These lamps have an on-board DC-DC converter. I dont think there is a polarity orientation standard on RV fixtures so they have to work that way)

>Apparent Brightness: I was pleasantly surprised that illumination of objects below seemed marginally brighter than the old incandescent. Pictures of the fixture with one incandescent and one LED module installed do appear not as bright though. I attribute this to the fact that the fixture reflector is not illuminated at all with the LED modules, but is illuminated with the incandescent bulbs.

>Color Rendition: I got the Warm White (3000-3500K Color temperature). Mostly brown and grey colors in the interior were pleasing to the eye. I did not notice any odd appearance on other color items. I have no problem with the color rendition.

>RF Interference: I purposefully monitored the two TV’s, XM radio, FM radio, Garmin GPS, and TireMinder TPMS, and my Apple Iphone while installing and turning on ALL the fixtures that had LED lamps installed. The TireMinder TPMS uses a dedicated RF link from a repeater in the back of the motorhome AND Bluetooth link to the Apple Iphone. (I did not try AM on the radio as it does not receive anything on that band anyway).
When the front TV (a 32 inch Vizio flat screen) was on, and the fixture within 1 foot of the top front of the TV screen was on with LED modules installed, using the antenna and local TV stations, I lost signal on exactly one local channel (and its sub-channels) ONLY (that was 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, RF between 210-216MHz). This did not occur until the fixture had been on for a few minutes. But, strangely, it was reproducible immediately after that first few minutes by simply turning that fixture on and off. With that one fixture off, but all others with LED modules on, there was no interference noted. The rear TV (a Samsung flat screen) had no interference on any local channel, including channel 13. The nearest fixture to the rear TV is about 2 feet from one corner of the flat screen.
The XM radio worked fine throughout. The Garmin GPS, sitting on the dash maybe 4 feet below and 2 feet over from the nearest fixture always had satellite lock. The FM radio I scanned through several local stations and all sounded normal. The TireMinder TPMS registered apparently correct pressures and temperatures on my Iphone App (Bluetooth interface). My Iphone cell strength registered 3 of 4 bars throughout the length of the RV when held at eye level, walking through slowly and stopping when phone was near each powered fixture. The house wifi is at least 75 feet from the RV and looking through several walls and a metal garage door so I paid no attention to it (e.g. I did not set up a test for wifi interference).

>Value: Well, I can’t complain about these for $1.14 each including free shipping!

>Other: The lamps in the shower fixture, vanity (decorative bulbs), and front dash fixture have different bulb base types so I will have to find a different retrofit for them. The orientation of the socket for the stove hood lamp is such that this module would be turned 90 degrees from what is needed so I did not put one there. I don’t plan to retrofit these in the basement compartment lights due to humidity exposure. I’ll keep looking for something sealed. I may play with RF shielding and grounding the LED modules/reflector in the fixtures near the front TV that that had interference to see if that helps.

Photos: 1) Compare incandescent in left side, LED in right side, with lenses installed. 2) same without lenses installed 3) TV interference 4) pix from floor level looking at front fixture (by TV) with 2 incandescents installed, and other fixture with 2 LEDs installed.

[rrfxxxr]

Did you try changing the LED near the TV with one of the other LEDs? perhaps that LED is a little out of "tolerance".
The LEDs could have a simple bridge rectifier to protect from reversed polarity.

[weredoingit]

We replaced every light in our Montana, All of the 12v LEDS were bought on Amazon, very happy, no problems and can't beat the price. The 110v bulbs I bought from a local brick and mortar local, again HAPPY campers

[evofxdwg]

Originally Posted by rrfxxxr

Did you try changing the LED near the TV with one of the other LEDs? perhaps that LED is a little out of "tolerance".
The LEDs could have a simple bridge rectifier to protect from reversed polarity.

Yes, tried two others and had same effect.

[rrfxxxr]

LED Nazi says "No TV for you! Next?"
That is strange.

[evofxdwg]

Originally Posted by rrfxxxr

LED Nazi says "No TV for you! Next?"
That is strange.

Not really. the LED modules have a voltage or current regulator on them that operates at high frequency (RF). Without metallic shielding, radio frequency (RF) is going to leak out. But in this case it is very weak, hence only the fixture within 1 ft of the TV causes a problem. Now I can't explain why it didn't happen for a few minutes when I first plugged it in. Maybe I didn't have the TV on the right channel - can't remember.

I just received 10 more LED modules from Amazon. I went out and installed 3 in the fixtures that didn't have them, including the one near the TV. Ill just not turn that one on when watching TV.

Im in control of the LED nazi

[Mr_D]

Back in 2015 i changed all my 60+ ceiling halogen lights to LED's from Amazon. Cost was just over $1 each. All worked right out of the packaging after I modified each light by removing the heavy metal heat sink/reflector and gluing the socket back in. I did break a couple pins off though when pushing them in. In the bedroom I bought some M4 brand ones as the Amazon ones weren't bright enough. Those M4 modules were about $10 each. Whats also amazing that all the new LED modules work with my existing dimmer set up with no flickering.

[Charlie and Martha]

Originally Posted by evofxdwg

Yes, tried two others and had same effect.

We replaced our wall sconce bulbs to LED. The one nearest the TV really messes with OTA signals. It pixelate's the incoming signal badly. We have to turn that particular light off if we watch TV. However, it doesn't affect streaming media to the TV in the least.

This is due to RF (radio frequency) emissions from the LED replacements and the amount of interference will vary with each different OTA TV signal. For instance when our wall sconce light is on, NBC either pixelates or we loose it altogether whereas CBS is completely unaffected (this interference varies with where we are parked).

If you are old enough you might remember that when listening to an AM radio station in your car would also produce a generator/alternator whine. These were clicking or pulsing noise which was emitted from spark plugs and sometimes the distributor rotating. The noise on the AM band on the radio was quite annoying. This interference is sort of similar except the LED produces spurious radiation which is a radio frequency interference.

As LED technology advances these issues will surely be sorted out. But for now, we have to turn off the offending lighting.

[rrfxxxr]

Originally Posted by evofxdwg

. Ill just not turn that one on when watching TV.:

That's what I was thinking. May be a source for glare or eye strain as well. Where are you getting your LEDs from on Amazon. I have over 90% of the lights in my house swapped over to LEDs; plan to do the same for the MH.
I am starting with my bay lights as some were missing and I had a problem with service/wet bay lights not working. So I paid about $8 each for 4. Looking to spend less.

[evofxdwg]

Charlie and Martha:
Yep, I’m old enough! When the kids were little, we had a Toyota Corolla 5 speed manual. Sometimes when they got in the car (without the wife!) I would put the radio on a dead air AM frequency and crank up the volume. Going thru the gears made that Corolla sound like a Porsche thru the speakers. Kids would laugh uncontrollably!

I’m a retired Electronics Engineer so I know watcha talkin bout.

Rrfxxxr:
There is a link in the first post to the amazon leds I bought.