Icom ID-50A Manual page 10

nel 6. I observed signal levels increasing as I got closer
to the devices. I have another temperature sensor,
which found that too, and I was surprised to see it was
on 915 MHz, another ISM band.
I then started to look at the Wi-Fi band using the RF
Browser mode, and it showed a sweep of this band.
I was also able to pick up my neighbor's Wi-Fi router
(see Figure 6 as an example). This mode will detect the
RF across the broad radio spectrum from 10 MHz to 10
GHz. Keep in mind that this unit is not specifically de-
signed for hams and that none of the band selection
actually has the 2-meter band. In RF Browser mode it
will detect the RF level, but the unit won't be able to tell
you on which frequency.
I then used the RF Spectrum mode to validate various
emissions across the five frequency bands, starting at
50 MHz. These bands are in the amateur VHF and
above frequencies. I did look at my Wi-Fi router and
was able to trigger an alarm that I set as I got closer.
You can set alerts, change the scale readings, and set
sample hold times, as well as other advanced functions.
I found that after an hour of taking readings, the battery
was still at full charge, indicating that one can get sev-
eral hours of use without any concern. It also offers a
screenshot mode to save data, and the arrow keys can
be used to navigate across one of the five bands (see
Figure 7). There is a lot of information here, and reading
the manual several times will allow you to take advan-
tage of this unit.
I now plan to start a focused approach to capture RF
noise emitters in my home, and utility power transformer
locations. In conjunction with a small shortwave por-
table radio, I can listen to the RF hash and also see it
on the EMF-390 display.
Real-World Application
Although it really can't be used to assess actual field
strength or power density across its entire frequency
range, especially for the purpose of assessing compli-
ance with the RF-exposure rules, in my own experi-
ence, the EMF-390 has proven its worth during vari-
ous operating scenarios. Whether assessing RF
relative signals in my home station or during portable
Figure 8 — The GQ EMF-390 measuring RF on 40 meters, and
the "V V V" in CW is shown.
operations, my observation is that the EMF-390 is
able to provide a reading. The ability to relocate an-
tennas or adjust setups based on real-time data en-
sures a proactive approach to assessing RF present
in an environment. I found this device very useful in
making observations of signals in play. This is a wel-
come addition to my analog RF/EMF sensors.
Improvements
Having a
panel would allow the unit to be mounted on a tripod.
The ability to have specific or additional radio bands
covering the amateur HF segments could also prove
useful in the RF Spectrum mode. I did find the software
a bit buggy, but I am sure with proper reporting of bugs
that they can be resolved in future updates.
Conclusion
Although the EMF-390 can provide operators with a
real-time estimation of RF exposure, there is no refer-
ence for its precision, so this is not necessarily a reli-
able tool for amateur radio operators seeking to as-
sess and monitor the RF exposure levels.
The unit itself — as a user-friendly interface, with ver-
satile measurement modes — seems highly sensitive,
and advanced features make it a companion for every
amateur radio enthusiast's tool kit. It would be nice if
the unit covered all of the HF and VHF bands for ama-
teur radio. I also found this meter was able to discover
Figure 7 —
various RF emitters, like ISM band-based sensors, in
Screenshot saved
your home.
into the GQ EMF-
390.
Manufacturer: GQ Electronics LLC, 1001 SW Klickitat
Way, Suite 110, Seattle, WA 98134, www.gqelec
tronicsllc.com. Price: $108.
⁄ -inch camera mount on the bottom and back
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