User's Guide
RF EMF Strength Meter
Model 480846
Safety Information
CAUTION
• Before making a measurement, check if the low battery symbol ( + ) is
shown on the display when the meter is switched on. Replace the
battery if the symbol is displayed.
• In the case of prolonged storage, it is preferable to remove the battery from
the meter.
• Avoid shaking the meter, particularly in the measurement mode.
• The accuracy and function of the meter may be adversely affected by
exceeding the specified limits as well as by improper handling.
DANGER!
• Use caution when working in the vicinity of powerful radiation sources.
• Persons with electronic implants (e.g. cardiac pacemakers) should avoid
powerful radiation sources.
• Observe the local safety regulations.
• Observe the operating instructions for equipment that is used to generate or
conduct electromagnetic energy.
• Be aware that secondary radiators (e.g. reflective objects such as a metallic
fence) can cause a local amplification of the field.
• Be aware that the field strength in the near vicinity of radiators increases
proportionally to the inverse cube of the distance. This means that enormous
field strengths can result in the immediate vicinity of small radiation sources
(e.g. leak in waveguides, inductive ovens).
• Field strength measuring devices can underrate pulsed signals, particularly with
radar signals in which case significant measurement errors can arise.
• All field strength measuring devices have a limited specified frequency range.
Fields with spectral components outside of this frequency range are generally
incorrectly evaluated and tend to be underrated. Before using field strength
measuring devices, you should thus be certain that all field components to be
measured lie in the specified frequency range of the measuring device.
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480846 V2.3 7/09
Introduction
This meter is a broadband device for monitoring high-frequency radiation in the range of
10MHz to 8GHz. The non-directional electric field and high sensitivity also allow
measurements of electric field strength in TEM cells and absorber rooms.
The unit of measurement and the measurement types are expressed in units of electrical
and magnetic field strength and power density.
At high frequencies, the power density is of particular significance. It provides a measure
of the power absorbed by a person exposed to the field. This power level must be kept
as low as possible at high frequencies. The meter can be set to display the
instantaneous value, the maximum value measured or the average value. Instantaneous
and maximum value measurements are useful for orientation, e.g. when first entering an
exposed area.
10MHz to 8 GHz Frequency range.
For isotropic measurements of electromagnetic fields.
Non-directional (isotropic) measurement with three-channel measurement sensor.
High dynamic range due to three-channel digital processing.
Configurable alarm threshold and memory function.
Fundamentals
Electromagnetic Radiation
This meter is used to indicate radiated electromagnetic fields. Wherever there is a
voltage or a current, electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields arise. Examples include the
electromagnetic fields from radio broadcasting and TV transmitters.
Electric Field Strength
This is a field vector quantity that represents the force (F) on an infinitesimal unit
positive test charge (q) at a point divided by that charge. Electric field strength is
expressed in units of volts per meter (V/m).
Use the units of electric field strength for measurements in the following situations:
• In the near-field area of the source.
• Where the nature of the electromagnetic field is unknown.
Magnetic field strength (H) :
This is a field vector that is equal to the magnetic flux density divided by the
permeability of the medium. Magnetic field strength is expressed in units of amperes
per meter (A/m).
Power density (S) :
Power per unit area in the direction of propagation, usually expressed in units of watts
per square meter (W/m2) or, for convenience, units such as milliwatts per square
centimeter (mW/cm2).
The characteristic of electromagnetic fields :
Electromagnetic fields propagate as waves and travel at the speed of light (c). The
wavelength is proportional to the frequency.
λ(wavelength) =
c (speed of light)
f (frequency)
Near-field is assumed if the distance to the field source is less than three
wavelengths. For far-fields, the distance is more than three wavelengths. In the nearfield, the ratio of electric field strength (E) and magnetic field strength (H) is not
constant, so measure each separately. In the far-field, however, it is enough to just
measure one field quantity, and compute the other accordingly.
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Description
Front Panel Description
(1). E-field sensor.
(2). LCD display.
(3). MAX/AVG
c Press this key to scroll through the following:
“Instantaneous”→ “Max. instantaneous” →
“Average” → “Max. average”.
key: Press this key to turn the meter on or off.
(4)
(5). UNIT
c Press this key to change the units: “mV/m or V/m”
→ “μA/m or mA/m” → “μW/m
2
“μW/cm
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on
to disable the audible sound. The “
will disappear.
(6). TIME ALARM key:
c Press this key to display date and time.
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter
ON to the alarm setting mode, press the SET key
2 times to exit this mode.
e Press this key for 3 seconds to switch alarm
function On or Off.
(7). XYZ Cal key:
c Press this key to change the sensor axis: “All axis” → “X axis” → “Y axis” → “Z axis”.
