ETS-Lindgren HI-1801 User manual

Model HI-1801
Microwave Survey Meter
User Manual

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ETS-Lindgren L.P. reserves the right to make changes to any product described
herein in order to improve function, design, or for any other reason. Nothing
contained herein shall constitute ETS-Lindgren L.P. assuming any liability
whatsoever arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit
described herein. ETS-Lindgren L.P. does not convey any license under its
patent rights or the rights of others.
© Copyright 1990–2016 by ETS-Lindgren L.P. All Rights Reserved. No part
of this document may be copied by any means without written permission
from ETS-Lindgren L.P.
Trademarks used in this document: The ETS-Lindgren logo is a trademark of
ETS-Lindgren L.P.
Revision Record | HI-1801 Microwave Survey Meter, MANUAL
Part #H-600041, Rev. C
Revision Description Date
Initial Release February, 1990
A Revised, Reformatted March, 1999
B Update branding: revised to meet
Style Guide specifications; PIB
included with release
October, 2012
C Update introduction, calibration
method, and electrical
specifications, and formatting.
April, 2016

| iii
Table of Contents
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ................................................ v
1.0 Introduction .......................................................................... 7
Calibration Method ......................................................................................... 7
Standard Configuration .................................................................................. 8
Optional Items ................................................................................................ 8
ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin ................................................... 8
2.0 Maintenance ......................................................................... 9
Maintenance Recommendations ................................................................... 9
Battery Replacement ............................................................................. 9
Spacer Cone Replacement.................................................................. 10
Annual Calibration ....................................................................................... 10
Replacement and Optional Parts ................................................................. 11
Service Procedures ..................................................................................... 11
3.0 Specifications ..................................................................... 13
Electrical Specifications ............................................................................... 13
Physical Specifications ................................................................................ 13
4.0 Operation ............................................................................ 15
Accuracy ...................................................................................................... 15
Preparing the Oven ...................................................................................... 17
Preparing the Meter ..................................................................................... 18
Check Feature ..................................................................................... 19
Making a Measurement ............................................................................... 19
What the Measurement Means .................................................................... 20
Appendix A: Warranty ............................................................. 21
Appendix B: EC Declaration of Conformity .......................... 23

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| v
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Note: Denotes helpful information intended to provide tips for better
use of the product.
Caution: Denotes a hazard. Failure to follow instructions
could result in minor personal injury and/or property
damage. Included text gives proper procedures.
Warning: Denotes a hazard. Failure to follow instructions
could result in SEVERE personal injury and/or property
damage. Included text gives proper procedures.
Note: See the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin for safety,
regulatory, and other product marking information.

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Introduction | 7
1.0 Introduction
The ETS-Lindgren Model HI-1801 Microwave Survey Meter is a rugged,
compact, portable instrument that is virtually immune to failure caused by
excessive fields or physical abuse. This instrument is acceptable to the US
Government Center for Devices and Radiological Health (FDA/CDRH) and to all
major microwave oven manufacturers for testing ovens in use and after repair.
This easy to use meter, and the step-by-step instructions in this manual will
enable you to easily and accurately measure leakage from your microwave oven.
Microwave leakage (electromagnetic fields) is detected by an array of eight hot
carrier diodes housed in the large end of the plastic probe. This antenna array
has the unique feature of being able to sum microwave electric fields of any
polarization in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the probe. The antenna lobe
(effective measuring area) is also very broad, making the instrument easy to use
when measuring leakage around an oven door. The spacer cone is designed to
provide 5 cm spacing from the tip of the probe to the center of the array.
The HI-1801 must be used with the spacer cone in place. Using the
instrument without the cone will result in reading errors and may
damage the unit.
Calibration Method
Each meter is calibrated by placing the probe in a CW (continuous wave)
2450 MHz electromagnetic field. The source feeds an anechoic chamber through
a section of waveguide terminating in a slot radiator. Calibration is performed at a
level of 5 mW/cm² and a standard temperature of 75º F.
The calibration is also checked at 1 mW/cm². The accuracy of the field is
determined by comparing with an LCR (local calibration reference) which is
traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) through
FDA / CDRH (Food and Drug Administration / Center for Devices and
Radiological Health).

8 | Introduction
Standard Configuration
The Model HI-1801 Microwave Survey Meter includes:
 Survey meter including probe with spacer cone
 600 mL Beaker
 Two 9 Volt Alkaline Batteries
 Fitted carrying case
Optional Items
 Spacer Cover Kit
ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin
See the ETS-Lindgren Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment
for the following:
 Warranty information
 Safety, regulatory, and other product marking information
 Steps to receive your shipment
 Steps to return a component for service
 ETS-Lindgren calibration service
 ETS-Lindgren contact information

Maintenance | 9
2.0 Maintenance
Before performing any maintenance, follow
the safety information in the ETS-Lindgren
Product Information Bulletin included with
your shipment.
WARRANTY
Maintenance of the HI-1801 Microwave
Survey Meter is limited to external
components such as cables or connectors.
If you have any questions concerning
maintenance, contact ETS-Lindgren
Customer Service.
Maintenance Recommendations
The only maintenance that is required is the replacement of the batteries or the
spacer cone.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Always replace both batteries when batteries are in need of
replacement.
1. Move the selector switch to the OFF position.

