VK3UM Electro Magnetic Radiation Calculator

VK3UM Electro Magnetic Radiation Calculator
Table of Contents
VK3UM EMR Calculator
Disclaimer
Background
Program Objectives
Calculations Provided
Australian Level 1 and Level 2 requirements
Screen Options
Screen Options. Australian ACMA requirement.
Circular Apertures
Calculation Methods
Examples
Author
References and Acknowledgements
Page 1
2
2
3
4
5
7
10
19
20
22
23
25
26
VK3UM EMR Calculator

Disclaimer
The accuracy of this software is in accordance with the calculation methods
prescribed in the Standard chosen in the software.
The On Axis Exclusion Zone value calculated in this Software is the exposure
limit that applies to the General Public for the Standard selected. (Uncontrolled
environment)
The calculated Safety Exclusion Zones should only be taken as a guide and
must not be relied upon as safe for human exposure. External influences can
cause significant variations to predicted values.
The Exclusion Zone should be accurately measured in the prescribed manner
and the readings thus obtained treated as absolute with respect to safety
matters and not those predicted by this software.
Footnote
In the process of obtaining High Power permits for both 23 and 70 cm, the Author
(VK3UM) was subjected to rigorous testing, inspection and RF radiation
measurements. The EMR values were measured with precision equipment and the
levels were found to be extremely close to the theoretical calculations as predicted in
this software.
Page 2
Background
Background
Throughout the World, most Government Authorities have implemented mandatory
standards of radiation limits pertaining to Electro Magnetic Radiation. These
requirements include the Amateur Radio Service.
Note .Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMR) is now generally known as Electro
Magnetic Emission (EME) which is a more 'public friendly term'.
Because of the nature of EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) and many other Amateur
communications, radiated power levels can be quite high and may, under certain
situations, pose a radiation hazard.
This software calculates the level of Far Field bore site RF Radiation levels and
indicates if the safety limit will be exceeded with respect to the parameters entered
into the program.
The default calculations are for Public or un-controlled environments, however
controlled environment calculations are provided where situations permit such limits.
Warnings are provided on entering this option.
The software also addresses the near field radiation characteristics of a circular
aperture radiating antennae. This characteristic could be of significance to provide
substantiating evidence that the installation is able to meet the Governing Authority's
radiation limits.
The most widely accepted Safe level of RF Radiation is that which has been
Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
recommended by the International
Protection. (ICNIRP) It is a body of independent scientific experts consisting of a main
Commission of 14 members, 4 Scientific Standing Committees covering Epidemiology,
Biology, Dosimetry and Optical Radiation and a number of consulting experts. This
expertise is brought to bear on addressing the important issues of possible adverse
effects on human health of exposure to non-ionising radiation. Its recommendations
have been accepted by most countries as well as the Council of European Union
(CEU).
The ICNIRP works in close collaboration with the many health protection related
agencies both national and international, including, for example, WHO, ILO, ICOH,
IRPA and EUROSKIN.
[Reference 6]
Page 3
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
The prime purpose of the software is to define the Electro Magnetic Radiation
(EMR) (Electro Magnetic Emission (EME)], level of the On Axis Exclusion Zone,
commensurate with the stations effective radiated power and mode of operation. The
default calculation is for Public or the un-controlled environment.
The operator of an Amateur Radio Station may then be confident of complying with the
Safe Operating Standards applicable to their specified licensing conditions.
The Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMR) level from the Station can be determined
to a high degree of accuracy (refer also Disclaimer statement) so that it will not
cause harmful health effects to the Public, family and Station operator in
accordance with levels recommended by the International
Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. (ICNIRP) and also those of the Federal
Communication Commission (FCC).
The calculations are presented in numerical as well as graphical format to allow simple
visual indication of the relationship of tower to safety distances. The ability to vary the
Tower height (and other parameters) in the software and instantly observe the
changes in the safe operating distance from the radiator is a feature of the software.
Circular Aperture Near Field calculations are also presented in a graphical format.
Page 4
The EMR Radiation Calculator provides the On Axis Exclusion Zone (General Public), for both
near and far field radiation levels, and is displayed in both text and graphical formats.
The Tower Height Calculator provides a graphical representation of the safe distance from the
tower to comply with Safety requirements. Using the mouse or mouse roller you can change the
tower height (white rectangle) and display the safe tower height and safe distance from the tower.
It should be noted that at the 3dB antennae beam width and the on-axis distance
calculations are combined to provide this display. The safe head height is given as 1.8
metres (chosen as an arbitrary average human height), and can be removed for bore site on axis
calculations.
The Circular Aperture Calculator provides a graphical representation of Near and Far field
Exclusion Zone boundaries. (for Parabolic Reflectors only)
Page 5
Page 6
Australian Level 1 and Level 2 requirements

