Meter HF 35C. Training Handbook and User Guide. Gigahertz Solutions HF35C. Radio/Microwave Field Measurement Meter.

Transcription

1 HF 35C Meter Training Handbook and User Guide Gigahertz Solutions HF35C Radio/Microwave Field Measurement Meter

2 How to Get the Most from Your Gigahertz Solutions HF 35C Radio/microwave Meter PART 1 PART 11 Your HF35C Meter Features and User Instruction with EMF Expert Notes interspersed throughout the seller/manufacturer info Measuring Radio/microwave Fields PART 111 Your Radio/microwave Meter at Work in Real-world EMF Situations PART 1V Some Things You Might Find Interesting About This Meter PART V Conversion Table, Precautionary Guidelines and Measurement Worksheet Note: This meter is a German made meter and the user information provided by the manufacturer is originally written using British-English spellings, so in this booklet you will find British and USA spellings of words used interchangeably. EMF-Experts.com No part of this booklet may be reproduced without expressed written permission Page 2 of 46

3 Part I- Your HF35C Meter Features and User Instruction This meter is very user friendly and simple to operate with just three buttons and an audio volume dial, yet it offers lots of useful features for fast, reliable measurement of EMF from common radio/microwave sources. Whereas many other types of radio/microwave meters act mainly as microwave detectors, this meter actually quite accurately measures the impact of the energy in microwatts per square meter (µw/m²). This is what allows a straight forward assessment of the personal levels of electromagnetic radiation exposure, which in turn lets us make a proper determination of suitable remedial actions, and enables a beforeand-after testing of their effectiveness. All of this permits us to reach our end goal of creating an EMF-free living and working environment (at least as far as possible), by achieving the health safety standards set out in the recommended safe values of the Building Biology Standards 2015, and the Biologically Based Precautionary EMF Guidelines of the BioInitiative Report 2012 two health safety standards that are respected and used worldwide. Page 3 of 46

4 You ll find health safety standards (i.e. the exposure limits) for radio/microwave fields included at the end of this guide for reference as you use your HF35C meter. Naturally, health safety standard limits also exist for electric and magnetic exposure, body voltage etc., however for these you will need a different meter capable of detecting and measuring those types of fields. Our EMF Experts Training Handbook and User Guide for the Tri-Field Meter, is a good starting point for dealing with electric and magnetic fields and their health safety standards. This book however, is dedicated to the topic of radio/microwave fields. Meet Your New Meter Your HF35C Meter will arrive in two sections the meter body and the antenna - protectively packed to keep the fragile antennae from being damaged. You ll assemble the antennae on the meter body in two easy steps. This is a good box to keep your meter safely stored when not in use since the antennae is made of a material normally used for the interior of a circuit board, and that is why it looks like a circuit board with lots of soldering of small thin elements, and delicate pieces. Although the manufacturer user guide says it can withstand a fall from table height, we recommend care since if one the elements is broken the meter will not be able to pick up those particular frequencies, it will not be accurate and will be unable to be repaired. Consider buying a sturdy case if you will be transporting your meter from place to place. A quick search online for an aluminum hard case with foam insert will provide you with many inexpensive, suitable options. Sizes vary and you may prefer to purchase just one case to keep all your various EMF Meters protected together. Page 4 of 46

5 Assembling Your Meter Find the + shaped slot on the end of the meter, insert the green antennae securely into the opening. The copper wire from the antennae then screws snugly onto the antennae terminal on the right side (where you see the antennae symbol). It generally comes with a 9-volt battery that you will need to install. If the battery is weak the words LOW BATT will appear vertically in small letters in the center of the display window. In order to save battery life, the meter will shut itself off after 40 minutes. Getting Familiar with Your Meter Functions: Page 5 of 46

6 The power button is the lower of the two buttons on the right side; slide it up vertically to switch on. Naturally, to conserve battery life, you will want to remember to turn the power off when you are not actually measuring with the meter. Numbers will display as soon as the power is turned on; this is the meter springing into action, sampling the environment and picking up the EMF frequencies (i.e. those specific frequencies that it is factory-set to detect), and displaying them, not as frequencies, but as power flux density, which is less accurately referred to as field strength. Whatever numerical readings you see in the display window indicate the power flux density, or radio frequency field strength, in microwatts per meter squared, which is written as µw/m². Use the audio dial at the top to set the volume to a level where you can comfortably hear what your meter is detecting. This feature is a representation (in audio format) of the signal your meter is detecting However the audio feature gives you no indication of the values of the field strength it is detecting; in other words, the audio dial is simply a volume control intended to make a signal more or less audible (hear-able). Louder volume does not indicate higher field strengths, or higher levels of EMF exposure for you. You can sometimes hear two, or more, signals at the same time - one will usually be more prominent indicating it is a stronger signal than the other. However, you cannot tell the distance of the source of the signal. In fact, nothing on the meter gives you any indication of the distance to the source of the signal. It is not a distance meter. It is a directional meter, designed to detect and display radio/microwave signals occurring in the direction that the antennae is pointed. At best, you can tell the apparent direction that the signal is coming from. We use the word apparent because you could be detecting a reflected signal, such as one that is reflected from a mirror or flat metal surface. Page 6 of 46

7 This meter is a single axis directional meter, meaning it measures signals in one direction only, at one time. The word signal is commonly used interchangeably with the word field (meaning specifically an electromagnetic field). Since this meter is directional, signals coming from other directions are not included in the read-out display to the full extent that they actually exist around you. However, this reading is not absolute, the meter will display the other signals that it detects in the same direction the meter is pointed in. To some extent signals can come in from the side, or can be accumulated, but to what extent is difficult to determine. Nonetheless their presence will affect the number displayed so you may not read the exact value of the source you are measuring. So, although this meter is calibrated to function fairly accurately, the fact that the nature of radio/microwaves behavior is such that it goes everywhere, the reading you receive is more relative than absolute. Also remember to take into consideration that all meters, including this one, typically have a margin of error (accuracy variance), with the exception of those meters used for industry or government regulatory compliance. These compliancy meters are far more expensive since they are designed to comply accurately to exacting standards and must be recalibrated, usually annually, to meet these very strict and certified standards. This simple directional meter offers adequate accuracy for the purpose of home and office measurement, at a reasonable price with ease of use even for the beginner. It displays from 0 to 2,000 µw/m², using two setting ranges - the sensitive range is below and the coarse range is up to Although radio frequency field may be present but less than 0.1 the meter displays the number This is naturally the winning number, since it indicates that the fields are below our level of concern. When we see that, we know we are Electrosmog-free, and not being biologically impacted from wireless technology, like cell signals and WiFi, but also from unsuspected sources. As the display indicates, it is designed to detect power flux density along the axis (the direction the antennae is pointed). For those unfamiliar with the measurement term power flux density it can perhaps be best understood as power received in an area. Page 7 of 46

8 Simplifying the individual words to their common English language meaning - power flux density is the measure of energy change concentration -- may also help clarify its meaning. The engineers and scientists among us though will understand power flux density as a term of measurement to express the amount of power impacting on a surface, which is used in a wide range of applications from chemistry to electronics to astronomy. More precisely, power flux density is a radiometric measure of the value that expresses the intensity at which energy is transferred by electromagnetic radiation through a real or virtual surface, per unit surface area. In today s world, Power flux density is the measurement by which a wide variety of existing safety standards are defined. The safety standards for cellphones and microwaves are two examples of this standard, which translates into concern only for the thermal heating effects on human tissue (and not the effects on such things as voltage gated cell function or other bio-electrically based biological functions). For our purposes, which to is measure radio/microwave frequencies to determine their compliance with the more biologically based precautionary safety standards that we aim to achieve, the Power Flux Density display window indicates to us the amount of power, or exposure, that we are receiving from this particular type of EMF in this case radio/microwaves. This HF35C meter is designed specifically to measure radio/microwaves in the frequency range that typical wireless devices use, and the measurement is displayed in the window as microwatts per meter squared. This measurement, or value, is written as: µw/m 2 to conform with the international system of units. In evaluating our total EMF exposure levels, we need different meters to measure the different types of EMF from three main sources - magnetic, electrical and radio/microwave. Electrical/magnetic meters, (the TriField meter mentioned earlier, is one example), measure our field strength exposure, and radio/microwave meters, such as this HF35C meter, measure our power flux density exposure. Using the Peak and RMS Setting Your meter gives you the ability choose between displaying its readings in peak values or RMS, root mean square. The RMS setting gives you an average, determined by sophisticated calculations beyond the actual numbers the meter may be reading, and this is generally used for compliance with certain official standards. Page 8 of 46

