PCE Instruments PCE-EM 29 Instruction Manual

ELECTROSMOG METER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Z
Y
X
AVGMAX
2
CONTENTS
Title Page
1. SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................. 1
2. INTRODUCTION........................................................................... 2
2-1 Fundamentals................................................................................ 2
2-2 Application..................................................................................... 3
2-3 Features........................................................................................ 4
3. SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 5
3-1 General Specifications .................................................................. 5
3-2 Electrical Specifications................................................................. 6
4. OPERATION ................................................................................. 7
4-1 Front panel controls description.................................................... 7
4-2 LCD display description ................................................................ 9
4-3 Use E-field sensor........................................................................11
4-4 Explanatory notes ........................................................................11
4-5 Setting the meter......................................................................... 14
4-6 Making measurements................................................................ 18
4-7 Manual data memory storing individual measured values .......... 19
4-8 Setting current data and time...................................................... 21
5. MEASUREMENT PREPARATION.............................................. 21
5-1 Battery Loading........................................................................... 21
5-2 Battery Replacement...................................................................21
1
1. SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION
Before making a measurement, check if the low battery symbol (
+
) is shown on the display as soon as the meter is switched on.
Change the battery if the symb ol is displaye d.
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 the
specified limits outside and improper handling.
DANGER !
In some cases, work in the vicinity of powerful radiation sources can be a risk of your life.
Be aware that persons with electronic implants(e.g. cardiac pacemakers) are subject to particular da nge rs in some ca ses.
Observe the local safety regulations of the facility operation.
Observe the operating instructions for equipment which is used to
generate, conduct or consumer 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 device can underrate pulsed signals. Particularly with radar signals, 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.
2
2. INTRODUCTION
2-1 Fundamentals
Electromagnetic pollution :
This Meter used to indicate electromagnetic pollution generated
artificially. Wherever there is a voltage or a current, the electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields arise. All types of radio broadcasting and TV transmitters produce electromagnetic fields, and they also arise in industry, business and the home, where they affect us even if our sense organs perceive nothing.
Electric field strength (E) :
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 ele ctric field strength for measure ment s in the fo llowing
situations:
In the near-field area of the source.
Where the nature of the electromagnetic field is unknown.
Magnetic field strength (H) :
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). The meter uses of magnetic field strength for measurements only in the far-field area of the source.
Power density (S) :
Power per unit area normal to the direction of propagation, usually expressed in units of watts per square meter (W/m
2
) or, for convenience,
units such as milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm
2
).
3
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 )
If the distance to the field source is less than three wavelength, then we are usually in the near-field. If the distance is more than three wave length, the far-field conditions usually hold.
In the near-field, the ratio of electric field strength (E) and magnetic field strength (H) is not constant, so we have to measure each separately.
In the far-field, however , it is enough to just measure one field quantity, then the other could be computed accordingly.
2-2 Application
Quite often routine operation, maintenance and service work has to be done in areas where active electromagnetic fields are present, e.g. in broadcasting stations, etc. Additionally, other employees may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation. In such cases, it is essential that personnel are not exposed to dangerous levels of electromagnetic radiation, such as:
High frequency (RF) electromagnetic wave field strength
measurement.
Mobil phone base station antenna radiation power density
measurement.
Wireless communication applications (CW, TDMA, GSM, DECT). RF power measurement for transmitters. Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) detection, installation. Spy camera, wireless bug finder. Cellular/Cordless phone radiation safety level. Microwave oven leakage detection. Personal living environment EMF safety.
4
2-3 Features
The meter is a broadband device for monitoring high-frequency radiation in the range from 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 have been selected to 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 8GHz 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 results processing. Configurable alarm threshold and memory function. Easy & safety to use.
5
3. SPECIFICATIONS
3-1 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
2
, 0.001µW/cm
2
Setting time : Typically 1s (0 to 90% of measurement value).
Display refresh rate : Typically 0.5 seconds
Display type : Liquid-crystal (LCD), 4 digit.
Audible alarm : Buzzer.
Units : mV/m, V/m, µA/m, mA/m, µW/m
2
, mW/m2, W/m2, µW/cm2,
mW/cm
2
Display value : Instantaneous measured value, maximum value, average value, or maximum average value.
Alarm function : Adjustable threshold with ON/OFF.
Calibration factor CAL : Adjustable.
Manual data memory and read storage : 99 data sets.
Dry batteries : 9V NEDA 1604/1604A (Alkaline battery)
Battery life : > 3 hours
Auto power off : 5 minutes.
Operating temperature range : 0 to +50
Operating humidity range : 25% to 75%RH
Storage temperature range : -10 to +60
Storage humidity range : 0% to 80%RH
Dimensions : Approx. 67(W)×60(T)×247(L)mm.
Weight (including battery) : Approx. 250g
Accessories : Instruction manual, battery, Carrying case.