The Australian Communication Authority (ACMA) Radiocommunication Licence
Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003 stipulates the conditions that
apply to Amateur Radio Licence holders in Australia. ref [7]
Part 3 of this document, Operation of transmitters - electromagnetic radiation requirements
details the conditions required to meet the ACMA licensing conditions specific to EMR
requirements.
quote ( part (1) of (7)
9 Level 1 criteria
(1) This section applies to a transmitter (other than a mobile station):
(a) for which:
(i) the average total power supplied by the transmitter to all antennas fed by
the transmitter is not more than 100 W; and
(ii) each antenna fed by the transmitter is installed so that it is inaccessible
to a member of the general public; or
(b) for which:
(i) the bottom of the lowest antenna fed by the transmitter is at least 10 m
above ground level; and
(ii) the average total equivalent isotropically radiated power of all antennas
fed by the transmitter is not more than 3 200 W in any direction;
then if either (a) or (b) is met then Level 2 Assessment is not required
unquote
quote
10 Level 2 criteria
(1) This section applies to a transmitter to which section 9 does not apply.
(2) After 31 May 2003, the licensee must:
(a) be able to show that the llicensee complies with section 8 in relation to the
(b)
transmitter by:
(i) measuring RF fields in accordance with AS 2772.2; or
(ii) calculating RF fields using a model or method that is d e r i v e d from
the mathematical formulae mentioned in Appendix B to AS 2772.2; and
keep records in accordance with section 15.
Note for subparagraph (a) (ii) Models or methods include:
mathematical modeling
computer software programs
charts and graphs.

(3) If the licensee spatially averages measurements taken for subparagraph (2) (a) (i),
the licensee must do so in accordance with section 2.7 of the ARPANSA
standard.
unquote
The VK3UM EMR Calculator provides indication if Level 1 compliance is achieved with the given
station parameters, or when Level 2 compliance is required.
Level 2 requires additional conditions that must be adhered to by Australian (or visiting)
Amateur operators.
The following are examples for a power level of 400 Watt PEP and a Transmission Mode Form
Factor SSB (non processed audio), with a conversational six minute period average using a half
Page 7
wave Dipole antennae operating on 14 MHz
Level 1 (1) a (i) and (ii)

Note .. Average power requirement is less than 100 watts and wether the antenna is either
inaccessible or accessible (regardless of antenna height)
Change only the Transmission Mode Form Factor to SSB (processed) and leaving all other
conditions remaining the same.
Level 1 (1) b (i) and (ii)

Note .. Average power requirement is now greater than 100 watts (178 watts) and the antenna
condition is inaccessible or accessible or greater or less than 10 metres in height.
The antenna must be greater than 10 meters
Page 8
If the EIRP exceeds 3200 watts then Level 2 compliance is always required.
Page 9
Screen Options
Screen Options
The Main Screen
The three large buttons in the center of the screen enable you to:-
VHF-SHF Screen
It covers the frequency range from 50MHz to 48GHz and provides access to the Parabolic
Page 10
Reflector and the yagi Array options. To select the yagi array click on the button to the left
of the display. Similarly to reselect the Parabolic Reflector display, click on its associated
button.
HF Screen
The options available within this screen may be selected by clicking one of the available
options (Low Gain Antennae, Yagi Array or Parabolic Reflector). Access to all the Low
Gain Antennae options may be gained by clicking on the associated panel (it will high light
in white) and further choose other options by use of the up/down arrows.
Frequency.
Select the frequency of operation as required.
Circular Aperture
Page 11
This option screen provides selection of a graphical representation of Near Field of the RF
Exclusion Zone calculations in a graphical format.
Note.. it is only applicable for Parabolic Reflectors
Transmission Mode Form Factor

These options should be selected in accordance with the Standard chosen. In the case of
the FCC OET Bulletin 65 select Carrier or 100%. [reference 1 & 4]
Six Minute Period Average

