Is Ham Radio 'Green' Enough?

Amplifier use and the "greening" of Amateur Radio

If there's one issue that is constantly before us it is the green energy movement. Nuclear power is now being reconsidered by former foes, Bio fuels, Solar, Geo thermal alternatives are being touted as never before. Sun, AMD, Microsoft and Intel are part of the "Eco Forum". The name reveals their mission. Dell/HP/Google and MS are actively working to reduce power consumption in their massive data centers. "Green" planning and implementation is now mainstream in IT, the auto industry, construction, transportation and government.

In Ham radio The QRPers were (arguably) the first "Green" hams. They advocate (with rightful pride) that low power can "work the world." The ARRL has always promoted the dictum of using the minimum power necessary to communicate. And more than a few hams have creatively employed "green" energy devices to power their radios.

The question is: What role (if any) should amateur radio play in the global energy challenge? Is the hobby obligated to contribute to the solution by using technology in an energy efficient manner?

I believe most hams would say yes. That we should use "green" operational practices and equipment configurations. The ARRL has long history of promoting "Green" practices and energy use and deserves much credit in this regard. Yet more can be done.

So where to start? With the low hanging fruit, of course! I suggest to you that a radical reduction in the use of RF Power amplifiers by hams is the first place to begin. (A 2000 to 3000+ volt power supply with its attendant electrical requirements and heat generation is ludicrous for amateur radio communications.)

Some ideas for consideration: (that will undoubtedly find enthusiastic opposition, yet one hopes the responses will address the issue.)

Government has long used the "sin" tax to reduce consumption. Tobacco and alcohol are heavily taxed. Conversely energy efficient devices are granted federal tax credits to promote “green” use. In order to reduce amplifier use, Ameritron, Alpha, Tokyo, and others should have a stiff "Green" fee placed on their amplifier products. (With these levies going to "Green" ham radio activities and education).

The ARRL should issue a Green Manifesto and call for a moratorium on ALL amplifier use by league members and disallow their use in any league sponsored event. Further, QST magazine should drop all ads for amplifier products.

Those hams who use big amps on the air should be socially "shunned" (or shamed?)! Smokers are persona non grata in many places, to liter is unlawful, SUV's are everyone's example of excess, some insurance companies penalize "smokers" and the "obese' through higher premiums. Should not ham radio use analogous tactics to become "greener"?

Ok, ok...relax they're just words. And the proposals above have zero chance of adoption. Hams hate change. Still, the ideas are worth discussion.

Now I confess...one of the great highs in low band Amateur Radio is/was hearing the "CLANG" of the amp relay kick in (well the old amps anyway) and seeing all meters swing to the right as your rig pours RF maximus into the ether...and then to hear your report as "Wow, you're 40 over!" But in 2008 such operational behavior seems...so analog. So yesterday. "Brute Force" communication is passé.

The Public Safety/ARES types are legitimate users of heavy amps. But contesters, DXers and the 160/75/40 and 20 mtr, "RF bullies" can no longer ignore their inefficient (and some would say irresponsible) use of power. It's time to move on. One-hundred watts or less on any hf band is enough for ham communications.

With amateur radio topology now including multiple modes and paths from end to end, the rationale for high power is wobbly at best. The sun is setting on big iron. And that is as it should be.

Mike, WA4D

WA4D.Net

Disclosure: WA4D owns a Toyota 4 Runner SUV, is a not yet obese ARRL member, a former smoker and owns no RF device capable of emitting over 100 watts.

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