6
3-2 Electrical Specifications
Unless otherwise stated, the following 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 , 53µA/m to 286.4mA/m ,
1µW/m
2
to 30.93W/m2 ,
0µW/cm
2
to 3.093mW/cm
2
Dynamic range : Typically 75dB Absolute error at 1 V/m and 50 MHz : ±1.0dB Frequency response :
Sensor taking into account the typical CAL factor : ±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
7
4. OPERATION
4-1 Front panel controls description
Z
Y
X
AVGMAX
2
(1). E-field sensor. (2). LCD display.
(3).
key : Press this key to turn the meter on or off.
(4).
key : Press this key to change sequential : “Instantaneous”
“Max. instantaneous” “Average” “Max. average”.
(5).
key :
c Press this key to change units selector : “mV/m or V/m” → “µA/m or
mA/m” µW/m2, mW/m2 or W/m2”µW/cm2 or mW/cm2”
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to disable the
audible sound, the “
” symbol will disappear.
8
(6). key :
c Press this key to switch to display date and time. d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to the alarm
setting mode, press key two times to exit this mode.
3 Press this key for 3 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off.
(7).
key : Press this key to enter the current data and time setting
mode, press this key again to exit this mode.
(8).
key :
c Press this key to change sensor axis selector : “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.
(9).
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
key to exit this mode.
(10).
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 “
” symbol will disappear.
(11). STWX key : Setting current date and time, datalogging interval time,
alarm setting value, calibration factor setting value, or recall manual data memory to read memory data in cycles control keys.
9
4-2 LCD display description
Z
Y
X
AVGMAX
2
(1). : Auto power off function on / off.
(2).
: Displayed : Audible sound function on / off.
(3). MAX : Maximum measured value displayed.
MAX AVG : Maximum average value displayed.
(4). AVG : Average measured value displayed. (5).
+
: Low battery indication.
(6). Units : mV/m and V/m : Electric field strength.
µA/m and mA/m : Magnetic field strength.
µW/m
2
, mW/m2, W/m2, µW/cm2 and mW/cm2 : Power density
(7).
: Measured value displayed as per selected mode and selected
units.
(8).
: Manual stored measured value to memory indication, displays
one time store one sets data into the memory.
(9).
: Read manual data memory mode indication.
10
(10). : Manual data memory address number (1~99).
: The manual data memory full indication. (11). ALARM : Alarm function on / off or alarm setting indication. (12). : When the alarm function is on , this is the indication if measured
value exceeds the limit.
(13).
: hh : mm : ss Time displayed.
: YY : MM : DD Date displayed.
(14).
: Battery capacity indication.
(15). CAL : Calibration factor indication or setting indication (from 0.20 to
5.00). (16). Z : Z axis measured value displayed. (17). Y : Y axis measured value displayed. (18). X : X axis measured value displayed.
XYZ : Triaxial measured value displayed.
(19).
: Analog bargraph of each axis (X,Y or Z) measured
dynamic range indication for observing trends.
11
4-3 Use E-field sensor
The actual 3-channel sensor is located in the head part 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 for frequencies is from 10MHz to 8GHz.
The meter is a small portable instrument that measures the electric field presented in the atmosphere of the measurement sensor surroundings. The measurement of the field is done by moving the aerial of the sensor in the desired measured environment.
You obtain a direct wide band measurement 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 handing. Its sensitive part 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.
4-4 Explanatory notes
4-4-1 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 value s to the other units of measure ment, i.e.
the corresponding magnetic field strength units (µA/m, mA/m) and power density units (µW/m
2
, mW/m2, W/m2, µW/cm2,or mW/cm2) using
the standard far-field formulate for electromagne tic 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.
4-4-2 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 instantaneous or result according to one of four modes which can be selected :
Instantaneous : The display shows the last value measured by the sensor, no symbol is displayed.
12
Maximum instantaneous (MAX) : The digital display shows the highest instantaneous value measured, the “MAX” symbol is displayed.
Average (A VG) : 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.
t
Max. Hold
Average
Actual
Max. Average
Field strength
4-4-3 Calibration factor (CAL)
The calibration factor CAL serves to calibrate the result display. The field strength value measured internally 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 CAL factor is of ten used as a means of entering the sensitivity of the field sensor in terms of its frequency response in order to improve measurement accuracy.
Frequency-dependent sensor calibration factors are provided for this application. In many cases, the measurement accuracy will be sufficient even if the frequency response of sensor calibration factor is ignored. CAL can be set to 1.00 in such cases.
13
E-Field typically calibration data :
Frequency CAL
50MHz 2.13 100MHz 1.37 200MHz 1.19 300MHz 0.69 433MHz 0.78 500MHz 1.38 600MHz 2.12 700MHz 1.66 800MHz 1.40 900MHz 1.40
1.8GHz 2.06
2.4GHz 0.66
3.5GHz 1.05
5.4GHz 2.20
8.0GHz 3.16
4-4-4 Alarm limit value (ALARM)
The alarm limit value is used to monitor the display value automatically. It controls the alarm indication function. The alarm limit value can be edited in the displayed V/m unit.
Alarm limit function is only used for tota l three axial value comparator.
14
4-5 Setting the meter
4-5-1 Setting the units of measurement
With the key as follows.