These options should also be selected in accordance with the Standard chosen. In the case
of the FCC OET Bulletin 65 they select Conversational or 100%. You will note that in the case
of the FCC Standard the period average is 30 minutes.
You may select Controlled Exposure by clicking on the green button. (a warning is given on
entering the Controlled Exposure option).
The Controlled Exposure option is provided for specific situations that can use such levels but
normally this is not appropriate for the Amateur Service.
Page 12
RF Radiation Standards.
Three standards are provided as indicated plus a variable option to allow for any other
Radiation Limit. Many Countries have as yet to define their Standard and the variable option
is provided for any such eventualities. Note that the ARPNSA and CEU Standards are
identical except that the former requires Level 2 compliance documentation with EIRP power
levels exceeding 3200 watts.
CEU
FCC
ARPNSA
Council of European Union

Federation of Communication Commission (USA)
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Association (almost identical to CEU)
Difference between Standards

The FCC OET Bulletin 65 Supplement B (Amateur Stations) calculations are based on
100% Form Factor and 100% 30 minute period average. (Public environment). Selecting the
FCC defaults to Carrier, Conversational includes Ground reflection and the transmission loss
should be adjusted zero. The figures will correspond to those on pages 23 and 24 of the
document. Controlled environment calculations are also provided as an option.
Change S designator
Page 13
the following options .. select uW /cm
you may select which ever designator suits your situation and you will then be asked if
you wish to store the new designator as your default./
the display will be shown as follows.
Variable Radiation Level Option

You may select this option to adjust to any other Radiation Standard. By double clicking
on the radiation limit panel enables adjustment in 0.001 steps. Double clicking again second
time reverts to 0.01 increments.
This applies only for a S designator of W / m. The displayed decimal point will go from 2
to three.
Ground Reflection.
Select his option where required. This will depend upon the situation under question and
should be applied as appropriate. In the case of the FCC OET Bulletin 65 they stipulate
this option (in most instances) as a worse case scenario and are selected as default.
Transmitter Power.
Power levels from 1-9999 watts are provided to cover most Amateur situations. Note that
the current data file (*.dug) is also displayed in this panel.
Page 14
Parabolic Reflector.
Adjust for the size you are using and adjust the efficiency to reflect the characteristic of
the reflector. Note this is reflector efficiency and not f/d.
Yagi Array (VHF-UHF).
If you are using a single yagi or yagi array, first select the button adjacent to the Yagi
array. This will highlight the Yagi Array box and darken the Parabolic reflector area. Adjust
the Single Yagi dBi gain and the number of yagi to match your installation. You may wish
to vary the single yagi figure to reflect your realised array gain. This can vary depending
upon the stacking distances chosen and the cumulative losses of your system.
Additional Yagi Options. There are three buttons contained within the Yagi Array box
that allow you to choose many of the currently available, commercially manufactured, or
design optimised antennae. (blue top button )
Page 15
The lower green button provides the ability to choose between dBi (default) or dBd
reference gains
In addition you may also select in (the VHF-UHF option) a dipole or a vertical antennae.
In selecting a vertical you also have the option to select the length of that vertical.
Low Gain Antennae. (HF selected option)

This panel provides selection of Dipole, to 1 wavelength vertical antennae, selection
of 3 element beams for 14 - 28 MHz as well as a variable option to adjust gain to any
value desires.
Note When using a G5RV antennae, the feed transition between the open line and the
coax connection should be inaccessible as the level of EMR can be high depending on the
band selected.
Transmission Loss.
Actual power measured at the radiator. Adjust to suit your particular situation. Remember
to include all feed, relay, balun, and divider losses as appropriate. You will note that in this
Page 16
box a notation is provided for users of the ARPNSA Standard (as used in Australia) where
the Authorities (ACMA), require a documented record of compliance when Average EIRP
levels exceed 3200 watts. In the case of the FCC standard the "power threshold for
routine evaluation" is provided.
Additional Screen Options
Disclaimer Button.
Provides the disclaimer message commensurate with the software.
Metric/Imperial Button. Selecting either will reflect on all displayed calculations. Note that
this function is also a 'stored parameter'.
X 10 Multiplier. This provides a ten times increment on program input data. The relevant
options are highlighted in yellow when selected.
Default Option. This allows for the retrieval of user defined set up parameters. When the
program is first initiated the parameters displayed should be changed to suit the users
preferred options. They should be stored as 'default.dug'. This file will be recalled
automatically when clicking on the default button. If the file has not been created then the
user will receive an error message warning of the requirement.
On screen help allows you turn this function off
Reset Screen size allows you to return the screen size to its default size should you desire.
Note . the program saves your screen position and size when exiting and restores to
these values on the next time you run the program.
Help provides the Help file you are viewing here.
About provides the Build Date and other program information parameters.
Exit will close the program.
File Handling Options
Page 17
The first time the program is run, it is advisable to set your default parameters as you wish
and save them under the default file name.
You may subsequently save as many other configurations as you require and recall them
at will with the file option. (vk3um432.dug vk3um1296.dug etc.)
Note. all the screen variables available to the user are stored.
Page 18
Screen Options. Australian ACMA requirement.
Page 19
Circular Apertures
Circular Apertures
This software provides all the RF Exclusion Zone calculations as described earlier but it is now
displayed in a graphical format.
The level of radiated power with in the Near field region is displayed.
This characteristic and the predicted Exclusion Zone could, in some circumstances, permit
operation where space or elevation separation can take advantage of the safe area within the
Near Field.
Explanation.
The X axis of the graph is the normalized on-axis distance where 1.0 equates to the Far field
distance. The X base line is logarithmic.
The Y axis is the normalized on-axis power density gain correction. The curve depicted in red
is the on-axis power flux density curve for a circular aperture (1-q) taper.
The near-field power density is determined by calculating the far-field distance (r = 2D/) and the
power flux density at this point [S = GP/(4r)] and multiplying this power flux by the gain
Page 20
correction factor. [Reference 3 page 28].

