[aspenmayer]

Since you mentioned it, are you aware if other energy sources are allowed, such as waterwheels or windmills? Otherwise, how do you compress the air in the first place? How is the air compressor filled without electricity?

I vaguely know some Mennonites. One guy has a cell phone and car transmission repair businesses, and computers, but he only uses those things for certain tasks and does not keep the technology in his home. He uses it at work. He locks up his phone and pc when not using them for work.

Not that this guy is representative or anything, just an anecdote. Neither group is homogeneous, and I don’t mean to single anyone out.

The different approaches to technology, and the varied applications of technology, in service both to secular and sacred ends is interesting to me.

[zdragnar]

The Amish I have visited were as a sibling commenter to you describes: a single diesel motor runs the compressor. Ostensibly, a person with a bike, hand crank or horse on a treadmill could do the same, albeit extremely slowly. It is considered a minor compromise that doesn't have too significant an effect to be avoided.

I believe some also had mechanical windmills, though none for electrical generation. The area wasn't suitable for waterwheels- if it was, I suspect they may have forgone the diesel engine.

This group also had single landline phone in the community, in someone's yard nearish the road. They used it for the rare cases where letters weren't practical- things like calling a doctor, etc.

Keep in mind, the limitations are based on how a thing affects your relationship with God and each other. Buttons on clothes, for example, weren't a thing; they were seen as a vanity (often too decorative). Instead, safety pins were the norm. As such, technology isn't banned for being technology, but as part of a larger category of things that draw you away from devotion- be it pride, vanity, etc.

[bobbylarrybobby]

I think it’s actually becoming quite common for these... Luddite (for lack of a better word) groups to use electronics in business settings only. They’ve mostly accepted that if you want to run a successful business with customers outside the group, you simply have to use electronics.