So I really was not trying to ask a smart a$$ question. I have always thought/heard it was a bad idea to put electronic equipment near strong magnetic fields. Heaven knows I have screwed up a few computer disks with a magnetic field. So I was curious if the magnets in the tank bags would interfere with the electronics in the Autocom and its associated accessories like the cell phone.
Sounds like madmike has been trouble free. not quite certain what renegade's experience has been based on his post.
Okay, I was trying to give a short answer.
Yes, strong magnets can interrupt magnetic aligned discs, etc., and I would think that "sensitive" electronics might be harmed by a strong magnetic field. There are many magnets in a tank bag base and they are spaced apart so the field of force is spread out. I too carry my digital camera in my tank bag and have never lost a picture from the card.
I wouldn't carry CDs or DVDs in there, but I've never experienced any issues with interference or lack of funtion with the autocomm as there are no proprietory memory strips in the autocomm (starcom, etc.).
I have mine mounted sideways along the back "wall" of my tank bag so that the center portion is left wide open. I put a piece of 3/8" clear tube on the vox adjuster and stuck it out the "cable port" of my Nelson-Rigg. And I could route all of the wires and cables along the bottom edge along the inside of the bag to the rear and tuck the excess under the autocomm unit.
There is quite a bit of padding in the bottom of my tank bag, so I'm assuming that also helps separate the magnetic field from anything carried inside.
And, as renegade reported, leaving the magnetic bag on the bike helps magnetize the gas tank and causes the molecules in the gasoline to align properly, North to South, which exponentially increases my gas mileage. All you have to do is get a compass and make sure all the magnets are turned so that their North polarity is toward the front of the bike.
This actually helps with wind deflection and heat management...it has something to do with the
feng shui and the
zen of being a sport-touring rider.