9 For EMF protection purposes, we are more concerned with the Peak setting since it will tell us the full magnitude of exposure, the maximum power flux density detected, which is what studies most correlate with harmful biological effects, at least up until recently since they ve began correlating them with field strength. Using Your Meter Hold the meter with your arm slightly outstretched and start pointing the meter around very slowly, methodically, in all directions, while listening for any signal and watching the LCD display. The display always gives readings in microwatts per meter squared (μw/m2), but there are two settings you can choose from to suit your measuring needs. Experience tells us to always set it to the lowest scale that gives you a valid reading. This is because some meters are damaged by an overload of signals that exceed their measurement range. The HF35C is not one of them. Setting it to the top position of the display selector switch (which is the top switch on the right side of the meter) will set you on the most sensitive reading on the meter, which (as you see there) is 0 to If you are in a location where the readings are high (e.g over 200) then slide the button down to read up to 1999 µw/m². If the frequencies that it is detecting are, to use an old analog term, pegging the meter, or in other words out of the meter s upper range of capacity to detect, it will simply display the number 1 on the left side. This is a non-valid reading meaning the field strength is beyond the meter s capability to display it. The meter simply stops reading and displays a 1. The stylized EMF Spectrum that you see printed on the meter body, depicts the range of frequencies that this meter is factory-set to detect, which you can see is the range from 800 MHz to 2500 MHz (2.5 GHz). The acronyms correlate to the frequency that device uses to broadcasts on: GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications, or Cellphones) uses 800 1,000 MHz, etc. Uplink means sending wireless data, downlink means receiving wireless data on those frequencies. Page 9 of 46

10 The stylized spectrum illustrates that this meter is suitable for detecting these signals: GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications, aka Cellphones and Celltowers) DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast, aka Online Radio, mainly used in Europe), GPS (Global Positioning System, aka Navigation ) DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication, aka cordless phones) UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecomm System, i.e. cellphones with internet capability) WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network, aka WiFi, Hotspot) The Series of High Frequency (HF) Models Here you see the three meters in the GigaHerz Solutions model series, in (left to right) graduated order of increasing number of features. Why We Choose to Go with the HF35C for our Students Most economical radio/frequency meters really only act as microwave detectors, or simplistic EMF Alerts. This German made meter actually accurately measures the strength of the field in microwatts per square meter (µw/m²). Our reasoning in recommending the center one, is first based on its ability to measure down to the level of the Biological Safety Standards (.1 µw/m²) that we are aiming to achieve. Page 10 of 46

11 Secondly, it is economical for a meter of this quality. The 32D model, although less expensive does not measure down to.1 and it does not offer the audio or the Peak Value feature. The 38B model has a bit more frequency range on the end but it is both much more expensive and more delicate for new users. Lastly, we went with this HF35C model since it is designed to detect about 90% of the most common used and most ubiquitously present EMF signals that we are concerned about (biologically-speaking). These concerns generally include EMF electrosmog emitted by: UHF Television, 1G-4G cellphones (some 5G will piggyback), WiFi, DECT, Bluetooth, Smart Meters, Airport Radar, Microwave ovens, and countless personal devices and household convenience devices. HFE35C (High Frequency Extended) Another handy feature worth mentioning about this meter is that an attachment can be added that turns the meter into an omni-directional meter, so using the same meter body you have both options uni-directional and omni directional radio/microwave metering, each of the two antennae serving you in different ways (refer to the Meter Features section). Although it offers the same features of the HF35C body, the two additional features that this add-on antennae offers is that it not only expands the meter s range, but also provides a measurement of the surrounding field strengths that a body is realistically exposed to in the total sense, rather than simply from one direction. Page 11 of 46

12 Features of the HF35C Meter 10 Times the measurement sensitivity of a Beginner Level Meter (HF32D) A Coarse measurement range and Fine measurement range provide added value when needing to assess RADIO/MICROWAVE emissions Coarse range covers stronger readings of µw/m² Fine measurement range of µw/m² offers higher sensitivity and allows for accurate detection of lower level signals Increased sensitivity translates into detection of sources otherwise missed by our competitor s RADIO/MICROWAVE detection equipment Professional Level Upgrades: Audio Identification: The meter's audio tone replicates the signal patterns and intensity of measured RADIO/MICROWAVE emissions and aids in source identification Peak Settings and Average Settings: While measurements taken on the Average Value setting provide a basic sense of RADIO/MICROWAVE levels at a test site, the Peak Value setting reveals the highest levels of RADIO/MICROWAVE being emitted. The Peak Value is regarded as the measurement critical to assessing potential biological effects In Addition to the features of the HF32D Model: Easy to operate, power the unit on, selecting measurement settings and recording the LCD displayed readings as you walk the meter through your living space Accessorized with a sturdy Logarithmic Periodic Antenna, designed for directional detection of RADIO/MICROWAVE waves. Readings increase when the meter gets closer to or points in the direction of offending sources Detects both analogue and pulsed digital signals ( µw/m²) Detects RADIO/MICROWAVE radiation generated by cellular phones and cordless phones (Digital or DECT); microwave ovens; wireless communication devices such as internet routers, WLAN, Wi-Fi, baby monitors, Bluetooth, video games, smart meters and cell phone towers in the operational range of 800 MHz to 2.7 GHz (GSM, UMTS, 2G, 3G, 4G) Designed to meet Bau Biologie RADIO/MICROWAVE measurement performance requirements HF35C RADIO/MICROWAVE Meter Includes: HF35C Radio Frequency Meter Logarithmic Periodic Antenna 800 MHz 2.7 GHz vertically polarized Users' Guide Page 12 of 46

13 Features: 2 Year Warranty Certificate 9V Alkaline Batter Antenna: Directional Logarithmic Periodic LogPer 800 MHz 3.0 GHz 45º LCD Display (3.5 digits): Easy to read 3.5 digit display Accuracy / Linearity Deviation: +/ 6 db Audible Tone: The meter s audio tone replicates the patterns and intensity of measured RADIO/MICROWAVE emissions Signal Detection Type: Peak, Average, Full signal Analogue plus Digital (pulsed) Power Supply: 9 Volt alkaline battery included Battery Low Indicator: Meter will auto power off 3 minutes following battery low signal display Auto Power Off: Saves on battery use will auto power off after 40 min of continuous EMF testing Operating Time: Alkaline battery provides up to 6 7 hrs continuous EMF testing Measuring Ranges: µw/m² // µw/m² Maximum display resolution is 199,900 µw/m² which requires the external DG20 Attenuator Calibration: During the manufacturing process strict calibration procedures are followed using only high end, calibrated measurement instruments. This guarantees that every HF35C meter made by Gigahertz has been individually calibrated to a traceable standard. Technical Data: Frequency Range of Meter: Measurement Ranges 1: Measurement Ranges 2: Antenna: Signal Evaluation: Accuracy: Linearity Deviation: Rollover: Dimensions: Weight: Material of Case: Operating Time: 800 MHz to 2.7 GHz Fine: µw/m2 Resolution 60 db Coarse: µw/m2 Resolution 50 db True Logarithmic Periodic Antenna 800 MHz 2.5 GHz vertically polarized True peak and average + / 6 db + / 6 db + / 9 digits 71 x 225 x 31 mm (W x L x H) approx 2 3/4 x 9 x 1.25 inches Approx. 250 grams Plastic Up to 6 7 hours varies according to the mode of operation Page 13 of 46

