TENMARS TM196 User guide

RF three-Axis

Field Strength Meter

TM-196

User’s
Manual

HB2TM1960007

TENMARS ELECTRONICS CO., LTD

Table of Contents

Axis RF Meter Quick Start Guide .................................1

1 Introduction..........................................................2

2 Simple a Method of Operation..............................2

3 Fundamentals......................................................3

4 Electric Field Strength (E) ....................................3

4.1 Magnetic Field Strength (H)...........................3

4.2 Power Density (S)..........................................4

4.3 The Characteristic of Electromagnetic Fields .4

5 Application...........................................................5

6 Features ..............................................................6

7 Identifying Parts...................................................8

8 LCD Description...................................................9

9 Specifications.....................................................10

9.1 General specifications .................................10

9.2 Electrical Specifications...............................12

9.3 Units of Measurement..................................13

9.4 Result modes...............................................14

9.5 Measurement Procedures and Preparation..15

9.6 Power key： ................................................15

9.7 Data Hold Key: ............................................16

9.8 Units Key:....................................................16

9.9 MAX / AVG Record:.....................................17

9.10 Manual data memory storing .......................17

9.11 XYZ/CALL:...................................................18

9.12 Alarm ON/OFF Setup..................................18

9.12. 1Viewing Data Records ..............................19

9.13 Cancel the automatic power off/on :.............19

9.14 Clock LCD Display.......................................20

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10 Setup Mode......................................................20

10.1 Clock Setup-1..............................................21

10.2 Setting the alarm limit value (ALARM)-2......22

10.3 DEL data logger memory setup-3 ................23

10.4 Analogue bar graphsetup-4.........................24

10.5 Auto Power Off Time function setup-5..........24

10.6 Setting the calibration factor (CAL)-6 ...........25

11 Calibration factor is important for the measurements:

..........................................................................26

11.1 Short-term measurements: ..........................27

11.2 Short-term measurements ...........................27

11.3 Long-term exposure measurements ............28

12 Battery replacement...........................................29

13 External DC Power ............................................30

14 Safety Precaution...............................................30

15 Safety Information..............................................31

16 Safety Information..............................................32

17 End of life...........................................................33

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Axis RF Meter Quick Start Guide

This meter has many capabilities, including
memory, alarm, date/time, average etc.
which will require some study of the manual
to use properly. However, you can quickly
and easily begin making measurements
right out of the box. Just follow these simple
steps:

1. Insert 9V battery.

2. Turn meter on with GREEN button.

3. Press XYX/MEM button until all three

(XYZ) letters are displayed on the screen
(to the left of the main number.

4. Press UNIT/ENTER button until the

desired units are displayed below the
main number (we recommend using
mV/m… and we recommend a maximum
level of 614 mV/m for prolonged
exposure).

You are now ready to make your first
measurements!

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1 Introduction

This meter is designed for measuring and
monitoring Radio–Frequency electromagnetic
field strength. The meter is calibrated precisely
over the frequency range of 10MHz~8GHZ.

2 Simple a Method of Operation

Press “power” button on.To change measuring
unit (mV/m), push UNIT”button to change the
unit.Electric field strength (V/m).Computed
magnetic field strength (mA/m).Computed
power density (mW/m2).Computed power

density (μW/cm

Press "xyz” this key to change sensor axis
selector:

“All axis ” → “X axis” → “Yaxis” → “Z

axis”.

2

).

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3 Fundamentals

Electromagnetic Pollution

This meter is used to indicate electromagnetic
pollution generated artificially. Wherever there
is a voltage or a current, 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.

4 Electric Field Strength (E)

Afield 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 (mV/m). This meter measures electric
field strength directly.

4.1 Magnetic Field Strength (H)

Afield vector that is equal to the magnetic flux
density divided by the permeability of the
medium Magnetic field strength is expressed

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in units of amperes per meter (A/m). In far field
situations, one can calculate the magnetic field
for the electric field value. This meter can
display the calculated magnetic field strength.

4.2 Power Density (S)

Power per unit area normal to the direction of
propagation, usually expressed in units of
watts per square meter (W/m2) or, for
convenience, units such as mill watts per
square centimeter (mW/cm2)

4.3 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 wavelengths, then we are usually in the
near field. If the distance is more than three
wavelengths, the far-field conditions usually
hold.
In near field conditions, the magnetic field value

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cannot be calculated from the electric field value.
This meter is designed for reliable far field
measurements only.

