RFI and Interference Committee Description:
This position is not an appointed position, and provides
no "pretty certificate" for the ham's "I-love-me"
wall. This is a hard working position, that requires the volunteers
to have a dedication and sense of fulfillment from the issues settled.
These committee members meet and operate under the Technical
Coordinator, providing interest, expertise, and equipment capabilities,
to track down, analyze, and determine causes, of interference to or
from the Amateur Radio service members.
In the case of interference or RFI TO Amateur Radio,
members may be called on to keep detailed records and even appear
at legal or arbitration events between amateurs and offending agencies
or companies. Many times these issues are simply one of explanation,
and sometimes they take on a much more serious note. Members should
be prepared to take part in the resolution or other processes, not
just tracking down stray signals.
In the case of RFI or other interference BY our community,
then these cases are usually turned over to the Section Official Observer
Coordinator. Members may be asked to work with this group to realize,
recognize, or document interference for further action by ARRL field
agencies or even the FCC. We have to police our own ranks first, and
we will be called on sometimes to help with that effort.
The RFI & Interference Committee will:
1. Serve as technical advisors to the Section TC, in
their own or other geographical locations, dependent upon the availability
of personnel in those areas.. Correspond by telephone and letter or
e-mail on such topics. Make TC aware if there are technical or personal
reasons why the members cannot either resolve or pursue a particular
event.
2. Serve as advisors in radio frequency interference
issues. RFI can drive a wedge in neighbor and city relations. Many
times the members will be able to solve or reasonably resolve problems
on their own. If possible, a Section TS will work the issue with you.
Sometimes, because of our Section's diverse geography, the members
may have to work alone.
3. Members may be asked to speak at local clubs interference
topics. Let local clubs know you're available and willing. Coordination
of these speaking efforts should be made with the local TS or the
TC's knowledge.
4. Work with FCC and private agencies, or companies
who wish to stop their own interference, but lack the technical knowledge
to do so..
5. Work with other ARRL officials and appointees when
called upon for technical advice, when investigations result in gross
interference that cannot be handled at the local, and friendly level.
Documentation is very important in these issues.
Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity
to recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization
programs, and our abilities to serve the public.
RFI Committee members must hold a Novice or higher class
license, and be capable of demonstrating expertise necessary for these
endeavors.; ARRL membership required.
