When I first started my work with the IEEE, and with some manufacturers, and
especially with regulators, the image of amateur radio ranged from the bearded
experimenters in the basement to the unrealistic crusaders that would never be
satisfied. It took me over a decade to go from that beginning to my being
elected to leadership positions within industry. I managed that by remaining
collegial and professional, firmly representing our position as a stakeholder,
but by also rolling up sleeves and doing the work. When a committee needed a
secretary, I would raise my hand, or create a web page for a subcommittee, or
whatever was needed. When I was able to crowd source data from the amateur
community, or provide scientifically valid studies to standards working groups,
bit by bit the image of amateur radio changed to the point where we now are
seen in some ways as strategic partners in developing realistic regulations and
practical solutions to interference problems beyond them. If w
e didn't stay focused on the achievable, and recognize that standards require
a broad agreement by everyone, we could not have been part of the solution.
To me, this is what ARRL is all about and it is what is worth my $4 per month
to help make it all happen.
There is one other major standards effort that I didn't mention, and that is
the standards work in the immunity of the developing smart grid. ARRL funded a
consultant to do years of work on the working groups, and he and I drafted
studies that showed how much immunity was needed to keep the grid from failing
from the presence of field strength that would be encountered from fixed
amateur stations and from VHF and UHF mobiles of all types. If the smart grid
were deployed and amateur radio took it down, it would be game over, so this
was critical work. I, too, have had my beefs with ARRL, but as long as the
League keeps doing this type of work, it will have my support. ARRL also
represents amateur radio through the IARU at the ITU level, and has a full-time
staffer kept busy with the nuts and bolts of RFI cases.
I can only imagine what could be accomplished if we could put even more
resources into this work, but I have to say, with a limited staff, the
accomplishments have been significant.
________________________________
From: RFI <rfi-bounces+w1rfi=arrl.org@contesting.com> on behalf of
mstangelo@comcast.net <mstangelo@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2022 5:04 PM
To: rfi@contesting.com <rfi@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [RFI] Another Solar Panel RFI System
Ed,
Thanks for the explanation. We also have to remember Amateur Radio is a hobby
and until other consumer or business services are affected there will be little
incentive to impose stricter regulations which would increase the price of
goods and services.
I feel the most effective way Hams can influence the narrative is the "canary
in the coal mine" approach, emphasizing that the interference will also affect
the operation of other services.
We should also be diplomatic in our approach. In my discussions most people
have the connotation of Ham Radio Operators as grumpy old men.
Thanks for your efforts and the efforts of the League.
Mike N2MS
> On 12/23/2022 4:34 PM Hare, Ed, W1RFI <w1rfi@arrl.org> wrote:
>
>
> I believe that you are right, Jim, although the FCC regulates as much for the
> consumer as it does for business. FCC does not want to impose any more
> restrictions on business than is necessary to have a manageable RFI scenario
> because more stringent regulations would add considerably to the cost of
> goods across a wide range of technologies.
> Ed Hare, W1RFI
> ARRL Lab Manager
>
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
|