14 An Attachment to Convert Your HF35C Directional Meter into an Omni Directional Meter The Gigahertz Solutions HFE35C Radio/Microwave -Analyzer add-on (or purchased together in a kit) is the perfect combination for those wanting "directional" and "omni-direction" radio frequency / microwave radiation measurements from radiation from smart meters, cell phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, microwave towers, air traffic control, and more. Easy to use, this meter is good for measuring exposure levels and seeing the effects of remediation (such as Radio/Microwave shielding). Remediation can be challenging when using RADIO/MICROWAVE shielding fabric or other materials unless you can measure your before and after results with an accurate RADIO/MICROWAVE meter! Accurate Peak Measurements provide invaluable information for the layperson or technician who needs to assess potential biological impacts at a RADIO/MICROWAVE contaminated site. The HFE35C equipped with the omni-directional "Quasi" Isotropic Antenna, takes biological assessment one step further because it has the ability to assimilate and read the RADIO/MICROWAVE exposure conditions typical for a human body. A measurement taken with this equipment provides a 360 degree RADIO/MICROWAVE exposure snap shot of your body s radio/microwave exposure levels in the total sense. Equipped with Two Antennas - enhanced circuitry for use with the Ultra Broadband Omni-Directional UBB27 Antenna (Boosted Frequency Range of 27 MHz 3.3 GHz) and the directional Logarithmic Periodic Antenna designed to make source identification simple and efficient. Readings increase when the antenna is pointed in the direction of or moved closer to offending sources (Frequency Range of 800 MHz to 2.7 GHz). Detects both analogue and pulsed digital signals ( µw/m²) Detects RADIO/MICROWAVE radiation generated by cellular phone and cordless phones (DECT); microwave ovens; Radar; wireless communication devices (such as internet routers, WLAN, Wi-Fi, baby monitors, Bluetooth, video games); smart meters; cell phone towers in the operational range of GHz with the UBB27 antenna (GSM, UMTS, 2G, 3G, 4G) In addition the UBB27 Antenna detects RADIO/MICROWAVE radiation generated by FM Radio; Amateur Radio; Digital & Analog TV. Page 14 of 46

15 Omni Directional Antennae Add-on Warranty GigaHertz Solutions provides a two year warranty on factory defects of the HF analyzer, the antenna and accessories. Antenna Even though the antenna appears to be rather delicate, it is made of a highly durable FR4 base material that can easily withstand a fall from table height. HF Analyzer The analyzer itself, i.e. the body of the meter, is not impact proof, due to the comparatively heavy battery and the large number of delicate components. Any damage as a result of misuse is excluded from this warranty. Next we discuss the Manufacturer s User Guide, which compares the three different HF models and takes us into somewhat more technical user ground, since the company designs their meters for (in their words) the the technical amateur. We will expand on the material with EMF Expert notations interspersed throughout to clarify. And less technically inclined users are welcome to skip ahead to Part III Your Radio/Microwave Meter at Work in the Real-world Situations, which also includes easy step-by-step getting-started user info in plainer English, with lots of how-tomeasure information and suggestions for putting your meter to work for you right away. Page 15 of 46

16 Part II Manufacturer s User Guide for Measuring Radio/Microwave Fields Note: This meter is a German made meter and the user information provided by the manufacturer is originally written using British-English spellings, so in this booklet you will find British and USA spellings of words used interchangeably. Manufacturer s Introduction to Properties of HF Radiation and Consequences for their Measurement Permeation of many materials In particular for measurements inside of buildings it is important to know that construction materials are permeable for HF radiation to a varying degree. Some part of the radiation will also be reflected or absorbed. Wood, drywall, and wooden window frames, for example, are usually rather transparent spots in a house. Polarisation (Polarization) Most High Frequency radiation ( waves ) is vertically or horizontally polarised. With the antenna attached the meter measures the vertically polarised component, if the display is positioned horizontally. By rotating the meter around its longitudinal axis you will be able to pick up any polarisation plane. Fluctuations with regard to space and time Reflexions can cause highly localised amplifications or cancellations of the high frequency radiation, in particular inside buildings. This is why one should stick to the step-by-step procedure in the next chapter. In addition, most transmitters and cellular phones emit with considerably varying power during a given day and in the long term, depending on local reception and load. Therefore repeat measurements at different times of the day on working days and at weekends. In addition it may be advisable to repeat them occasionally over the year, as the situation can change over night. As an example, a transmitter only needs to be tilted down by a few degrees in order to cause major changes in exposure levels (e.g. during installation or repair of cellular phone base stations). Most of all it is the enormous speed with which the cellular phone network expands every day that causes changes in the exposure levels. Minimum distance 2 meters Due to the physics of wave generation it is not possible to reliably measure the customary power density (W/m²) in the close vicinity of the source of radiation. Page 16 of 46

17 For the instruments described here, the distance should be in excess of 2 meters. The nature of HF radiation requires a specific approach for each the determination of the total exposure to it and the identification of the sources or leaks for the pollution. Step-by-Step Procedure to Measure the Total Exposure When testing for HF exposure levels in an apartment, home or property, it is always recommended to record individual measurements on a data sheet. Later this will allow you to get a better idea of the complete situation. Preliminary Notes Concerning the Antenna As the LogPer Antenna provided with this instrument is shielded against ground influences, one should aim about 10 degrees below the emitting source subject to measurement so as to avoid distortions in the area of sensitivity transition (aim horizontally for moderately elevated targets such as transponder masts). The analyser suppresses frequencies below 800 MHz to avoid the readings being disturbed by lower frequency sources. In order to measure frequencies below 800 MHz down to 27 MHz the instruments HFE35C and HFE59B are available from Gigahertz Solutions. They come with an active horizontally isotropic ultra broad band antenna from 27 MHz up to beyond 3 GHz, the UBB27. This illustration shows you that where the antennae is actually measuring slightly below the point of interest (where you are interested in measuring ) Settings of the Analyser The HF32D comes with Range and Signal already set to values typical for the assessment of the impact of the HF radiation by building biology standards. Higher power densities beyond the designed range are indicated by a 1 on the left end of the display. In this case, the attenuator DG20 (available as accessory) will allow to increase the measurement range by a factor of Page 17 of 46

18 The HF35C and HF38B feature additional settings as described below: At first, set Range to 1999 µw/m² resp µw/m² (HF38B). Only if there are constantly very small readings, switch to the next finer range. The basic rule for any type of metering is to use the scale that is as coarse as necessary, as fine as possible. Setting Signal Evaluation ( Signal ): The peak HF radiation value, not the average value, is regarded as the measurement of critical biological effects affecting the organism and to be compared to recommended safety limits. This is the standard setting! The average value ( RMS ) of pulsed signals is often only a very small fraction of the peak value. Nonetheless it forms the basis of most of the official safety limits regulations. Building biologists consider this a trivialization. Peak hold (HF38B only) simplifies measurements of the total exposure by retaining the highest readings for some time (it slowly drops). Note of caution: Switch on softly to avoid switching peaks, which then will be retained for some time simulating unrealistic power densities. If peaks are very short and very high the holding capacity needs an instant until it is fully charged. How to Execute the Measurements Hold the HF analyzer with a slightly outstretched arm, your hand at the rear of the instrument. For a rough first overview it is sufficient to probe for areas of higher levels of radiation simply by following the audio signals walking through the rooms of interest, directing the analyser everywhere and rotating it. Having identified the area of interest for a closer evaluation, change the positioning of the instrument in order to analyse the actual power flux density. This is done by: pointing in all directions including upwards and downwards in flats to establish the main direction of the incoming radiation, rotating the instrument around its longitudinal axis by up to 90 to also find the plane of polarisation, and shifting the instrument in order to find the point of maximum exposure and to avoid being trapped by local cancellation effects. Page 18 of 46