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to switch the device to the
calibration factor setting mode, press SET key to exit this mode.
(8). SET key:
c Press this key to enter the current data and time setting mode. Press again to exit.
(9 - 12). STWX keys : Used to set current date and time, datalogging interval time,
alarm setting value, calibration factor setting value, or recall data.
(10). MEM key:
c Press this key one time to store one data set to memory.
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to enter the clear manually
recorded data mode. Press SET key to exit this mode.
(11). READ key:
c Press this key to switch to the manual data reading mode. Press this key again to exit
this mode.
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to disable the Auto Power OFF
function. The “
or mW/cm2””
” symbol will disappear
2
, mW/m2 or W/m2”→
” symbol
3
4
6
8
10
1
2
5
7
9
11
12
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LCD display description
(1). : Auto power off function on / off.
(2).
: Audible sound function on / off.
(3). MAX: Maximum measured value displayed.
MAX AVG: Maximum average value displayed.
(4). AVG: Average measured value displayed.
+
(5).
(6). Units : mV/m and V/m : Electric field strength;
: Low battery indication.
μA/m and mA/m : Magnetic field strength.;
μW/m
2
, mW/m
2,
2,
W/m
μW/cm2 and mW/cm2:
Power density
12
18
17
16
15
14
4
3
12
13
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
(7).
(8).
(9).
(10).
: Measured value displayed as per selected mode and selected units.
: Stored measured value to memory indication.
: Manual data memory mode indication.
: Manual data memory address number (1~99).
(11). ALM: Alarm function on / off or alarm setting indication.
(12). ▲ : Displays when the alarm function is on and the instantaneous measured value
exceeds the limit value indication.
(13).
: hh : mm : ss Time displayed.
: YY : MM : DD Date displayed.
(14). CAL : Calibration factor indication or setting indication (from 0.20 to 5.00).
(15). Z : Z axis measured value displayed.
(16). Y : Y axis measured value displayed.
(17). X : X axis measured value displayed.
(18).
: Analog bargraph of each axis (X,Y or Z) measured dynamic range
indication for observing trends.
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Operation
E-field sensors
The 3-channel sensor is located at the top of the meter. The three voltages generated
by the sensor are fed back to the meter. In far-fields, an E-field sensor is preferable due
to the greater bandwidth. The E-field sensor frequency ranges from 10MHz to 8 GHz.
The meter is a small portable instrument that measures the electric field in the atmosphere of
the sensor’s surroundings. The measurement of the field is done by moving the aerial of the
sensor in the desired measured environment.
A direct wide band measurement is obtained of the field that the measurement sensor is
subjected to. To find the value of the field emitted by a source of interference, simply
point the aerial towards it and get as close as possible (the value of the field is inversely
proportional to the distance of the sensor/emission source). The operator must take care
not to be between the source of disturbance and the zone to be checked. The human
body shields electromagnetic fields. The E-field sensor is isotropic; it does not require
special handling. It measures the field according to 3 axes without the aerial having to
be moved in the 3 planes. Simply point it at the target to make the measurement.
Explanatory notes
Units of measurement
The meter measures the electrical component of the field; the default units are those of
electrical field strength (mV/m, V/m). The meter converts the measurement values to the
other units of measurement, i.e. the corresponding magnetic field strength units (μA/m,
mA/m) and power density units (μW/m
formulate for electromagnetic radiation.
The conversion is invalid for near-field measurements, as there is no generally valid
relationship between electrical and magnetic field strength in this situation. Always use
the default units of the sensor when making near-field measurements.
Result modes
The bar graph display always shows each axis (X, Y or Z) the instantaneous measured
dynamic range value. The digit display shows the measurement according to one of four
selectable modes:
• Instantaneous: The display shows the last value measured by the sensor, no symbol
is displayed.
• Maximum instantaneous (MAX): The digital display shows the highest instantaneous
value measured, the “MAX” symbol is displayed.
• Average (AVG): The digital display shows the average value measured, the “AVG”
symbol is displayed.
• Maximum average (MAX AVG): The digital display shows the highest average value
measured, the “MAX AVG” symbol is displayed.
Field strength
2
, mW/m2 or μW/cm2) using the standard far-field
Max. Hold
Max. Average
Average
6
Actual
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Alarm Limit Value (ALARM)
The alarm limit value is used to monitor the display value automatically. It
controls alarm indication function. The alarm limit value can be edited in the
display V/m unit.
NOTE:Alarm Limit Function is only used for total three axial value comparator.
Setting the units of measurement
Press the UNIT key to step through the units display.