5 Application

 Quite often routine, 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 be
not exposed to dangerous levels of
electromagnetic radiation, such as:

 High frequency (RF) electromagnetic wave

field strength measurement.

 Mobile 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

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level.

 Microwave oven leakage detection.
 Personal living environment EMF safety.

6 Features

 The meter is a broadband device for

monitoring high- frequency radiation in the
range from10MHz to 8GHz

 The non-directional electric field antenna

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

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measured or the average value.
Instantaneous and maximum value
measurements are useful for orientation, e.g.
when first entering an exposed area.

 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 & safe to use
 Low battery detector “ ”.
 Manual data memory storing: 200 data sets.
 Memory Over load indication “OL”.

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7 Identifying Parts

1. RF three-Axis Sensor.

2. Liquid-crystal LCD.

3. Hold /ALARM / Up Button.

4. MAX / AVG/ Right Button.

5. UNIT / ENTER Button.

6. XYZ / MEM / Down Button.

7. Power Button.

8. REC/ time / Leftward Button.

9. SET Button.

10. Tripod mounting screw.

11. Battery Cover.

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8 LCD Description

1. Primary Display

2. Hold symbol

3. Analogue bar graph

4. MAX symbol

5. AVGsymbol

6. Low battery symbol

7. x1x10x100 unit

8. X.Y.Z unit

9. ALARM sound

10. mV/m, V/m (E)

11. µA/m , A/m unit (H)

12. µW/m2/ µW/cm2unit

13. E Symbol

14. Auto power off symbol

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15. Time unit
(month: day)

(hour: minute)

(second)

16. MEM reading

symbol

17. SET symbol

18. REC symbol

19. CAL symbol

20. Secondary
Display

21. BUZZER symbol

22. Decimal point

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9 Specifications

9.1 General specifications

 Display type : Liquid-crystal (LCD), 4-1/2

digits maximum reading 19999.

 Measurement method : Digital, Tri axis

measurement.

 Directional characteristic : Isotropic,

Tri axis.

 Measurement range selection : one

continuous range.

 Display resolution : 0.1mV/m, 0.01V/m,

0.1µA/m, 0.1mA/m,0.001µW/ m2, 0.01mW/
m2, 0.001µW/cm2.

 Setting time : typically 1.5s (0 to 90%

measurement value.)

 Sample rate : 3 times per second.
 Audible alarm : Buzzer.
 Units: mV/m, V/m, µA/m, mA/m, µW/m

mW/m2, µW/cm

 Display value : Instantaneous measured

2

value, maximum value, average value, or
maximum average value.

 Alarm function : adjustable threshold with

2

,

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ON / OFF

 Calibration factor CAL : adjustable
 Manual data memory and read storage: 200

data sets.

 Batteries : 9V NEDA 1604, IEC 6F22 or JIS

006P

 Battery life : Approximate 3 hours.
 Auto power off : Default time 15 minutes.

Adjustable threshold 0~99 minutes.

 Operating temperature range :

0°C to + 50°C.

 Operating humidity range :

25% to 75 % RH

 Storage temperatures range :

-10°C to +60°C.

 Storage humidity range : 0% to 80% RH.
 Dimensions : 370 (L)x80(W)x80(H) mm.
 Weight (including battery) : Approx.400g.
 Accessories : User’s manual, 9V battery,

Carrying case.

EMC

This tester was designed in accordance with
EMC Standards in force and its compatibility

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has been tested in accordance with
EN61326-1 (2006).

9.2 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 °C ±3°C.
 Relative air humidity 25%~75%
 Sensor type : electrical field (E).
 Frequency range : 10MHz ~ 8 GHz.
 Specified measurement range:

CW signal (f >50MHz) : 50mV/m to 11.00
V/m, 53.0µA/m to 28.64mA/m 1µW/m2to

309.3mW/m2, 0µW/cm2to 30.93µW/cm

 Dynamic range : Typically 75dB
 Absolute error at 1V/m and 2.45GHz:

± 1.0 dB.

 Frequency response :

Sensor taking into Account the typical CAL
factor :

2

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±2.4dB(50 MHz to 1.9 GHz, 3.5 GHz to
8GHz).
±1.0dB (1.9 GHz to 3.5GHz).

 Isotropy deviation : Typically ± 1.0 dB

(2.45GHz).

 Overload limit : 0.083 mW/cm

per axis.

