Odd light issues

[nrplowguy]

So I have a stl (yes I know not the greatest) super takedown bar with the striker 8 director bar using the grandirect control box. I also have radios in my truck which I've never had problems with before. Now when I key up on high power it lights up my visor bar but not the director bar, and I can't turn the visor bar on or off (all buttons work and light up) but the director I can still operate. If I pull the fuse it works fine until I key the mic again. All wires have been moved and are already a foot away or more. Both radio and lights are connected directly to the battery.

 

[shues]

There have been a few threads regarding a similar problem over the years. One thread includes an explanation of what turned out to be the solution: https://elightbars.org/forums/threads/troubleshooting-a-uhf-mobile.19356

One thing that I often recommend is using an RF wattmeter, such as a Bird 43, to check for reflected power. A bad antenna match could be a component of the problem you're having.

 

[nrplowguy]

So I've done everything I can to try and remedy this problem. I've put chokes on everything I've moved Grounds etc but every time I key the mic on high power it lights the up..... . ........

 

[C17LVFD]

Did you check the check the swr of your radio’s antenna like shues suggested?

What type of vehicle is this?

May also be worth running the lights from a separate power source as the radio.

Come to think of it, have you had your battery tested to ensure it’s not failing. I e seen some whacky things happen with failing batteries. Since both radios and lights are hooked up directly in the battery, I wonder if that’s a possibility.

Seth

 

[nrplowguy]

Did you check the check the swr of your radio like shues suggested?

Seth

Yes I did and it's dang near perfect

 

[shues]

I concur with @C17LVFD. Connecting the light to an entirely separate battery or power supply, on all power wires and all ground wires, while otherwise leaving the light still installed should be sufficient to complete your testing. In fact, it may be easier to connect the radio to an entirely separate battery or power supply. In any case, if the problem persists then you have proof positive of a problem with the light itself.

Is your purchase sufficiently recent that manufacturer can be compelled to help? Warranty information is available here: https://www.speedtechlights.com/support/us-warranty

 

[Lt.214]

I have had this problem in the past with STL products. The simple answer is their products do not have proper RF shielding, specifically in the control module. This is why it takes a "hard reset"( pulling the fuse) to get proper light function restored. The RF coming out of your radio on high power is causing the light in question to lock up. If you're antenna is mag mount, try moving it. If not and you have access to a mag mount antenna try switching to the mag mount and moving it further away from the lights than the current antenna location.

I hope this helps. Chris

 

[nrplowguy]

Well unfortunately I don't have to worry about it for some time now since that truck is no more. It got rolled 6 times and I was lucky to somewhat walk away.