elma instruments Elma 593R Electrosmog Meter User Manual

elma instruments Elma 593R Electrosmog Meter

SAFETY INFORMATION

• When first use the meter or prolonged storage the meter, please charge the meter at least 10 minutes then use the meter.
• Before making a measurement, check if the low battery symbol ( ) is shown on the display as soon as the meter is switched on or the battery remained capacity indicate “ ” symbol only 20%, please charging the battery.
• 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.
• 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 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.

INTRODUCTION

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 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):
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/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)

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 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.

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.

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 or the maximum value measured. 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
• Use rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
• LCD backlight function
• Easy & safety to use

SPECIFICATIONS

General specifications

• Measurement method: Digital, triaxial measurement.
• Directional characteristic: Isotropic, triaxial.
• Measurement range selection: One continuous range.
• Display resolution: 0.1mV/m, 0.1A/m, 0.1W/m2 , 0.001W/cm2
• Setting time: Typically, 1s (0 to 90% of measurement value).
• Display refresh rate: Typically, 0.5 seconds
• Display type: Liquid-crystal (LCD), 4 digits.
• Audible alarm: Buzzer.
• Units: mV/m, V/m,A/m, mA/m,W/m2 , mW/m2, W/m2 ,W/cm2 , mW/cm2
• Display value: Instantaneous measured value, maximum 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.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery: 3.6V, 1940mAh
• Battery charging time: Approx. 3 hours
• Battery operation time: Approx. 10 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, Carrying case, AC adaptor (DC 5V 1.5A) .

Electrical specifications

• Unless otherwise stated, the following specs 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℃30C
  • Relative air humidity: 25% to 75%
• Sensor type: Electrical field (E)
• Frequency range: 10MHz to 8GHz
• Specified measurement range:
  • CW signal (f > 10MHz): 20mV/m to 108.0V/m, 53A/m to 286.4mA/m, 1W/m2 to 30.93W/m2 , 0W/cm2 to 3.093mW/cm2
• Dynamic range: Typically, 75dB
• Absolute error at 1 V/m and 10 MHz: 1.0dB
• Frequency response:
  • Sensor taking into account the typical CAL factor: 1.0dB (10MHz to 1.9GHz) / 2.4dB (1.9GHz to 8GHz)
  • Isotropy deviation: Typically, 1.0dB (f>10MHz)
  • Overload limit: 10.61mW/cm2 (200V/m)
  • Thermal response (0 to 50℃): 0.5dB

OPERATION

Front panel controls the description

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” → “Max. average”.
5. key:
6. Press this key to change unit’s selector: “mV/m or V/m” → “A/m or mA/m” → “W/m2 , mW/m2 or W/m2”→ “W/cm2 or mW/cm2” ”
7. Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to disable the audible sound, the “ ” symbol will disappear.
8. Press this key for 3 seconds to turn on or off the LCD backlight. When no button is pressed at 30 seconds then the backlight auto off
9. key:
10. Press this key to switch to display date and time.
11. Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to the alarm setting mode, press key two times to exit this mode.
12. Press this key for 3 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off.
13. key: Press this key to enter the current data and time setting mode, press this key again to exit this mode.
14. key:
15. Press this key to change sensor axis selector: “All axis” → “X axis” → “Y axis” → “Z axis”.
16. Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to switch the device to the calibration factor setting mode, press key to exit this mode.
17. key:
18. Press this key one time to store one data set to memory.
19. Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to enter the clear manually recorded data mode, press key to exit this mode.
20. key:
21. Press this key to switch to the manual data reading mode, press this key again to exit this mode.
22. Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to disable the auto power off function, the “ ” symbol will disappear.
23. 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.
24.  AC adaptor input socket: DC 5V 1.5A

