[RFI] ARRL to FCC...

[Tom Thompson]

Don,

Your advice is right on.  One of the growers that I built filters for 
offered to introduce me to other growers if they were interfering with 
my radio.

Tom   W0IVJ

On 7/24/2014 1:42 PM, Donald Chester wrote:
>> We in the "legal grow" states thank you, and the ARRL for testing and
>> reporting those offending lights! Here is an example as to why your
>> tests will help...
>>
>> It is a real mess in my local area right now-- as soon as one grow
>> operation gets quiet, another starts making RFI...
>>
>> Until the FCC bans the import of all RFI generating lights, and enforce
>> that ban, our only real hope is what you and the ARRL are doing to get
>> the items banned as far upstream as possible...
>
> Those of us in "illegal grow" states might actually be at a substantial advantage.
>
> I personally couldn't care less what kind of plants a neighbour is growing on his own property, especially for his own use; that's his business and I'm certainly not going to call the cops over what I "suspect" might be something illegal, unless he is making an obnoxious nuisance of himself or posing a clear threat to the safety of those who have to live around him.
>
> If his grow lights are spewing RFI all over the neighbourhood, he would likely want to be the first to know, and take immediate steps to correct the problem, since that's like having a flashing beacon on top of your house, and usually attracting attention is the last thing those guys want to do.
>
> If the offender appears approachable, a little explanation of the phenomenon and friendly reminder, presented in a non-threatening way, should be all it would take. Be sure to provide information on non-interfering alternatives if you know of anything. If the people appear non-approachable or you are fearful that they may be Mob types and you are afraid to let them know you are aware of their operation, try to communicate the facts anonymously. Maybe write up a short letter and drop it in their letterbox or mailbox, or send it by mail. I would include multiple copies that they could share with cohorts, with plenty of documentation. If word gets around within the "growing" community, you can be sure they will be more interested in cleaning up their RFI act than any ham who lives next door.
>
> These folks communicate with each other as does any other special interest group. If we could somehow instil factual information on their websites and speciality publications, demand for RFI-prone lights would disappear overnight, and "RF invisibility" would become a sought-after feature, especially if they thought law-enforcement people might be aware of this phenomenon. If the amateur community can instil a demand for clean grow lights, this would inevitably carry over to the legal use as well.
>
> Fight fire with fire; you and the offenders have a strong common interest in cleaning up the RFI. This will likely work much more quickly than complaining to the FCC, which should be a last resort, and which could possibly put you in greater danger than by trying to work with them and get them to willing co-operate.
>
> Let's take advantage of this window of opportunity.
>
> Don, k4kyv
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