)
(
a
(
b
)
Z
X Y
UNIT
)
(
d
2
Z
X Y
UNIT
UNIT
Z
X Y
(
c
UNIT
)
Z
X Y
(a). Electric field strength (V/m).
(b). Computed magnetic field strength (mA/m).
(c). Computed power density (mW/m
(d). Computed power density (μW/cm
2
).
2
).
Setting the result mode
Instantaneous result mode is automatically set when the meter is turned on.
Press the MAX/AVG key to step through the results displays:
MAX
AVG
MAX
AVG
AVGMAX
MAX
AVG
2
MAX
MAX
AVG
AVG
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Setting the alarm limit value (ALM)
Power off
Hold-on
2 2
+
2
X
Y
Z
2
X
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
2
2
X
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
1. Press
2. Press and hold the
key to turn off the meter.
TIME ALARM key, then press
display then shows “ALM” and “
▲” (The Alarm setting mode). The four flashing
digits can now be changed.
3. Press ▼ or ▼ key to increase or decrease the value.
4. Press
SET to store the new setting value and exit.
8
key to turn on the meter, the
480846 V2.3 7/09
Setting the alarm function on or off
1. Press ALARM key for 2 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off. The “ALM”
and “
2. When the alarm function is on, the display will show “
measured value exceed the limit value.
” symbols in the display indicates that the alarm function is on.
▲” if the instantaneous
Setting the audible sound function off
When the meter is normally turned on, the audible sound function is on.
1. Press
2. Press and hold
sound, the “
key to turn off the meter.
MAX/AVG key and turn on the meter again to disable the audible
” symbol will disappear from the display.
Setting the auto power off function off
When the meter is normally turned on, the auto power off function is on.
1. Press
2. Press and hold
off function; the “
key to turn off the meter.
READ key and turn on the meter again to disable the auto power
” symbol will disappear from the display.
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Making measurements
Important:
If the sensor is moved quickly, excessive field strength values will be displayed which do
not reflect the actual field conditions. This effect is caused by electrostatic charges.
Recommendation:
Hold the meter steady during the measurement.
Short-term measurements
Application:
Use either the “Instantaneous” or the “Max. Instantaneous” mode if the characteristics
and orientation of the field are unknown when entering an area exposed to
electromagnetic radiation.
Procedure
1. Hold the meter at arm’s length.
2. Make several measurements at various locations around the work place or the
interested areas as described above. This is particularly important if the field
conditions are unknown.
3. Pay special attention to measuring the neighboring vicinity for possible radiation
sources. Apart from active sources, those components connected to a source
may also act as radiators. For example, the cables used in diathermy equipment
may also radiate electromagnetic energy. Note that metallic objects within the
field may locally concentrate or amplify the field from a distant source.
Long-term exposure measurements
Location:
Place the meter between yourself and the suspected source of radiation. Make
measurements at those points where parts of your body are nearest to the source of
radiation.
Note: Use the “Average ” or “Max average” modes only when the instantaneous
measurement values are fluctuating greatly.
Alarm function
Use this feature in the “Instantaneous”, “Max. Instantaneous”, “Average” or “Max.
Average” modes.
When the instantaneous measured value exceeds the limit value, a sequence of
warning beeps will sound.
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Data memory
The meter includes a non-volatile data memory that can store a maximum of 99
measured values.
Storing individual measured values
MEM
The current memory location number appears in the lower right small display.
Once you press the
location by one. Each flash of the “
stored. When the memory location number shows “99”, to indicate the manual data
memory is full, the user must clear the entire contents of the data memory before storing
new values.
Reading individual measured values
MEM key, it will store a displayed value and increment the memory
” symbol display indicates one reading has been
Entry
X
Y
Z
X
Reading mode indicate
Reading memory location
Exit
Y
Z
1. Press
2. Press ▼ or ▲ key to select the desired memory location.
3. Press the
4. Press the
5. Press the
READ key, the display shows “ ”(reading mode).
UNIT key to select the desired reading units.
XYZ/CAL key to select the desired sensor axis reading.
READ ► key to exit.
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Deleting stored values
Once the memory is full, the entire contents of the memory can be cleared.
1. Press
to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold MEM and turn on the meter again; the display will shows:
“
3. Press ▲ to select “
” and “ ”.
. ”.
4. Press SET to clear memory and exit.
Setting Current Data and Time
1. Press the SET key to enter this mode, the “SEt” mark is displayed.
2. Press
W or X key to move flashing two digit to desired setting position “hh:mm:ss”
or “YY/MM/DD”.
3. Press
S or T keys to set the current time “hh:mm:ss” and current date
“YY/MM/DD”.
4. Press the
SET key to store setting value and exit.