LCD display description

1. : Auto power off function on / off.
2. : Displayed: Audible sound function on / off.
3. MAX: Maximum measured value displayed.
4. MAX AVG: Maximum average value displayed.
5. : Low battery indication.
6.  Units: mV/m and V/m : Electric field strength. A/m and mA/m : Magnetic field strength. W/m2 , mW/m2 , W/m2 , W/cm2 and mW/cm2 : Power density 7. :
7. :Measured value displayed as per selected mode and selected units.
8. M: Manual stored measured value to memory indication, M displays one time store one sets data into the memory.
9. R: Read manual data memory mode indication.
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. CAL: Calibration factor indication or setting indication (from 0.20 to 25.00).
15. Z: Z axis measured value displayed.
16. Y: Y axis measured value displayed.
17. X: X axis measured value displayed. / XYZ: Triaxial measured value displayed.
18. : Analog bargraph of each axis (X,Y or Z) measured dynamic range indication for observing trends.
19. : Battery remained capacity displayed.

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

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 (A/m, mA/m) and power density units (W/m2 , mW/m2 , W/m2 , W/cm2 or mW/cm2 ) using the standard far-field 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 instantaneous or result according to one of three modes which can be selected:

• 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.
• Maximum average (MAX AVG): The digital display shows the highest average value measured, the “MAX AVG” symbol is displayed.

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 25.00. 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. 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

E-Field typically calibration data:

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.

Setting the meter

Setting the units of measurement

With the key as follows:

• (a). Electric field strength (V/m).
• (b). Computed magnetic field strength (mA/m).
• (c). Computed power density (mW/m2 ).
• (d). Computed power density (W/cm2 ).

Setting the result mode
Instantaneous result mode is automatically set when the meter is turned on.

With the key as followings:

Setting the alarm limit value (ALARM)

When the meter is normally turned on, the alarm set limit value will display for 2 seconds.

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/m2 ” unit is flashing displayed.
3.  Press and 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 “ ” keys to select the desired setting value.
6.  Press key to store the new setting value and exit.

Setting the calibration factor (CAL)

When the meter is normally turned on, the calibration factor set value will display for 2 seconds.

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 are displayed.
3.  Press or key to increase or decrease the value.
4.  Press key to store the new setting value and exit.

Switching the alarm function on or off

1. Press key for 3 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off. The “ ALARM ” and “ ” symbols in the display indicate that the alarm function is on.
2. When the alarm function is on, the display will show “▲” if the measured value exceeds the limit.

Setting the audible sound function 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.

Setting the auto power off function off

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 disable the auto power off function, the “ ” symbol will disappear from the display.

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.

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 workplace 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. 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.

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.

Storing individual measured values

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 “ M ” 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.

Reading individual measured values

1.  Press key, the display then shows “ ” (reading mode).
2.  Press or 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.

Deleting manual data memory measured values
Once the memory is full, you can clear the entire contents of the manual data memory.

1.  Press to turn off the meter.
2.  Press and hold and turn on the meter again, the display then shows “ CLr M ”, “ ” and “ ”, press key will exit and not clear memory.
3.  Press key to select “ ” to clear memory.
4.  Press to clear memory and exit.

Setting current data and time

1.  Press key to enter this mode, the “ SEt ” mark is displayed.
2.  Press or key to move flashing two digit to desired setting position “hh:mm:ss” or “YY/MM/DD”.
3.  Press or keys to set the current time “hh:mm:ss” and current date “YY/MM/DD”.
4.  Press key to store setting value and exit.

LCD backlight function

Press key for 3 seconds to turn on or off the LCD backlight. When no button is pressed at 30 seconds then the backlight auto off.

BATTERY CHARGING

1.  Battery capacity
2.  When the battery capacity is below 5%, the “ ” symbol is displayed and will auto power off after 5 minutes.
3.  Using AC adaptor to charging battery:
4. Plug the AC adaptor into the AC power socket.
5. Plug the AC adaptor output connector into the meter.
6. Battery charging time approx. 3 hours.
7.  The built-in lithium-ion battery is 3.6V/1940mAh. Please put it in a cool and dry place. Do not expose it to direct sunlight. Please avoid the lithium-ion battery from being strongly impacted or dropped.

Elma Instruments AS
Ryttermarken 2
DK-3520 Farum
T:+45 7022 1000
F: +45 7022 1001
[email protected]
www.elma.dk

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