RF Field Strength & Safety

Prolonged exposure to microwave radiation can be harmful. Although HamWAN devices operate at low power (1 - 2 watts) compared with microwave ovens (600 - 1200 watts), they use directional antennas that concentrate the signal towards the front of the antenna. An antenna with a 20 dB gain directs 100 times more energy towards the front compared with the back. An antenna with a 30 dB gain directs 1000 times more energy towards the front compared with the back. Thus, the energy in the forward path of a 2 watt device with a 1000 dB gain is equivalent to 2000 watts.

During the configuration process and while operating, please ensure that the antennas are not pointed at people or animals.

FCC Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) Limits for 5.8 GHz from 47 CFR §1.1310:

• Limit for Occupational / Controlled Exposure: 5 mW/cm² (6 minute averaging time).
• Limit for General Population / Uncontrolled Exposure: 1.0 mW/cm² (30 minute averaging time).

RF Field Strength meters can be used to measure RF field strength to help you ensure the safety of yourself and others:

• GQ EMF-390 EMF / ELF / RF meter up to 10 GHz. Here are the Quick Start Guide and the Full User Guide.