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Calibration Factor (CAL)
The Calibration factor (CAL) provides a means to improve the accuracy of the results display by
calibrating against the output of a known frequency generator. The field strength value measured
is multiplied by the value of CAL that has been entered and the resulting value is displayed. The
CAL setting range is from 0.20 to 5.00. The measurement accuracy will be sufficient for most
applications even if the frequency response of the sensor calibration factor is ignored and the CAL
is set to 1.00 in at all points.
Setting the calibration factor (CAL)
Power off
Hold-on
+
When the meter is normally turned on, the calibration factor set value will display for 2
seconds.
1. Press
2. Press and hold on the
key to turn off the meter.
XYZ/CAL key, then press
key to turn on the meter to enter
the calibration factor setting mode, the “ CAL SEt ” marks is displayed.
3. Press
4. Press the
S or T key to increase or decrease the value.
SET key to store the new setting value and exit.
E-Field Typical Calibration Data:
Frequency CAL Frequency CAL
50MHz 2.13 900 MHz 1.47
100MHz 1.37 1GHz 1.41
200 MHz 1.19 1.2GHz 1.46
300 MHz 0.69 1.4GHz 1.63
433 MHz 0.78 1.6GHz 0.62
500 MHz 1.38 1.8GHz 0.94
600 MHz 2.12 2GHz 0.83
700 MHz 1.66 2.2GHz 0.98
800 MHz 1.40 2.45GHz 0.96
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Battery Installation and Replacement
Battery Installation
Remove the rear battery cover and insert a fresh 9V battery.
Battery Replacement
When the battery voltage drops below the operating voltage, the battery icon
+
appears and flashes. If it appears, the battery should be replaced.
Specifications
General Specifications
Measurement method: Digital, triaxial measurement.
Directional characteristic: Isotropic, triaxial.
Measurement range selection: One continuous range.
Display resolution: 0.1mV/m, 0.1μA/m, 0.1μW/m
Setting time: T Typically 1s (0 to 90% of measurement value).
Display refresh rate: Typically 0.5 seconds
Display type: Liquid-crystal display (LCD), 4 digit.
Audible alarm: Buzzer.
Units: mV/m, V/m, μA/m, mA/m, μW/m
Display value: Instantaneous measured value, maximum value,
Alarm function: Adjustable threshold with ON/OFF.
ata memory and read storage: 99 data sets.
D
Dry batteries: 9V NEDA 1604/1604A
Battery life: > 3 hours
Auto power off: 5 minutes.
Operating temperature range: 0°C to +50°C
Operating humidity range
Storage temperature range: -10°C to +60°C
Storage humidity range
Dimensions: Approx. 67(W)×60(T)×247(L)mm.
Weight (including battery): Approx. 250g
: 5% to 75%RH
: 0% to 80%RH
2,
μW/cm
or maximum average value.
mW/cm2
2
, 0.001μW/cm2
2
, mW/m2, W/m2
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Electrical Specifications
Unless otherwise stated, the specifications hold under the following conditions:
• The meter is located in the far-field of a source, the sensor head is pointed towards
the source.
• Ambient temperature: +23±3
• Relative air humidity: 25% to 75%
Sensor type: Electrical field (E)
Frequency range: 10MHz to 8GHz
Specified measurement range:
CW signal (f > 50MHz)
: 20mV/m to 108.0V/m
μA/m to 286.4mA/m
53
2
μW/m
to 30.93W/m2
1
2
μW/cm
0
to 3.093mW/cm2
Dynamic range: Typically 75dB
Absolute error at 1 V/m & 50 MHz: ±
1.0dB
Frequency response:
Sensor (with typical CAL factors)
: ±1.0dB (50MHz to 1.9GHz)
±2.4dB (1.9GHz to 8GHz)
Isotropy deviation: Typically ±1.0dB (f>50MHz)
Overload limit: 10.61mW/cm
2
(200V/m)
Thermal response (0 to 50°): ±0.5dB
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480846 V2.3 7/09
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (A FLIR COMPANY) warrants this instrument to
be free of defects in parts and workmanship for
month limited warranty applies to sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to
return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the
Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our
website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number
must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for
shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse,
improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or
unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied warranties or
merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect,
incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or
replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other
warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.
one year from date of shipment (a six
Calibration and Repair Services
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also
provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Care Department for
information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that
annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.
Copyright
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
Technical Support: Extension 200; E-mail: support@extech.com
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: repair@extech.com
Product specifications subject to change without notice
For the latest version of this User Guide, Software updates, and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451
© 2009 Extech Instruments Corporation (a FLIR company)
Support line (781) 890-7440
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