19 It is generally accepted to use the highest reading in the room for comparison with limit or recommended values. HF38B Range : When switching from Coarse to Medium for very small readings, it could happen, that the instrument tolerance of +/- 6 db full range is absorbed. In this worst case there may be a factor 4 between the displayed numbers in Coarse and Medium. Example: In Medium you read µw/m². If worst comes to worst Coarse might show between 0.6 und 0.03 µw/m² (instead of 0.15 µw/m² which would be the correct value). However, normally the differences shown will be much smaller. For comparing measurements (e.g. before and after ) take the same range setting. Evaluating the different radio services The displays of the meters of this series show the sum of the total power density within the frequency range of the most common digital radio services. This means for the often dominating sources of DECT and GSM as well as analogue sources: Simply take the readings and compare them to the building biology standard values! To be able to evaluate the different radio standards and transmission and modulation patterns with one single measurement technology, the following approach to compensate for these differences is recommended: UMTS/3G, LTE/4G, WiMAX, DVB, WLAN during full data transmission: The modulation of these high-speed services includes high, needle-like peaks compared to the average power transmitted. Such signals are referred to as high crest factor signals. Measure for 1 or 2 minutes by slightly panning the meter pointing to the direction of the main source, and multiply the highest value by ten for a comparison with the building biology recommendations 6. Often you will find different telecommunication services being present at the same time. With the help of the audio analysis 7, you will be able to estimate how much of the total value shown is caused by such high crest factor signals. Depending on the proportion to the total signal, please apply the following rules of thumb : Low portion of high crest factor signals audible: multiply display reading by 2. ~ Fifty-fifty -ratio: multiply display reading by 5 Dominating high crest factor signals : multiply display reading by 10. Taking into account the multiple external factors of measurement uncertainty, this approach is perfectly adequate for an assessment of the total pollution. The use of a frequency filter and service specific correction factors will allow an increased accuracy. Page 19 of 46

20 Radar beams are emitted by slowly rotating antennas. Therefore they are only measurable and audible for only milliseconds every few seconds. Due to the extremely fast rise-time of the signal only a rough estimation of the real signal level is possible: Set Signal to Peak. Take the highest reading of sever- al radar beam passes displayed and multiply it by 10. When using the HF38B, you can set the switch to Peak hold and allow for several beam passes to establish the equilibrium of charging and droop rate of the holding capacitor. The reading may take a few minutes to stabilize. Even if their standards specify far higher crest factors, the industry strives for crest limitation for economic reasons, so that the resulting correction doesn't exceed a factor of 10. For the time being with LTE a factor of 20 may still occur. For TETRA (a police radio communication system used in Europe, not USA) a factor of 2, for WLAN ( standby-rattling ) a factor 4 is enough. Mind the internal noise level, where a correction does not make sense. Applies for HF35C and HF38B. When using the HF32D, the approach would be to multiply the display value by 10 to be on the safe side, especially at low levels and when DECT phones can definitely be excluded as source. Smart meters transmit data to the respective providers very irregularly and in pulses, by using the locally available cell phone services. Additionally there may be pulsed in-house wireless connections. Therefore, it makes sense to keep measuring until you pick up some pulses, and if necessary, apply correction factors. Limiting values, recommendations and precautions The Standard der baubiologischen Messtechnik (Standard for Building Biology Measurements), SBM 2008, classifies measurements (per radio communication service), with a note of caution pulsed signals to be taken more seriously than continuous ones, as follows: Page 20 of 46

21 Building Biology Recommendations as per SBM-2008 Peak un- moderately very extremely measurements conspicuou conspicuous conspicuous conspicuous µw/m² s < > 1000 Baubiologie Maes / IBN In Autumn 2008 the "Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland e.v." (BUND) (environmental NGO) recommended a limiting value of 1 µw/m² even for outdoor situations. The Landessanitätsdirektion Salzburg (Austrian health authority) proposed already in 2002 to lower the present Salzburger Vorsorgewert (precautionary value) to 1 µw/m² for indoor situ- ations. Limiting values imposed by governments are mostly considerably higher. There are indications of rethinking, though. The internet provides large collections of recommendations and data. Note for users of cellular phones and WLAN: Even below the measurement range of the meters, even the highly sensitive HF38B, a reliable communication is absolutely possible. Identification of the sources of pollution After determination of the total exposure the next step is to find out where the radiation enters the examined room. As a first step eliminate sources from within the same room (e.g. cordless phones, wireless routers, etc.) Once this is completed, the remaining radiation will originate from outside. For remedial shielding it is important to identify those areas of all walls (including doors, windows and window frames!), of ceiling and floor, which are penetrated by the radiation. To do this one should not stand in the centre of the room, measuring in all directions from there, but monitor the permeable areas with the antenna (LogPer) directed and positioned close to the wall/ceiling/floor. The reason for this is that the antenna lobe widens with increasing frequency. In addition reflections and cancellations inside rooms make it impossible to locate the leaks accurately. See the illustrating sketch below! Page 21 of 46

22 potentiell antenna Bereich Audio Frequency Analysis (HF35C / HF38B only) Many different frequencies within the frequency band between 800 MHz and 2.7 GHz, are being used by many different services. The audio analysis 8 of the modulated portion of the HF signal helps to identify the source of a given HF radiation signal. Sounds and signals are very difficult to describe in writing. The easiest way to identify them is to listen to the sound samples of the different signal sources, which can be found as MP3 files on our homepage. Alternatively, you can approach known HF sources very closely and listen to and memorise their specific signal patterns. Marking of un-pulsed signals: Un-pulsed signals or signal portions by their very nature are not audible in the audio analysis and therefore easily missed. For that reason, in our meters they are marked by a uniform rattling tone, with its volume proportional to its contents of the total signal. This marking has a frequency of 16 Hz (please see sound samples on our website). The audio analysis can be simplified by the frequency filters we offer. For more in-depth analyses Gigahertz Solutions offers: Attenuators for expanding the designed range of the analysers upwards for strong sources of pollution. Frequency filters for a more precise separation of different radio frequency service bands. Instruments for lower HF: For measurement of signal frequencies above 27 MHz (including: CB radioing, analogue and digital Page 22 of 46

23 Turn the attenuator knob for the audio analysis fully to the left ( - ) before switching the meter on, as the sound might be very loud at high field strength levels. 90Instruments for HF up to 6 GHz / 10 GHz: For analyses for yet higher frequencies (up to abt. 6 GHz, including WLAN, WIMAX and some directional radio sources and aviation radar), we offer the HFW35C (2.4-6 GHz). For higher frequencies up to 10 GHz (Radar) the HFW59B is available. Instruments for low frequencies: Electrosmog is not limited to the Radio Frequency range! Also for the low frequency range such as power (distribution and domestic installations) and railways including their higher harmonics we offer a broad range of affordably priced instruments with high professional standards. Please contact info@gigahertz-solutions.de for further information. Power Supply / Auto-Power-Off The battery compartment is at the back of the analyzer. For protection of the battery the instrument turns itself off automatically after initially 40 minutes, in the LOW BATT mode already after two minutes. In LOW BATT mode reliable measurements cannot be guaranteed. Page 23 of 46

