ARLA/CLUSTER: A legalização, em algumas regiões do cultivo da marijuana trás problemas de interferencias aos radioamadores locais

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Growing problem: Pot lights give radio hams a buzz

The Daily Mail reports the legalization of marijuana is creating a
chronic nuisance thanks to interference from growing lamps

The Daily Mail - Associated Press story says:
Retired Coast Guard officer Roger Johnson sometimes notices a harsh
buzz when he turns on his amateur radio, and he blames high-powered
lighting used to grow pot.

Amateur radio operators say the legalization of marijuana is creating
a chronic nuisance thanks to interference caused by electrical
ballasts that regulate indoor lamps used to grow pot. The American
Radio Relay League wants the Federal Communications Commission to take
a stand against devices that give off much more interference than
federal law allows in homes.

Ham radio operators generally say they don't have a problem with pot
but worry amateur growers may not be aware that cheap ballasts can
have phony FCC-compliance stickers. The operators point out they serve
as backup communication during emergencies.

Johnson, one of the ARRL's 166,000 members, said he worries
interference will only become a bigger inconvenience in years to come
in Maine, which recently legalized growing up to six flowering
marijuana plants, 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings.

Read the full story at
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-4266566/Growing-problem-Pot-lights-ham-radio-operators-buzz.html

ARRL Again Complains to FCC about Illegal Marketing of Electronic
Lighting Ballasts
http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-again-complains-to-fcc-about-illegal-marketing-of-electronic-lighting-ballasts