Some interesting information on some of those links! One of the BIG problems we face is what I call the "digital" mindset. What I mean by this is some of the late technology telemetry devices that use something other than what used to be called "analog" transmission and reception systems. The "digital" engineers don't seem to understand the "analog" RF world and the havoc some of the digital devices are causing, especially in increasing the background noise levels and EMI levels.
Take just ONE factor like the "CFL" lamps. A lot of these are operating in the 20-60 Khz. region and generating a plethora of harmonics that cannot be filtered out! I have noticed since the wholesale promotion of the CFL, a remarkable increase in EMI levels on just the amateur bands. Most affected is 160 meters with lesser effects as the wavelength of the amateur band decreases. (harmonics get weaker as their frequency increases.) Too many of these devices causing EMI seem to be "protected" by FCC Part 15 rules, so people who encounter the EMI are left pretty much to their own devices to remedy the situation. In some instances this can be very difficult to overcome and remediate. (I will not go into the problems "Part 15" causes, this is a whole NEW and complex discussion in itself.!) I am sure there is a large degree of irrelevant connection to EMI/random noise generation and significant biological damage caused, but there may be indeed something to get alarmed about in some instances. I have no expertise in the "biological field" other than various papers I have read, some of which seem somewhat far-fetched. I do know that our LF/MF spectrum has gotten progressively noisier over the years especially as the "lower" parts of it are abandoned by the older "analog" use of it in communication and navigation technologies. This includes the spectrum from 10 Khz up thru the old shipboard CW and "beacon" bands, on thru the AM broadcast band into the "low" HF region to around 3-4 Mhz. The HF regions are becoming noisier too but not as intensely as the LF/MF regions discussed. A "classic" example of HF EMI has been already extensively discussed relative to the great "BPL" fiasco which the "digital" engineers had no real clue as to the intensity of the EMI generated/radiated in the HF spectrum. The "regulators" have forgotten that the radio spectrum at least from zero to VHF frequencies used to be recognized as a "public resource" but our "modern" FCC seems to be ignoring that "sermon" they used to preach about that issue. Can we "bottle up" the EMI for the benefit of both LF/MF/HF "analog" users of the electromagnetic spectrum generated by the enormous array of digital/switching devices so that present and future users of this space will still be able to "communicate" AND also not be biologically harmed by effects of the newer technology to the "old"? 73, Sandy Blaize W5TVW -----Original Message----- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 3:43 PM To: 'David Christ' ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RF radiating appliances David, that looks like a web page from the folks who wear tinfoil hats to protect themselves from cell towers. Before cell phones they were waging war against the pervasive field from our A-C mains power systems. Many modern appliances radiate a lot of RF energy, but it's not for communicating. It's noise from their internal switching power supplies or other logic circuits. It's often a huge headache for Hams operating HF rigs in the same house. The electrical power meters here do report wirelessly when the power company vehicle drives by, but only when interrogated by a transmitter in the power company reader's vehicle. That saves a lot of labor walking the neighborhoods reading meters, especially in rural areas. There are other forms of automatic meter reading in use too. This looks like a good rundown of that technology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_meter_reading If people really see their electrical bills go up, IMHO it's because they are using more electricity with their new RFI-producing "smart" appliances, not because of a conspiracy by the power companies. More and more gadgets in our homes are never fully "off", but keep a logic circuit alive. You know that's true if it has a remote control, but a number of dishwashers, washing machines, toasters, stoves, etc., are adopting the same technology, allowing you to touch a membrane switch or touch screen to start them rather than throwing a clunky 'mechanical' switch of some sort. They all add up to a "parasitic" or "phantom" drain that is a growing part of our national electrical demand and your energy bill. Here's more about that: http://icrontic.com/article/phantom_power It's a simple matter to read your own meter to monitor your usage for those who don't trust the power company. 73, Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- My sister forwarded this link to me. I think this may be a different issue than Bill AK5X is experiencing but non-the-less bothersome. http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=4330 Does anyone have any further information on this? David K0LUM ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4755 - Release Date: 01/20/12 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
