radio static....NF

[lew]

I use a whole whack of T-8 fluorescent lights on 2 different switches to light my garage. I always have a radio playing when I'm out there and have never had an issue before but I just purchased a new radio and now get nothing but static when the garage lights are on.

 

Turn the lights off and the static goes away.

 

Just wondering if there's some type of filter that may get rid of the static or do I look for another type of radio ??

[Roy]

This might help you Lew...I have not read it though. http://www.electrical-contractor.net/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/199186/Radio_Interference_and_T8_Fluo.html

[lew]

Thanks Roy, I just went out and tried the radio with the battery rather than plugging it in and I still get the static, so I guess the filer idea is no good. Guess I'll try a different type of radio.

[Bernie]

Good morning Lew.
It's possible the radio has poor reception to the station or it has poor circuitry that is picking up the static generated by the lights.
If the old radio worked well, I'd suspect the latter.

[lew]

Thanks Bernie, it's one of those Dewalt jobsite radio's that run off 110 or an 18 volt cordless drill battery. Got a good deal on it and figured it'd be good to use in the garage or when when I go places where no power is available.

 

It's $200 at Home Depot and CTC had it on for $130

 

Oh well, good deals aren't always that good I spose.

Edited February 7, 2014 by lew

[Bernie]

I have seen those radios in operation Lew.
Dewalt usually has good stuff, but honestly I wasn't impressed with the radios.
Especially when they are used around construction equipment that causes LOTS of radio interference static.

[lew]

Yeah Bernie, I've got alot of Dewalt tools and their all good so that's why I figured the radio would be too. It's got excellent sound when the garage lights are off but it's tough working in the dark LOL

 

You'd think if the static is an ongoing problem Dewalt would do something about it.

 

Oh well, I'm heading into town this morning anyhoo so I'll just return it and get my money back.