X Y
Z
Z
Y
X
2
X Y
Z
Z
Y
X
2
Units
(a)
(d)
(c)
(b)
Mannal data memory number
(a). Electric field strength (V/m). (b). Computed magnetic field strength (mA/m). (c). Computed power density (mW/m
2
).
(d). Computed power density (µW/cm
2
).
4-5-2 Setting the result mode
Instantaneous result mode is au tomatica lly set when the me ter is turned on.
With the
key as followings :
MAX
AVG
AVGMAX
Instantaneous
Max. Instantaneous
Max. average
Average
15
4-5-3 Setting the alarm limit value (ALARM)
2 2
2
X Y
Z
Z
Y
X
2
Z
Y
X
2
Power off
Hold-on
+
2
X Y
Z
Z
Y
X
X Y
Z
X Y
Z
Z
Y
X
16
When the meter is normally turned on, the alarm set limit value will display for 2 seconds.
2
X Y
Z
1. Press
key to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold on
key, then press
key to turn on the
meter to enter the alarm setting mode, the “mW/m
2
” unit is flashing
displayed.
3. Press “W” and “X” keys to select the desired setting unit.
4. Press
key to enter the alarm value setting mode, the one of
four digit is flashing displayed.
5. Press “STWX” keys to select the desired setting value.
6. Press
key to store the new setting value and exit.
4-5-4 Setting the calibration factor (CAL)
Hold-on
Power off
+
When the meter is normally turned on, the calibration factor set value will display for 2 seconds.
17
1. Press
key to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold on
key , then press
key to turn on the meter to enter the calibration factor setting mode, the “ CAL SEt ” marks is displayed.
3. Press S or Tkey to increase or decrease the value.
4. Press
key to store the new setting value and exit.
4-5-5 Switching the alarm function on or off
exceed limit value
on/off ALARM
3 seconds
1. Press key for 3 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off. The “ALARM” and “
” symbols in the display indicates that the
alarm function is on.
2. When the alarm function is on, the display will show “” if the measured value exceed the limit.
4-5-6 Setting the audible sound function off
disappears
Hold-on
Power off
+
When the meter is normally turned on, the audible sound function is on.
1. Press
key to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold
key and turn on the meter again to disable the
audible sound, then the “
” symbol will disappear from the display.
18
4-5-7 Setting the auto power off function off
Hold-on
Power off
Auto power off symbol disappears
+
When the meter is normally turned on, the auto power off function is on.
1. Press
key to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold
key and turn on the meter again to disab le the
auto power off function, the “
” symbol will disappear from the display.
4-6 Making measurements
Important :
The following effect will be noted with all field strength meters : If move the sensor 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.
4-6-1 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 your 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 vicinity of possible radiation sources. Ap art from active sources, those components connected to a source may also act as radiators. For example, the cables used in diathermy equipm ent may also ra diate electromagnetic energ y. Note that metallic objects within the field may locally co ncentrate or am plify the field from a distant source.
19
4-6-2 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.
You may fix the meter to a wooden or plastic tripod.
4-6-3 Alarm function
Use this feature in the “Instantaneous”, “Max. instantaneous”,
“Average” or “Max. average” modes. When the measured value exceeds the limit value, a sequence of
warning beeps sounded.
4-7 Manual data memory storing individual measured values
The meter includes a non-volatile manual data memory function which can store a maximum of 99 measured values.
4-7-1 Storing individual measured values
Value stored indication
Current memory location (Starting with memory to location 01)
The current memory location number appears in the lower right small display .
Once you press the (
) key, it will store a displayed value and
plus “one” for the memory location number. Each flash of the “
symbol display indicates one storage. The memory location number shows “
”, to indicate the manual data memory is full, then you must clear the entire contents of the manual data memory before you store any new values.
20
4-7-2 Reading individual measured values
Z
Y
X
Exit
Entry
Reading mode indicate Reading memory location
X
Y Z
1. Press key, the display then shows “ ”(reading mode).
2. Press S or T key to select the desired memory location.
3. Press
key to select the desired reading units.
4. Press
key to select the desired sensor axis reading.
5. Press
key again to exit.
4-7-3 Deleting manual data memory measured values
Once the memory is full, you can clear the entire contents of the manual data memory.
Hold-on
Power off
+
21
1. Press to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold
and turn on the meter again, the display
then shows “
CLr M ”, “ ” and “S”, press key will exit and
not clear memory.
3. Press S to select “
” to clear memory.
4. Press to clear memory and exit.
4-8 Setting current data and time
1. Press 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 Tkeys to set the current time “hh:mm:ss” and current date “YY/MM/DD”.
4. Press
key to store setting value and exit. Please refer to software manual (CD-ROM), use PC to clear memories data, the meter can not clear memories data free from lost memories data.
5. MEASUREMENT PREPARATION
5-1 Battery Loading
Remove the battery cover on the back and put a 9V battery inside.
5-2 Battery Replacement
When the battery voltage drops below the operating voltage, the mark
+
appears. If it appears, the battery should be replaced with a new
one. If the battery is fresh, the battery capacity indication “
” symbol
have 5 segments will be displayed.
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