Example. Given a 2.16 W/square metre radiation limit,
a frequency of 1296 MHz, 28.1 foot dish, efficiency 55%, 0.5 dB transmission loss, 700 watts Tx
O/P, a CW Transmission Mode Form Factor with a 2 minute EME 6 minute Period Average
then the display will show :=
An Exclusion Zone as indicted by the 'red humps'; and a Far Field Distance of 2074.15 feet This
can be interpreted as the distance from the radiator up to a distance of 21.6 feet is below the
radiation limit as are the other 'holes' between the humps.
As the power is increased, additional danger areas (above the set radiation level) are then
revealed.
The green horizontal line is the graphical representation of the radiation level in Watts/square
metre as set by the user. Below this green line is below the radiation limit.
.
Page 21
Calculation Methods
Calculation Methods
The On Axis Exclusion Zone is the direct line (bore sight) distance from the radiator. The
distance is that where the radiation level exceeds the Radiation Limit as specified by the
Standard chosen. In most Standards this will vary with frequency in accordance with the
requirement. The actual level will be displayed in both Watts/metre and mW/cm.
The calculation method used by this software is that as detailed in the Australian Standard AS
2772-2-1988 Radiofrequency radiation - Principles and methods of measurement - 300 kHz
to 100 GHz and those similarly described in FCC OET Bulletin 65.
[reference 3 & 4]
The program calculates the near field values for both circular and rectangular apertures
depending upon the user selecting either a Parabolic reflector (circular aperture) or a Yagi, dipole
or vertical radiator. (Rectangular aperture)
In the case of a Parabolic reflector the near field correction follows the (1-q ) taper curve where q
is the radial distance from the center of the circular aperture, normalized to the aperture radius.
The program utilises the power density (PD) in the Near Field Normalized to unity at CD /
where
PD = 26.1 [1-16x/ sin /8x + 128x /(1 - cos /8x)]
[reference 5]
The curve is displayed in the Circular Aperture option and highlights the near field radiation
characteristic. This characteristic, where the radiation level falls below the Exclusion Zone within
the near field, may of significance when establishing safe distances from antennae installations.
The near field safe distance characteristic may permit operation as result of the height separation
of the antennae or the elevation of the antennae. This may not be the case if the Exclusion Zone
alone were the sole determining factor.
It should be noted that in the On Axis Exclusion Zone calculation, only the 'first near field' curve
is calculated and displayed whilst the Circular Aperture displays all near field curves and their
distances.
Rectangular aperture calculations (yagi) are based upon the uniform line source power
density in the near field.
[reference 3 & 5]
Ground Reflection is as detailed in the FCC Standard. This is derived by multiplying the
power density by a factor of 2.56 to equate to the predicted ground reflection as stipulated in
the Standard. This option may be turned on or off as required. Check with your Licensing
Authority if this is a required option for
compliance.
Page 22
Examples
Examples
Example 1.
My tower height is 2.5 metres, what is the closest distance I can approach the tower?
Frequency 432 MHz Power 400 watts PEP SSB (processed) Conversational 1dB
Transmission Loss 1dB Antennae DJ9BV (Opt) 6 Lambda ARPANSA ..
- Set the program to the above parameters (or recall Example 1)
- Select the specific antenna by first clicking on top blue button on Yagi Panel and
then click on DJ9BV (Opt) 6 Lambda.
- Close Antennae selection by clicking elsewhere on screen.
The safe distance from the tower is 8.90 metres.
Example 2.
What is the closest distance I can approach the dish given:Frequency 1296 MHz Power 750 watts .. CW .. 2 minute sequence 1dB transmission loss
8.52m dish (0.55% efficiency) at ground level ARPANSA .. No ground reflection.
- Set the program to the above parameters. (change to Imperial from Metric)
- Select un-safe head height
-
Reduce tower height to zero (or recall Example 2 with data buttons)
The safe distance from the tower is 91.51 meters.

