QRP means something a little different to all of us, but I think many of
us see conservation of energy as part of its appeal. Our little radios
draw 1/100th to 1/10th that of desktop rigs used by the average ham, and
we think nothing of powering our entire stations from solar power or 8
AA-cells.
For those of us in California, this philosophy just got extended to
everyday life. We're under continuous threat of blackouts due to a
failed deregulation of the power industry, and new power sources are
slow in coming. Part of the problem is California's high rate of
population growth. But as a society, we've gotten addicted to bright
lights in unused rooms, multiple computers per person, dozens of things
powered by wall-warts, and a rediculous standard of home heating. This
era may, finally, come to an end.
Fortunately, there's a great short-term solution: turn stuff off!
Estimates show that up to a 20% reduction in power utilization is
possible using simple means. In the long term, we can only hope that
this crisis will foster a true revolution, with emphasis on alternative
enery sources and on conservation. Many people tried to start this
revolution in the 70's, but when the oil crisis ended, the incentives
and enthusiasm dried up.
I'm hoping that QRPs in California--and elsewhere--will start to apply
their knowledge of energy efficiency to things outside ham radio. Let's
help our family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues do the right thing.
Let's also let the manufacturers of everything from radios to clothes
dryers know that low power consumption just became their most important
new feature.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a program to encourage the
manufacture and purchase of equipment that meets certain efficiency standards:
As far as I can tell, amateur radio equipment is not an "Energy Star"
appliance category yet. I'm hoping to start one!
And now, I'm going to turn off this silly monitor and go have breakfast.
By daylight :)
73,
Wayne
N6KR
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