Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Payne
... And since no dealer can tell me the frequency of the RF interference put out by the lithiums, I might not even be able to ride Gilligan when it's done.
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Eric, I don't really think your lithiums are putting out interference. I've looked back over the thread where you discussed the problems you were having with your Bluetooth earphones and your Tilt, and from what I've read, I have a couple of suspicions. I don't have a Gen 1 (or a Gen 2) machine, so I can't test my theories, but here's what I think.
First of all, remember that your Tilt has two RF transmitters in it. One of them is in constant communication with the nearest cell site for your carrier (presumably at&t). That transmitter will vary it's output power based on the strength of the signal received FROM the cell site. Depending on your location, that may be weak, causing your phone to transmit at its maximum power. Since the Blinky interference only occurs when your phone is in the bag, this is likely why Bliinky goes nuts. Remember, the phone goes to max power when it cannot receive a good signal from the cell site, so it may be possible that when you get on there is some small interference to the received signal, particularly if you are in a fringe area. You may want to monitor your phone's received signal indicator to see that. Watch for changes as you start up.
The other transmitter is for Bluetooth. First, that may be suffering for power if the phone's transmitter is full on, as the phone will always have priority for battery power. Secondly, your Bluetooth earbuds may have a weak receiver or be a little off frequency, either of which would make them more susceptable to dropouts. Also, they may be "shadowed" by the control shaft/ handlebars with the phone in it's problematic location.. If you have the opportunity, try using a different Bluetooth headset, to try to eliminate those possibilities.
In any event, I doubt that Gilligan is going to be a problem with your pacemaker. The two frequency ranges where you have active transmitters in your phone (as opposed to what the FCC would call your Segway, an incidental radiator) are the ones that have been the most protected by implant manufacturers: the cell-phone bands (850-960 MHz & 1.7-1.9 GHz) and microwave ovens. Yep, most microwave ovens are at 2.45 GHz which is right in the middle of the same band as your Bluetooth ( 2.402 GHz - 2.480 GHz). Seems like most people have a cell-phone & a microwave. Go figure!
Of course, I can't say for sure without test equipment. However, you could make a visit to a local radio shop who services public-safety radios. They would have the equipment to see if Gilligan IS emitting any RF and at what frequency. If you explained your situation, I suspect they would not charge you for their time. Another possibility, that would take some chasing down, is the local technical support of your cell company. They would also have the same type of equipment, used for finding interference. But it is hard to contact them - they are isolated behind a vigorous sales force and a defiant phone system that does its best to prevent you from ever speaking to a human being.
Hopefully, this has given you some insight into your problem, and some avenues to explore in its resolution.