24 PART III - Your Radio/microwave Meter at Work in Real World Situations EASY INTRO TO GETTING STARTED with Your HF35C Meter: Measuring Radio/Microwave Radiation Once you have assembled your meter and its antenna (carefully), you re ready to go. Hold the HF35C meter with a slightly outstretched arm, your hand at the rear of the instrument. You can begin simply by walking through areas or rooms of interest, watching the numbers that appear on the display and listening to the audio sounds. Higher numbers correspond to higher EMF field strengths in the radio/microwave frequency range, and this of course means more EMF exposure for you. Having identified the area of interest for a closer evaluation, change the position of the instrument in order to investigate the actual power flux density, or field strength, and measure it as accurately as possible. You can do this by: Pointing in all directions including upwards and downwards, while keeping your meter in a flat position. This will enable you to establish the main direction of the incoming radio/microw ave radiation. Rotating the instrument around one fixed position. In other words, twist your wrist to rotate the meter antennae, while holding the meter in one place (one pivot-point on its axis), pointing straight ahead. If, when you rotate the meter 90 degrees, the signal strength changes, (either stronger or weaker) it tells you that the signal is aligned with the orientation of the antennae, which enables you to obtain an more accurate measure of the signal strength, and thus the field strength. Page 24 of 46

25 Shift & Sweep the instrument in order to find the point of maximum exposure. Simply shifting or moving the meter (using a slow sweeping motion in front of you) will enable you to find the true maximum signal strength in that area. Since signals in traveling through the air can sometimes cancel themselves out (just like opposing waves in a pond cancel each other out resulting in the sum of the two being less than either one), by sweeping the area you can avoid being impacted by local cancellation effects, which could give you a false zero/low reading. Detecting the Invisible Dance of Radio/Microwaves Radio waves constantly traveling through our environment can sometimes cancel or combine with other wave-forms in unexpected ways. Cancelation of waves can create false low-readings (since in fact the radio waves are still present exerting their biological influence on you), and waves combining with other waves that happen to be passing through the same space can create a hotspot, or area of high readings, with measurements that far exceed the readings in nearby areas but have no apparent source (yet again, exerting their biological influence on you). This cancelling and combining of waves is sometimes the result of radio/microwaves from various technologies overlapping in the same space, or simply due to the nature of waves themselves. Radio-waves and microwaves can reflect off surfaces like mirrors, refract and diffract through structures such as building materials, scatter in certain atmospheric situations, and be absorbed (by our bodies and many other living things). Your meter will enable you to detect and measure radio waves and microwaves behaving in all the various ways that they behave according to the laws of physics, yet with different results depending upon the individual circumstance (for example, waves behave differently in the presence of a brick fence than they do with a wood fence). That is why sometimes the readings that your meter is displaying can seem unusual. And most likely, the readings not unusual at all, but simply seem so due a lack of proper knowledge regarding wave behavior. In this brief mention you can see that radio-wave and microwave behavior, in fact all EMF wave behavior, is a big topic beyond the scope of a meter handbook, however there are many situations in which this knowledge can give you the important ability to more accurately interpret the results that your meter is reading. Check out our EMF-Expert.com training if you would like to take your metering skills to the next level. Page 25 of 46

26 Certain areas read particularly high on your meter display if you are measuring at close range. Some are too high at close range for the meter to measure. These include microwave ovens, and cellphones, DECT mobile phones, and a multitude of wireless devices, but also may include things like airport radar sweeps, and FM tower transmissions. Although the HF35C meter s scale range is more than sufficient to measure the field strengths of cellphones (1G 4G LTE), WiFi, and wireless devices at far range, remember though, if the emissions are so high the display is reading the number 1, then you have exceeded the meter s range. This means that to measure those signals a different meter capable of measuring stronger signals will be needed. It is expected that when 5G is fully deployed it will use frequencies that are different than the ones used previously by cell technology, which will also require a different meter. When it comes to radio frequencies your exposure levels even at a distance are important to know, since you can see on the Precautionary Guidelines in Part IV that the recommended levels of biological safety are very low. And although like all EMF the field strength drops off with distance, RADIO/MICROWAVE/microwave transmissions, such as those originating from cell towers, are designed to travel far distances (tens of miles/kilometers), and in some cases, like airport radar, even much farther. Why Measure Radio Frequency and Microwave Radiation? Literally thousands of studies (6,000 and growing) have determined that EMF is biologically harmful. Hundreds of studies show a causal link between radio frequency and microwave radiation and serious health effects. This is because typical exposure from sources such as cell phones, cell towers and antennas, WiFi, microwave ovens, cordless phones, radio and TV broadcasting, and the growing number of wireless devices and systems, interferes with our own inherent biological electrical systems, which maintain proper cell function by means of voltage gated channels and other bio-electromagnetic means. A few of the consequences of this outside interference is irreversible damage to DNA, disruption of hormones (particularly melatonin our Mr Fix It hormone), and damage/destruction of sperm. The 2012 BioInitiative Report details the large body of other studies behind the rationale for adopting new biological based precautionary EMF Safety standards, refer to: Page 26 of 46

27 Since today s EMF safety standards (including radio/microwaves) are not biologically based it is up to the individual to become aware of their own exposure levels and take precautionary action. One of the first lines of defense is measuring the fields, so as to be able to assess the exposure levels and respond appropriately, which is to act defensively, and one of the most effective ways is simply to keep our distance. Another reason to measure these fields is to use the measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of remediation methods (such as eliminating, distancing, shielding) - by taking before and after measurements which we ll illustrate with examples in a moment. What RADIO/MICROWAVE Level is Considered Safe? For our clients, our goal is to keep long-term exposures below 0.1 µw/m², which is how we express 0.1 microwatts/ m 2. We teach our Certified EMF Consultants the RADIO/MICROWAVE safety standard that have been recommended by the Building Biology Institute guidelines, and we also reference the international scientists 2012 BioInitiative Report for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Radio/microwave Fields. For more information on biologically based exposure guidelines refer to The Building Biology guidelines tend to be more biologically safety minded, or conservative, than the BioIntitiative Report. In the case of radio/microwave exposure levels they recommend only 0.1 µw/m², this is the level of No Concern. To view all the Building Biology Guidelines, including radio/microwaves, please refer to the last Part IV of this guide. Page 27 of 46

28 Putting Your Meter to Work: Detecting and Protecting In this situation we want to measure for sources of radio/microwaves beyond the wooden privacy fence that borders this residence s backyard, to determine if the small children who play here are exposed to unacceptably high exposure levels from next door. The main goal of using our meter is to locate the strongest signal. A little EMF detective work with this meter will enable us to find the highest reading, and thus accurately determine the greatest (worst case) level of exposure. Since it is a directional meter we begin by moving the meter using various motions first pointing, second rotating, and third shifting/sweeping to get a better idea of the bigger picture of the EMF that is present. First we locate the highest signal strength using a pointing motion. Then we use a second motion called rotating, which is done by holding the meter pointed in the same direction and then rotating it (turning your wrist) 90 degrees. This enables you to determine if the signals you are detecting are polarized, or in other words, if the signal from the source is either horizontal or vertical. We use a rotating motion because the antennae needs to be receiving signals in the same plane as the signal is oriented in order to obtain the most accurate readings. The orientation that provides the highest reading is the meter orientation, and the resulting measurement, that you will use. In this case we find that the signal strength is highest in the rotated, or horizontal, position. And at this point we know by the high field strength we are reading that we are on target in detecting some wireless device emitting strong signals from the direction of the neighbor s house. Page 28 of 46