Example 3.
What is the minimum tower height for safe operation given:Frequency 10GHz Power 30 watts CW .. 1 minute sequence 1dB Transmission loss
3.00m dish ...ARPANSA .. No ground reflection.
- Set the program to the above parameters. . (or recall Example 3 with data buttons)
The minimum safe tower height is 2.94 metres.

Should you wish to increase the power to the dish (e.g. 37 watts) the near field exclusion
boundaries will be indicated as 20.29 - 25.33 and 40.51 - 98.45 metres. This can also be seen
graphically by selection of the Circular Aperture option.
Page 23
Example 4.
What is the closest distance I can approach my HF Antenna given:Frequency 3.5 MHz Power 1500 watts Carrier .. Conversational .. 0 dB transmission loss ..
dipole antennae FCC .. Ground Reflection
- Set the program to the above parameters. (or recall Example 4 with data buttons)
The safe distance is given as 1.85 metres.

Refer to Page 26 Tables 6 and 7 of FCC OET Bulletin 65
[ Ref 4]
Example 5.
What is the Exclusion Zone of my Parabolic Reflector Antenna given:Frequency 432 MHz Power 300 watts CW .. 2 minute sequence 2.0 dB Transmission
loss 8.52m dish Mounted at ground level ARPANSA .. No ground reflection.
Using the Circular Aperture option it can be seen that it is safe from the reflector out to a
distance of 14.7 meters, and above the safe radiation limit from that point out to 29.2
metres.
Viz it is above safe limits from 14.88-29.23 metres but less than 14.81 metres it is safe and
greater than 29.24 meters it is safe as well. (safe being below the EMR limits)
Example 6
What is the minimum tower height for safe operation given:Frequency 144 MHz 4 x 2MXP32 yagi ... Power 1500 watts JT65 0.5 dB Transmission
loss FCC (ground reflection)..
-
Note the 2MXP32 yagi may be selected from the yagi data base (blue button) and
incrementing the number of yagi to 4.
The minimum safe tower height is 9.81 metres.
Page 24
Author
This program is written by Doug Mc Arthur (VK3UM)
'Tikaluna'
26 Old Murrindindi Rd,
Glenburn. Victoria. 3717
AUSTRALIA. (QF22ro)
email
tikaluna@bigpond.com.
Page 25

[1] Australian Communication and Media Authority Human Exposure to Radiofrequency
Electromagnetic Radiation
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011C00165
[2] Radiation Protection Standard for Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields
- 3 kHz to 300 GHz (2002)
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/publications/codes/rps3.cfm
[3] Australian Government (Common Law) Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic
Radiation - Human Exposure) Standard 2003
- F2011C00165
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011C00165/Html/Text#_Toc288485859
[4] FCC OET Bulletin 65
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/radio-frequency-safety
[5] Microwave Engineers Handbook - Volume 2
[6] International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. (ICNIRP)
http://www.icnirp.de/what.htm
[7] The Australian Communication Authority (ACMA) Radiocommunication Licence
Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003
ref http://arc hive.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_318 or direct down load from

my web site http://www.vk3um.com/emr%20calculator.html
[8] HUMAN EXPOSURE TO EMR:ASSESSMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS FOR
COMPLIANCE WITH ACA REQUIREMENTS May 2005 Ver 2.
I wish to make specific acknowledgement and thanks to the following persons that provided most
valuable suggestions/help and beta tested versions of the software.
Mr Graham Daubney (F5VHX)
Mr Lyle Patison (VK2ALU)
Mr Peter Blair (G3LTF)
Mr Peter Sundberg (SM2CEW)
Page 26
Mr John Drew (VK5DJ)

Mr Peter Freeman (VK3PF)
Mr Trevor Pitman (VK3VG)
Mr Roger Harrison (VK2ZRH)
and to all the other Amateurs that have provided suggestions and comment from around the
World.
Updated 2nd October 2013
Page 27

VK3UM Electro Magnetic Radiation Calculator

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