Lighting Devices
In today's world, there is a large number of lighting types that may be in opperation near Amateur Radio stations. Some, such as incandescent bulbs, have a long history of not causing interference to radio services. They are, however, not very efficient and in today's world, concerns about global warming and decreating energy supplies are resulting in the proliferation of other, more efficent lighting devices. Some of these other technolgies are not so benign and the disadvantage that may come along with the improved efficienty could be increased radio noise and possible interference.
Lighting Types
Articles
Light Bulbs and RFI — A Closer Look. New high efficiency light bulbs put out plenty of light, but hams wonder what else, by Mike Gruber, W1MG. QST October 2013, p 42.
Locating RF Interference at HF. A proven and practical approach to dealing with RFI from grow lights and more, by Tom Thompson, W0IVJ. QST November 2014, p 33.
In the News
- FCC’s OET Clarifies Emissions Compliance Testing for RF LED Lighting Devices (ARRL News, June 30, 2016
- ARRL Again Complains to FCC about Illegal Marketing of Electronic Lighting Ballasts (ARRL News, December 30, 2015)
- ARRL Files More “Grow Light” Ballast Complaints with FCC (ARRL News, July 28, 2015)
- ARRL Complains to FCC About The Home Depot’s Marketing of RF Lighting Devices (ARRL News, July 17, 2015)
- Colorado Ham Tracks Down, Resolves Interference from Pot Cultivators’ “Grow Lights” (ARRL News, June 9, 2014)
- Pot Growers' Lights Interfering With Ham Radio Chats (The Coloradoan, June 5, 2014)ARRL to FCC: "Grow Light" Ballast Causes HF Interference, Violates Rules (ARRL News, March 14, 2014
- The ARRL's letter
- ARRL's Test Report on the Grow Light. It measured way over the FCC limits for RF emissions