Voyager at-seat sockets causing strange device behaviour

[Warrior2852]

Something I've noticed a few times on at-seat plugs on Voyagers is when my phone is charging off them it often starts acting weird if I'm trying to use it at the same time, getting lots of ghost touches that mean random things get clicked without my input, making it harder to use. My phone does not do this on any other plug that I've used anywhere in the world, including on other trains (Meridians, 195s, 80x, all work fine - it's  just Voyagers). It's always puzzled me what could be doing this. It wasn't just one Voyager, this has happened every time I can remember trying a Voyager socket. On my last phone too, which was a completely different make with a completely different charger.

 

[_toommm_]

It’s interesting that you report that it doesn’t happen on the 80x series, as they’re renowned for having plugs that aren't grounded correctly. I suspect it’s the same issue here.

 

[Warrior2852]

It’s interesting that you report that it doesn’t happen on the 80x series, as they’re renowned for having plugs that aren't grounded correctly. I suspect it’s the same issue here.

The 80x may indeed have the same issue, I don't often use the plugs on the 80x as I haven't had to charge my phone much on journeys involving them (my phone's battery is quite persistent), only used their chargers a few times. Voyagers and Meridians are the models I use the plugs of the most.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It's an earthing or dirty supply issue. I have had it with cheap chargers too. It won't damage your device but is a bit annoying.

 

[Dieseldriver]

It’s interesting that you report that it doesn’t happen on the 80x series, as they’re renowned for having plugs that aren't grounded correctly. I suspect it’s the same issue here.

Strangely I find with the GWR 800s that the ‘interference’ happens when the train is running on AC and is fine when it’s on diesel

 

[edwin_m]

Strangely I find with the GWR 800s that the ‘interference’ happens when the train is running on AC and is fine when it’s on diesel

Most electric trains cut the socket power for a few seconds at every neutral section.

 

[tomuk]

Touchscreens* work on capacitance if when plugged in to charge there are any issues with dirty power or grounding the sensitivity of the device will be effected.

(* on modern smartphones)

 

[Halish Railway]

I tried charging my phone on a Class 745 when sat over the traction motors in the middle of the train which caused my phone to behave oddly. I restarted the phone whilst still plugged in which caused my phone to go into diagnostics mode. I unplugged it and everything was sorted. I haven't had this issue when sat in trailer carriages of both 745s and 755s which leads me to believe that its caused by some sort of EM interference from the very powerful motors.

This is the only traction I've had issues on; 80Xs on both diesel and electric, as well as Voyagers have been fine.

 

[liamf656]

It's an earthing or dirty supply issue. I have had it with cheap chargers too. It won't damage your device but is a bit annoying.

Touchscreens* work on capacitance if when plugged in to charge there are any issues with dirty power or grounding the sensitivity of the device will be effected.

(* on modern smartphones)

These two points are pretty much spot on

It happens to me on Meridians but only if I use my Amazon plug head, not with my Samsung fast charger head

 

[Energy]

Strangely I find with the GWR 800s that the ‘interference’ happens when the train is running on AC and is fine when it’s on diesel

On AC the earthing is also used for 25kv return so won't have the best connection to earth.

It happens to me on Meridians but only if I use my Amazon plug head, not with my Samsung fast charger head

The Samsung fast chargers (or at least mine) have a piece of plastic instead of earth which would explain why they are fine

 

[Warrior2852]

On the earthing point, my phone charger doesn't use it which adds to the intrigue, it's one of the ones that just has a piece of plastic to fill the slot.

 

[D365]

Might explain why my Apple ’plug’ chargers always result in this phenomenon, being that they have a metal earth.

 

[Ken H]

Looks like some sort of surge protector is needed.

 

[Annetts key]

Most “chargers” (really power supply units as they don’t actually contain the circuitry to control the charging of a battery or cell, this is included in the device, ‘phone, pad whatever) don’t actually have any connection to the mains earth via the earth pin, even if like some Apple types do have a metal earth pin.

They do however typically use a safety rated capacitor to help with suppression of the interference they generate. This is connected between the DC output side and the mains side (either the line {live} or the neutral).

If the “mains supply voltage” is not referenced to earth, or rather, when in a carriage, the metal work/bodywork that can cause problems. As can a voltage deferential between the supply and the metal work/bodywork.

Capacitive touch screens use the salty water filled finger or other body part to form part of the circuit (and yes, other body parts work, including paws and tongues of dogs).

So any alternating electrical fields that the device can’t discriminate from may cause erratic operation.

And yes, I find that I get problems when trying to use Apple devices when using an Apple PSU on board 80X trains.

 

[gordonthemoron]

I’ve had the same problem in a pub