29 So, the third motion we perform with the meter is shifting our meter systematically up and down, right and left, while very slowly sweeping the air (as though sweeping ahead of ourselves with the beam of a flashlight) to find the strongest signal. By using these various motions we can locate the greatest signal strength and assess the full extent of the radio/microwave impact on this patio play yard where the children and the family spend a great deal of time. We determine, by a combination of direction, audio recognition and field strength measurements (and a little educated guess-work), that the strong signals are being transmitted continuously by the wireless home security system of the neighbor s house. Asking him to disable it during playtime is unrealistic, so we realize from the outset that eliminating the source is not possible. Having detected and measured the high exposure levels has let us know just what we are dealing with, and that leaves us with two remaining protection-solutions: a complicated shielding project involving refacing or rebuilding the fence (for example with aluminum siding), or the simpler solution of distancing from the source, which means relocating the play-yard to a more EMF-free (i.e. biologically safe) spot on the property. This is a good example, of how this meter enables us to detect unseen sources, pinpoint their location and identify them precisely, so we may evaluate our most suitable protection options for that source in that situation. Another example of a situation like this where this meter has provided us with invaluable detection of very high, though unsuspected, exposure levels, was in locating signals from a neighbor s WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider of local WiFi service), hidden inside his garage in order to operate clandestinely. Other unsuspected and unseen sources this meter is good at locating are such things as small as a neighbor s dog collar, wireless sprinkler systems, wireless outdoor toys, remote garage door openers, and the list is growing. Your meter may surprise you with all the various signals from the wide variety of wireless devices it can detect. However, many of the new wireless devices like these (and those that operate short distances, like Bluetooth, Zigby, etc) are legally allowed to operate using unlicensed frequencies, so you may pick up mystery signals with your meter but never be able to identify them for certain, since they are not listed on any official EMF spectrum allocation chart. Page 29 of 46

30 Defending Your Home and Your Health It is not unusual in today s world to discover, with the help of your HF35C meter, that the strongest EMF fields that you are ever exposed to are right inside your own home. The good news is that this is where we have the most control and the most ability to defend ourselves from unwanted radio/microwave exposure. Your meter will show that that some of the strongest fields are coming from your wireless technology, which includes WiFi routers, computer, cellphones, mobile phones, and many other types of smart devices, appliances and technology. And if you live in close proximity to neighbors you will also be able to detect the radio/microwave signals coming from their devices and appliances. Probably the strongest field you will detect with your meter is from your microwave oven when it is in operation. You will quickly notice that as you put distance between you and the source of the microwave/radiation your meter measurements will drop off. Distancing yourself from the source is always your first line of defense in lowering your exposure, whenever and wherever possible. The goal is to create as much distance as it takes to achieve the precautionary biological safety guideline of 0.1 µw/m², the exposure level of no concern. However there is often not enough distance to provide the safety boundary that you need from a particular source, and a microwave oven is the best example of this situation. Microwave Ovens typically emit signals that can be detected a surprisingly great distance away from the appliance itself, especially if the door seal is leaking microwaves into the environment. We have measured some microwave ovens hundreds of feet from the kitchen it s located in. So, you can see that it is sometimes possible to be impacted by your neighbor s microwave cooking, whether it occurs on the other side of a shared wall, or on the other side of the patio, or even the other side of the road. You will want to measure your own microwave oven to establish a safe distance to observe while it is in operation (particularly if you have small children in the kitchen helping the chef). The Microwave Oven Dilemma If the level of the microwave radiation emanating from your microwave oven when it Page 30 of 46

31 is operating measures more than 2,000,000 µw/m² at 6 feet from the oven, then the seal is considered to be leaking microwave radiation, or in other words the oven is defective. The radiation levels from microwave ovens will usually drop to 100,000 µw/m² anywhere from 10 to 20 feet distance away from the oven; this exposure level is the microwave industry standard for safety, which is the established level to prevent overheating (dare we say cooking?) of human tissue. Microwave signals at this high a level are far too high for the HF35C meter to measure, and even if we could detect and measure them, the average home does not usually provide enough distance for a biological safety boundary to put between ourselves and our dinner cooking in the microwave oven, that would enable us to reduce our exposure levels low enough to meet biologically safe guidelines, which is our goal. The dilemma for those wanting to use their microwave ovens and still achieve biological safety levels is that the field strengths of microwave ovens are just too high to be considered biological safe to use at any kind of useful proximity. Considering that even an industry-safe 100,000 µw/m² power density at feet distance, is 1,000,000 times one million times! -- stronger than is recommended by the Building Biology safety guidelines aiming for 0. 1 µw/m², or biologically of no concern. This difference between typical microwave oven exposure levels and precautionary biological safety exposure levels are simply too great! So, we find it is safest, and simpler, not to use the microwave oven in our home at all. We would remove it if we could, but since it is built-in we unplug it completely to avoid even the small fields from its electronics. If you do elect to use your microwave, at the very least you will want to use your meter to confirm that its door seal is intact and not leaking massive radiation. And you will also want to determine what your microwave oven s radio/microwave footprint is when it is heating/cooking, so you can take whatever protective measures you can to avoid that area of high readings, and safeguard your family from its biological risk. Consider this footprint as your oven s danger-zone, one that you need to instruct your children to stay out of when the microwave is on. Studies have shown that children are far more vulnerable to the biological effects of radio/microwave exposure than adults, and to add insult to injury most microwave ovens are located on counters emitting radiation directly at the level of a child s head/brain. Page 31 of 46

32 What Can I Do To Reduce RADIO/MICROWAVE Fields? Now that you are investigating your environment with your HF35C you re beginning to notice that some sources elicit very high measurement readings from your meter. If these are located in areas where you spend lots of time you should first consider using distance as an easy means of lowering your exposure levels from these sources. For example, often rearranging the furniture, sitting farther away from your internet devices, moving your modem to the farthest spot in the room, not sleeping with your cellphone in bed, are all good places to start. Another common sense strategy to lower your EMF exposure is to simply eliminate every high source of microwave radiation that you can. Throw away your mobile DECT phone, ban your microwave oven, turn your cellphone completely off (or at least put It in airplane mode ) whenever it is not essential. As for using shielding materials, generally speaking, radio/microwaves shielding can sometimes be achieved by using something as simple as a metal screen (such as the ones commonly used in window screens for air flow and bug screening). Placing a section of metal screen in front of the source of known radio/microwave emissions, then measuring the field on the protected side of the screen with your meter will tell you if this is an effective shielding for that situation. Simply stated, if it is effective (protective) the meter will display lower readings with the screen shielding than without it. If you want to achieve lower readings you can double-up the screen and measure again. This is just one example of how simple the process of shielding from radio microwaves can be. There are literally hundreds of other options for RADIO/MICROWAVE shielding so obtaining a good working knowledge of what products are available, an understanding of their attenuation (shielding capabilities), identifying which ones can do double duty, and their application to your RADIO/MICROWAVE exposure situation, is a good next step when it comes to forming your overall EMF protection plan. Certified EMF Expert Consultants are happy to consult with you on this question and any others, on site and often simply by telephone using your photos, to help guide you through the proper steps to reduce the radio/microwave fields (RF) from cell towers, cellphones, WiFi antennas, WiMax, wireless devices, and many other common sources. Please refer to the EMF Experts Directory to locate a certified EMF Consultant or professional near you: Page 32 of 46

