[RFI] Another Solar Panel RFI System

[Hare, Ed, W1RFI]

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 we 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 at contesting.com> on behalf of mstangelo at comcast.net <mstangelo at comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2022 5:04 PM
To: rfi at contesting.com <rfi at 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 at 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
>
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