Monitor protects workers from EMF/RF emissions

Narda Safety Test Solutions has now developed the RadMan 2 for complex monitoring of current and future 5G and millimetre wave technologies. This small, handy device is worn on the body to provide instantaneous and reliable indication of the impermissibly high levels of exposure to electromagnetic radiation like no other device of its type.

Workers in unknown electromagnetic fields can easily determine if the levels are within the safe limits with a RadMan 2 clipped to their belt, particularly when working in an unknown EMF/RF environment.

The shaped frequency response of the personal monitor ensures that the correct alarm threshold is automatically set for the entire frequency range. The permitted limit values specified in the standards vary depending on frequency.

As the device has sensors for the E field (electric) as well as for the H field (magnetic), the distance between the field source and the person is immaterial – whether in a strong electric or magnetic field.

The higher value of either will always trigger the alarm and will be displayed as a percentage of the applicable upper limit, e.g. as stipulated by ICNIRP/FCC/IEEE/SC-6.

The unit has three alarm indicators, ultra-bright flashing LED, loud audible and also vibrates.

It is simple and easy to use, power it on and the operator is protected. The unit performs a self-check of the electronics and more importantly a sensor test to confirm that the sensors are functioning correctly. An external test generator is no longer required to test the unit is functioning.

This self-test capability incorporated in the RadMan 2 for the first time in any personal monitor, provides a sense of confidence.

A special RF absorber between the sensor and the body ensures that the actual field strength is measured accurately and correctly during operation by eliminating the effects of the body such as reflections, which could lead to inaccurate readings. The Radman is robust and weatherproof, with its IP-65 rated housing.

With one hand operation, the unit can easily be removed from its holder to perform isotropic field exposure measurements and leaks from coaxial cable and connectors (image 1).

This ensures the reliable display of all hotspots in both the E field and the H field, regardless of the orientation of the device. The built-in rechargeable batteries give an unprecedented 800 hours of operating time from a single charge.

The radiation monitor is available in two versions: the XT (image 2), with a range of up to 60GHz, offering one of the broadest frequency coverage range of any RF Personal Monitor, this model will accurately and reliably monitor and alert the user of the presence of radio, radar and cellular as well as 5G millimetre wave technologies.

The economical “LT” model for monitoring frequencies up to 8GHz. Although this model doesn’t offer as many features and functions of the premium “XT” version, it still offers the same level of protection at a fraction of the cost.

Exclusive to the XT version is the “RF detection” mode with its tone search function. This feature allows for precise isotropic type measurements for searching for leaks at arm’s length. As the field source is approached, the change in the pitch of the tone allows the operative to quickly, simply, and reliably check that the antenna is actually switched off before getting too close.

Finally, the “Pulse” mode setting causes the alarm to respond much faster, allowing the reliable detection of brief, pulsed signals.