33 Your HF35C Meter at Work in the World: Various Ways it will Serve You Seeking EMF Refuge in Remote Locations This meter is a big help when you are searching for an EMFpristine environment to spend some restorative, recreational time in. Even half an hour in Nature free from the interference of EMF on our own biological electrical systems is shown to have marked restorative effects. Although it is fairly easy to see a power line and avoid that EMF exposure, celltowers in the vicinity or, worse, towers such as WiMaxx that can blanket a 30 mile radius with radio/microwaves, can be far less visually obvious, so this meter will help ferret their presence out. Also, since it tells you exactly what direction an invisible wireless signal is coming from you can shield yourself by putting a mountain between you and the source. We take this meter whenever we go hiking (new celltowers often spring up unannounced) or to discover new places for a walk outdoors in Nature. We used this meter extensively when we were evaluating locations to launch an EMF Free Retreat Community. Off grid does not mean Off-EMF. Although a celltower map ( refer to will give you some idea of the antennas and towers broadcasting in the areas where you are evaluating, these types of public records are not kept very current. Cell service providers also offer maps of their coverage area, which can give you an approximate idea of the exposure levels you can expect. But nothing tells you for certain like a good radio/microwave meter. Similarly, this meter is also useful to take camping in remote campground locations, since nearby campers will often come with their cellphones and other wireless technology, and a cellphone out of range of a tower will boost its signal to try and locate cell coverage (thereby increasing its EMF exposure to all nearby). Additionally RVs frequently have microwave ovens, and local WiFi hotspots for their laptops, that are easily run from portable power generators or solar power. This meter will tell you where the culprits are, thus enabling you to distance yourself for safety. Page 33 of 46

34 Distinguishing Various Types of Meters The meter s directional properties enable you to distinguish continually broadcasting smart meters, from continually broadcasting power line communication (PLC) meters, and on-demand radio-interrogated meters, from analog meters. By identifying the meter (from among the many others that are probably simultaneously broadcasting signals in the neighborhood vicinity) and listening/measuring the rate and power of signals you can identify what type of meter you are dealing with. Knowing this tells you which specific meters are causing issues that warrant an opt-out request with a meter replacement. Or, alternatively it tells you what other remediation is needed to reduce your exposure. Sniffing Out Hidden Wireless Devices The directional capabilities of this meter offer a definite practical advantage when you are faced with a high EMF exposure situation with no logical or visual clues to assist you in locating the offending source. Here we see the meter revealing the hidden WiFi device discreetly located in a built-in compartment inside the cupboard of a stateroom aboard a cruise ship. Interestingly the metal walls and doors of many ships serve as very good shielding, which keeps your stateroom fairly protected from WiFi in the halls and public areas. Hotels and other public hospitality services are good places to make use of this meter. Often simply by locating the hidden devices and flipping the off-switch (typically on the side of a WiFi, or portable hotspot, unit) can save your entire vacation from mysterious EMF-related maladies, and can turn even one night s sleep, into a blessed rejuvenation. Page 34 of 46

35 Performing Before and After Reading to Determine the Effectiveness of Remediation Measures This radio/microwave shielding fabric was installed to cover a wall of windows, in order to remediate the high measurements of radar coming straight into the home from the direction of the local airport. The directional feature of this meter came in handy in another completely unexpected way. It also detected signal bounce-back as the radar passed over the house and bounced back from the mountain behind the home, coming again into the room through the rear windows, impacting this same living space with radar signals from the opposite direction. This told us that more window shieling would be needed on the rear windows, shielding from a direction where no signal source was thought possible since the rear of the home backed onto hundreds of miles of federally protected wilderness. Directional meters are the go-to instrument when it comes to assessing bounce back signals (reflected, refracted etc), and other types of signal behavior (combining, cancelling etc). Whereas radio microwave exposure averaging meters promote their ability to more closely resemble human exposure through averaging all signals, when you need to assess specific signals, or their field strength, this meter wins every before-and-after remediation contest. Evaluating your Exposure from a Specific Wireless Device Your HF35C directional meter is particularly good at isolating wireless signals emitted by a specific device and giving you the power density with its identifying audio sound in the same easy step. At a glance you can determine your exposure level from that individual device, and quickly determine your safe distance exposure boundary. Or use it to compare other similar devices; different cellphones operating in the same environment conditions vary in the levels of EMF exposure they pose to those nearby. If you prefer to know your exposure levels in terms of field strength, remember a simple conversion chart is conveniently printed on the back of the meter. No calculations. Page 35 of 46

36 PART IV Some Things You Might Find Interesting About This Meter Visualizing How Your Meter Sees Your HF35C meter measures in one direction and it picks up signals in an area the size of one square meter. Here is an illustration to help you visualize its measuring area. You ll discover that this is a very useful meter to use to measure radio/microwave fields that are being caused by sources on the other side of walls, or otherwise out of sight. For example, you can assess the field strength (i.e. your field exposure level) from wireless devices such as DECT phones (the mobile phone acronym for Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) that are sitting on bedside tables on the other side of a shared wall, such as in a hotel room, apartment housing, or any other type of shared wall. This illustration demonstrates the size of the one-square-meter area that this instrument is designed to measure. The reading you see on the meter display represents the power density being sensed at the location of the antennae, as the energy falling on one square meter. Here we are pointing at some unseen source on the other side of the fence and detecting high radio/microwave radiation signals. The square you see illustrates the size of area being measured in any one direction the meter is pointed in. You can visualize the meter s measuring scope as something similar to a flashlight beam pointing straight ahead. Page 36 of 46

37 Why Your Meter s Antenna Looks the Way it Does Interestingly, this meter s antenna actually illustrates the correlation between the design of the probe and the signals that are being measured in the environment. It detects the higher frequencies at the narrow end of its antenna and lower frequencies at the wider end. The meter collects the power of various wavelengths hitting the tiny segments along its antenna (top, bottom and sides). It then displays it as units of the strength of radio/microwave power that the antennae detected (all that was within its set range of measurement detection capability). In other words, it is displaying your radio/microwave exposure level. Think of it as a kind of unusual baseball team; the team players all have mitts, but each member of the team has a mitt of a certain size designed only to catch balls of that particular size as the balls come past them. In the end, the entire team catches all the balls, although they are of varying sizes. Although this meter has sometimes been criticized as being too delicate (breakable) for the wear and tear of regular EMF metering in everyday situations, the German-made design has actually been ingeniously engineered to offer a meter at the lowest price possible and still be considered a fine professional instrument one that is better performing and less expensive than any other radio/microwave meter in its class. True, there are many other radio/microwave meters whose antennas are built-in, enclosed in plastic and other types of sturdy casings, but in most cases this type of casing design contributes to defeating the meter s performance by acting like a shield. And, we would add, encouraging rougher handling that can itself damage performance. An overriding need for convenience and low price, rather than the importance of high performance, has tended to lead the general public into regarding meters as toys. There are, in fact, a number of cheap models of radio/microwave meters available for sale on the market, with a toy-look at a toy price, which are so poorly designed they are confusing and unreliable in their actual radio/microwave measurements. Page 37 of 46

38 For example, many of these toy-like meters simply display colored lights red for stop, green for go type of display -- without letting you know what exactly it is measuring, or what it is basing its red/green determination on. Ghost buster radio/microwave toy meters, and EMF-alert type meters, fall into this category. The HF35C is a professional caliber meter that, with a little tender-loving-care, should last you indefinitely. Mine has traveled the world with me (simply in the box it came in), and issue of the HF35C s delicate antenna can be dealt with by simply providing your meter with some sort of sturdy storage case, preferably one that will enable you to avoid assembling and disassembling it too much. Many very expensive industrial meters are far more delicate than this one, and the electrical and electronics engineers who use them are familiar with the importance of caring for their delicate instruments properly in order to obtain the best measurements they can deliver. The general public then, must understand it is the nature of fine instruments to be delicate, in fact that they are designed that way purposefully to deliver the best performance. RADIO/MICROWAVE Meter Audio Sounds of Various Sources There are several amateur sleuth videos but a video on YouTube that you will see frequently posted where this model of RADIO/MICROWAVE meter is sold. I refer to these videos, in order to point out the various audio sounds one can hear with this meter, and to discuss how sounds can be deceptive. Keep in mind that these videos demonstrate the sounds of various EMF sources, sometimes erroneously inferring that more sound is somewhat related to more field strength. It can be, but not with any precision. Only the read-out will tell you the field strength. And, while we are one the topic of field strength, let me interject the reminder here that when you see the HF35C registering a reading of 1, this indicates the signal is so strong it is pegging the meter ( i.e. beyond the meter s ability to read the field). When this happens the audio will still play sounds but it doesn t mean anything more than it did before it went off the clock. Another conclusion amateurs often jump to regarding these videos is that they infer that there is somehow actually a library of EMF source sounds to memorize. There isn t. Not all EMF sources sound the same every time (even with the same meter); and the same meter does not necessarily make the same sound every time (even with the same source). Page 38 of 46