 Overload limit : (0 to 50°C): ± 0.2dB.

9.3 Units of Measurement

The meter measures the electrical component
of the field; the default units are those of
electrical field strength (mV/m or V/m). The
meter converts the measurement values to the
other units of measurement, i.e. the
corresponding magnetic field strength units
(µA/m or mA/m) and power density units
(µW/m2, mW/m2or µW/cm2) using the
standard far-field formulate for
electromagnetic radiation.

2

,(17.7 V/m)

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9.4 Result modes

The bar graph display always shows the
instantaneous measured dynamic range value.
The digital display shows the result according
to one of three modes, which can be selected.
Instantaneous : The display shows the last
value measured 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.
Instantaneous mode is the default setting
when the meter is turned on. The following
graph shows of Instantaneous (actual), MAX
(hold), AVG and

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 MAX/AVG:

9.5 Measurement Procedures and
Preparation

Battery loading : Remove the battery cover on
the back and put a 9V battery inside.
Battery replacement : When the symbol of
“ ” appears on the LCD display, the battery
should be replaced with a new one.
The battery symbol will be displayed on the
LCD, this is a battery low indicator.

9.6 Power key：

Press “ ” key turn ON the meter.
Press “ ” key again to turn power OFF.

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9.7 Data Hold Key:

Press the “ ” key to go into hold mode, and
“HOLD” appears on the screen to allow you to
read the data.
Press “ ” this key once again to deactivate it.

>> > >> >

9.8 Units Key:

Change units with the “UNITS” key as follows
Electric field strength (V/m)
Computed magnetic field strength (mA/m).
Computed power density (mW/m2 ).

Computed power density (μW/cm

Press “ ” key to change the units: mV/m,
V/m, µA/m, mA/m, µW/m2, mW/m2, µW/cm2.

2

).

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9.9 MAX / AVG Record:

Press “ ” key to switch to the next display.
The display switches from MAX to AVG to
MAX/AVG and back to MAX.

Press and hold “ ”key for 3 seconds to
disable this function.
The maximum storage is up to 99 minutes and
99 seconds
After this period of time, updating will be
completed automatically and then the LCD
displays .

9.10 Manual data memory storing

Press “ ” key,the meter will save the current
measured result, and REC with a number
001~200 will appear.
Manual data memory Storing : 200 data

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sets.Over load Indication : “OL”.

9.11 XYZ/CALL:

Press “ ” this key to change sensor axis
selector :” All axis ”→“ X axis “→“ Y axis ”→
“ Z axis ”.

9.12 Alarm ON/OFF Setup

Press hold “ ” and “ ” key to switch the
alarm function on The “ALARM” symbols in the
display indicates that the alarm function is on.
Press hold “ ” and“ ” key to turn off the
alarm function. When the Alarm is ON, the
display shows .

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9.12.1 Viewing Data Records

Press hold “ ” key and press “ ” key to
view the saved data records Use “ ” or “ ”
key to see the next or previous records Press
“ ” key to close the setup, exit the mode.

9.13 Cancel the automatic power off/on :

The default setting is auto power-off, the time
is set for 15 minutes.
Press hold “ ” key and press “ ” key to
disable the automatic power-off, the symbol of

will be disappeared on the LCD display.

Press hold “ ” key and “ ” key again to

enable the automatic power-on, the symbol of

will be appeared on the LCD display.

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9.14 Clock LCD Display

Press hold “ ” key and press “ ” key for
more than seconds to select the display
method of the Year, Month, Date, hour and
Second.
This meter’s clock uses 24 hour time setting.
Default time mode setting is “2010/01/07 00:
02” “:00”.

10 Setup Mode

Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” button to
enter the Setup Mode.
Press “ ” key to change setup function.
(Setup function see Note1)
Push “ ” key to save setup data
Note1 : you can set up 6 different functions in
setup mode Clock Setup

 setup 1 : Setting the alarm limit value

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(ALARM)

 setup 2 : Clear data logger memory
 setup 3 : Analogue bar graph X1.X10.X100
 setup 4 : Auto Power Off Time
 setup 5 : Setting the calibration factor (CAL)

10.1 Clock Setup-1

Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” key to
enter the Setup Mode.
Press “ ”or “ ” key to select option adjust.
Press “ ”or “ ” key to change the date
and time (hour→day→month→year→minute).
Press “ ” key to save and exit.
This meter clock is 24 hour time setting.
Date/Time default Format : 2009/12/21 12:12.
Year Format : 2000~2099 display as 00 ~ 99.