39 Add to this, not all types of audio meter manufacturers use the same sound conventions when designing their instruments. So, take this video to simply be an example of various typical sounds, as a clue to help you in your detective work ferreting out sources. These types of meters are designed to measure field strength, not really to identify sources by sounds. The sound is just added sensory feedback. Since there are so many such videos on YouTube by well meaning amateur EMF sleuths, that give the impression that EMF sources can be identified easily by the sound, the public has formed the impression that anyone can buy a meter and take their own measurements as though it was like taking their own temperature to see if they have a fever. We have yet to see a proper internet video that teaches (or even demonstrates) how to meter accurately, interpret the results correctly, and evaluate the exposure situation adequately. In actual fact, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is how do I make sense of this EMF meter I bought online? A more reliable way to locate sources with this meter is to use the directional capabilities of a one-axis (one direction) meter, particularly if you cannot see the source. In other words, as you point the meter antennae (the green triangular apparatus) in the direction of the source the measurement goes up; this takes you in the direction of the source where you can make an educated deduction of what the source is, by remembering how EMF behaves and what devices emit what type of EMF, then by factoring in what sources broadcast at what frequency all of this together will tell you what materials will shield and offer the best protection from exposure. In some cases, you never even need to identify the source (perhaps it is even intentionally hidden) because the goal is to protect from high EMF exposure regardless of what the source is. Remember, the function of all of these inexpensive types of meters for public use is to measure field strength. If you have a high EMF field strength reading you have a high EMF exposure level situation this is simply two ways of describing the same thing. However Field Strength measurement is primarily useful only to the extent that before and after field strength measurements can confirm that your applied shielding/protection strategies, methods or products are effective in that specific exposure situation; and of course, to the extent that a meter reading of zero can tell you when you do not need protection at all. And, in any case, since the best that shielding can ever do is offer a reduction by percentage (of protection effectiveness) relative to the field strength in any situation, simpler solutions like avoidance, distance etc are always the best protective method wherever possible. In my experience, that is the best use of meters to reveal the field strength so that we can locate our precautionary EMF safety boundaries. And stay away from them. Page 39 of 46

40 Taking into Consideration the Inherent Limitations of your HF35C Meter The deployment of 5G cellphones will be a game changer for radio/microwave detection meters, because at this writing we do not know what radio frequencies will officially be government approved for its use, or what EMF detection meters will have the ability to read those frequencies. Each generation of cell communication uses different technology (logic processing, signal design, common language etc) and different providers are allocated different frequencies on the EMF Spectrum for their licensed use. So measurements of cellphone signals with your HF35C meter is designed to include signals from all of these systems. This makes it almost impossible to specifically measure only 4G, for example. Another thing to consider when you are metering is that there is almost certainly radio/microwave ( wireless) signals beyond the detection range of your meter (either below or above the frequency range that the meter was designed to measure) that are not able to be measured accurately, or not picked up at all. This is true of all meters; there is no such thing as one meter to do the job, the Electromagnetic Spectrum, of which radio/microwaves are a part, is far too vast to be measured that way. So, understandably your meter s unmeasurable range is likely to increase with changing technology, and certainly as future demand for 5G grows since innovative technology is now being created to allow 5G to eventually operate on frequencies in a higher frequency range than earlier cell technologies are capable of. Many countries are preparing infrastructure for 5G now with a target mass-roll-out date in the early 2020 s, and many of them are jockeying for earlier roll-outs to give them perceived market supremacy. While 5G will create new data handling capabilities for cellphones, such as higher data transmission rates that enable instant streaming of full length movies, these higher frequencies have less ability to travel over as long a distance or penetrate structures. So, where 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G base stations (cell towers) were designed to broadcast signals over long distance and penetrate through buildings, landforms and other structures, including human bodies, the higher frequencies that will be used by 5G cannot be broadcasted in that way. Page 40 of 46

41 The different transmission properties of higher frequencies will necessitate a greater number of short range base stations that also are more densely located, installed throughout our environment. 5G base stations typically look similar to cans of soda-pop installed on lampposts, and broadcast less than 300 yards/meters. Your HF35C meter will be limited to the frequency range it has been designed to measure, and additional radio/microwave meters may be needed in order to keep pace with changing technologies. Lastly, keep in mind that EMF detection meters designed for use by the general public is a fairly new product demand in recent years due to growing public EMF awareness, and so to make them available to the market at a low enough price point for consumers to agree to pay, manufacturers were forced to make meters that were much less complex, less accurate, less precise etc. In other words, consumer versions of EMF detection meters were created for a general public that does not generally have the knowledge to understand what they are missing and wouldn t pay for it in any case. By contrast, more professional and particularly industrial meters have far more range, or far more task-appropriate range, better quality engineering, more rigorous made-tospecification design, and more. And all those high quality-controlled features are reflected in prices that are many thousands times higher than the consumer models available for sale. By now you know that the allowable industry safety standards and the biologicallybased safety standards that you can see in Part IV are entirely different guidelines; it s as though they speak two different languages. And, in effect, they do. The biologically based safety standards are far lower in every instance. Maximum allowable continuous exposure to the public varies from 1mW/cm 2, such as in the US and some Western Europe countries, to the most stringent standard of 0.01 mw/cm 2, such as in Switzerland and Russia. However, the typical maximum exposure radio/microwave from a cellular base station 50 meters away is only about 0.001mW/cm 2. Page 41 of 46

42 Part of the Confusion is the Vast Difference Between Standards Notice that when you are reading RADIO/MICROWAVE measurements and comparing them to the various standards you want to follow, you will need to double check to make sure the units it is expressed in. Sometimes the units of the allowable safety standard and the biological standard are so vastly different that we need to change the units of scale so that we do not use an entire page of paper including the zeros. So, watch for switches from meters squared to centimeters squared, watts and milliwatts. Example: 10 W/m 2 = 1mW/cm2, or, 0.1 W/m 2 = 0.01mW/cm2. Why we Measure in Power Density units and not Field Strength units? In today s world, Power flux density is the measurement by which a wide variety of existing safety standards are defined. With regards to today s conventional EMF safety standards this refers to the amount of power required to produce a tissue heating effect in the body. An important distinction of radio/microwave meters is that they most often do not measure field strength (the level of EMF exposure, which relates to how strong an effect it is capable of exerting on biological systems, such as voltage-gated cell membranes), rather they measure power density of the field (tissue heating effects). It is anticipated that in the future, the standard will be changed to field strength (measured in volts per meter) since that will relate to a wider range of biological effects than merely heating. Meantime, conversion charts, which you will find in Part IV, enable us to convert from power density to field strength in order to understand EMF s effect on us from either perspective. Page 42 of 46

43 PART V HF35C Meter User Support Material Conversion Table µw/m² to mv/m Conversion Table on the back of the HF35C for converting Power Flux Density readings to Field Strength Page 43 of 46

44 Power Flux Density (W/m 2 ) to Field Strength (V/m) Conversion Chart Page 44 of 46