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10.2 Setting the alarm limit value

(ALARM)-2

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. The
ALARM setting range is from 0.001 to

999.9V/m. ALARM default is set at 999.9V/m.
Alarm limit function is only used for total three
axial value Comparator.
Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” key to
enter the Setup Mode.
Press “ ” key again to enter the alarm
setting mode.
Press “ ” key to move decimal.
Press “ ” key to select the desired setting
value.
Press “ ” key and “ ” key to change digit.

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Press “ ” key to select the value.

Press “ ” key to store the new setting value
and exit.

10.3 DEL data logger memory setup-3

Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” key to
enter the Setup Mode.

Press “ ” key twice to enter the default

display ’ ’’, Press “ ” or “ ” key to

select .
Press “ ” key to delete the memory and exit.

Press “ ” or “ ” key to select ’ ’’ and
then press “ ” to keep the memory and exit.

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10.4 Analogue bar graphsetup-4

Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” key to
enter the Setup Mode.

Press “ ” key for three times to enter the
analogue bar graph setting mode.
The ”graph” unit is flashing displayed X1、
X10、X100.
Press “ ” or “ ” key to select the value
X1、X10、X100

Press “ ” key to save and exit.

10.5 Auto Power Off Time function setup-5

Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” key to
enter the Setup Mode.
Press “ ” key for four times, the symbol
is displayed.
The auto power off time default setting is 15

。

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minutes.
Press “ “ and “ ” key to change the:
00~99 minutes.
Press “ ” key to save and exit.
: 00  Auto power off disable.
: 99  Maximum auto power off time

10.6 Setting the calibration factor (CAL)-6

Press hold “ ” key first and “ ” key to
enter the Setup Mode.
Press “ ” key for five times to display the

“ CAL SET ” the default factor .
The CAL setting range is from 0.10 to 9.99.

~

Press “ “ or “ “ key to select the value.
Press “ ” or “ ” key to select the digits.
Press “ ” key to save and exit.

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1.00

1.00

Please refer to the following calibration factors
of our standard meter verified by the
laboratory :

(MHz)(V/m)

1800
2450

X Y Z Average

0.77 0.68 0.85 0.77 1.1

0.94 0.92 0.96 0.94 1.1

(V/m)

11 Calibration factor is important for

the measurements:

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 0.10 to 9.99.
The CAL factor is often used as a means of
entering the sensitivity of the field sensor in
terms of its frequency response in order to
improve measurement accuracy.
The following effect will be noted with all field
strength meters :
 If the sensor is moved quickly, excessive

field strength values could be displayed.
This effect is caused by electrostatic

Factor

(dB)

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charges.

 Recommendation : hold the meter steady

during the measurement.

11.1 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.

11.2 Short-term measurements
Procedure : Hold the meter at arm’s length.

Make several measurements at various
locations around your work place or the
interested areas as described above. This is
particularly important is the field conditions are
unknown.
Pay special attention to measuring the vicinity
of 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

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field may locally concentrate or amplify the
field from a distant source.

11.3 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.

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12 Battery replacement

waring

If the symbol “ ” appears on the
LCD, please replace the battery
immediately

 Turn off the instrument.
 Remove the battery cover
 Replace the battery.
 Install the battery cover.

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13 External DC Power

 External AC to DC adapter: Voltage

9VDC(8~14VDCMax)

 Supply current :＞300mADC
 Socket : pin Positive, Ground Casing

External

 Diameter 6.3mm; internal Diameter 2.0 mm

14 Safety Precaution

 For cleaning the instrument use a soft dry

cloth. Never use a wet cloth, solvents or
water, etc.

 Operation Altitude : Up to 2000M.
 Operating Environment : Indoors use.
 This instrument has been designed for being

used in an environment of pollution degree

2.

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CAUTION

15 Safety Information

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 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 specified limits outside and
improper handling may adversely
affect the accuracy and function of
the meter.

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16 Safety Information

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
dangers in some cases.
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

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radiation sources (e.g. leak in wave
guides, 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.

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17 End of life

Caution : this symbol indicates

that equipment and its
accessories shall be subject to a
separate collection and correct
disposal

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TENMARS ELECTRONICS CO., LTD

6F, 586, RUI GUANG ROAD, NEIHU,

TAIPEI 114, TAIWAN.

E-mail : [email protected]

http : //www.tenmars.com

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