10 | Maintenance
2. Remove the two screws that hold the instrument cover in place.
3. Remove the foam block that holds the batteries then remove the
batteries.
4. Replace the batteries and re-insert the foam block. Replace and
tighten the two screws that hold the instrument cover in place.
5. Make sure the LOW BATT indicator light is not on indicating the
batteries are fully charged.
SPACER CONE REPLACEMENT
Do not use the HI-1801 without the spacer cone in
position. To maintain stated instrument accuracy,
only use spacer cones provided by ETS-Lindgren.
The spacer cone must be replaced when worn or contaminated. A polystyrene
cone shield provides protection for the relatively soft material of the cone.
1. Remove the old cone by pulling straight up and off the end of the
probe.
2. Slip a new cover on, being sure the cover is fully seated on the probe.
Annual Calibration
It is recommended that the Model HI-1801 Microwave Survey Meter be
recalibrated every 12 months. See the Product Information Bulletin included with
your shipment for information on ETS-Lindgren calibration services.

Maintenance | 11
Replacement and Optional Parts
ETS-Lindgren may substitute a similar part or new part number with
the same functionality for another part/part number. Contact
ETS-Lindgren for questions about part numbers and ordering parts.
Following are the part numbers for ordering replacement or optional parts for the
model HI-1801 Microwave Survey Meter.
Part Description Part Number
Spacer Cover Kit
(10 Cones and 20 Shields)
H-540013
600 mL Plastic Beaker H-44600MLP
Carrying Case H-51FPC6506B
Service Procedures
For the steps to return a system or system component to ETS-Lindgren for
service, see the Product Information Bulletin included with your shipment.

12 | Maintenance
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Specifications | 13
3.0 Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Frequency 2450 MHz (±50 MHz)
Power Range 1-10 mW/cm2
Accuracy ±1 dB
Response Time Full scale within 3 seconds
Overload Capacity Continuous 2.0 W/cm2
Physical Specifications
Dimensions 5.3 x 4.3 x 10.5 cm
(2.09 x 1.7 x 413 in)
Probe Length 30.5 cm
(12 in)
Cable Length 1.0 m
(3.3 ft)
Spacer Cover 5cm
(1.97 in)
Shipping Weight 1.81 kg
(4 lbs)

14 | Specifications
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Operation | 15
4.0 Operation
Before operating any components, follow the
safety information in the ETS-Lindgren
Product Information Bulletin included with your
shipment.
Do not attempt to operate a microwave oven
with:
 Any object caught in the door
 A door that does not close properly
 A damaged door hinge, latch or
sealing surface
Do not use the HI-1801 without the spacer cone
in position.
The areas where leakage is likely to occur are around the door seal, the window,
and at ventilation louvers or vents. A damaged or improperly installed magnetron
mounting gasket may cause leakage in the control panel area of the oven.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the ETS-Lindgren Model HI-1801 Microwave Survey Meter is
within ± 1 db (+25%, -20%) when used according to these instructions:
1. Always use a clean spacer cover. Accuracy will be affected by wear of the
cover and by dirt and metallic particles which may become imbedded in the
EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam. If the cover is damaged, contact
Customer Service for a replacement.
2. Hold the instrument case at approximately 45º. The balance of the meter
movement causes the needle to move slightly when held horizontally (flat)
or vertically (upright). The meter is calibrated while at an angle of 45º and if
it is used at that angle, no additional error will be introduced.

16 | Operation
3. The normal operating temperature range is between 60º and 90º F (15º and
32º C). If used outside this range, an additional error will be introduced. This
error can be approximated as -0.1% per Fahrenheit degree. The negative
temperature coefficient means that the instrument reads high at lower
temperatures and low at higher temperatures.
4. The parameters which affect the accuracy of this instrument are listed along
with the error contribution of each in the following table.
Parameter Error (dB)
Calibration
Precision--±0.09
Accuracy--±0.13
Nonlinearity and AM
response
±0.17
Near Field vs. Far Field ±0.29
Receiving Pattern -0.11
Temperature Response ±0.06
Frequency Response* ±0.04
Polarization* ±0.21
RFI* ±0.04
Drift* ±0.04
Total +0.96/-0.81
*Errors combined in RMS manner

Operation | 17
Preparing the Oven
Do not attempt to operate a microwave oven
with:
 Any object caught in the door.
 A door that does not close properly
 A damaged door, hinge, latch or
sealing surface.
1. Make sure that the oven is clean and that there is no buildup of dirt
around the door seal area.
2. Inspect the door and sealing surfaces, the hinge, and the latch for
damage or a loose fit.
3. Make sure the oven is set for full power.
4. In order to make an accurate leakage measurement, you must use the
specified water load. Fill the beaker to a level of 275 mL with cool tap
water and place it in the center of the oven.
5. Set the oven timer for approximately three minutes. If your test takes
longer than this, the water may boil. If the water boils, pour it out and
refill using 275 mL of cool tap water.
If the timer is set longer than three minutes, the
water may boil. If the water does boil, carefully
remove the beaker and pour out the water.
Once the beaker has cooled, refill with 275 mL
of cool tap water.

18 | Operation
Preparing the Meter
1. Remove the meter from the carrying case. Make sure the spacer cover
is intact and firmly seated on the probe. Check the cover for signs of
wear or contamination; replace if worn or contaminated.
2. The ON/OFF switch must be moved to either the “ON” or the “CHECK”
position to operate the unit. The “PWR” light will come on when the
ON/OFF button is held in either position and the instrument is
operating.
3. Turn the ON/OFF switch to either the ON or the CHECK position. The
“LOW BATT” light will come on if the batteries need to be replaced.
Replace the batteries before continuing. See the Maintenance section
for battery replacement instructions.
4. While operating the ON/OFF switch in the “ON/10 MW” position, use
the large knob to adjust the meter to a ZERO indication.
The probe must be in a zero microwave field with no RF energy
present for accurate zeroing.

Operation | 19
CHECK FEATURE
The control switch has two positions, an “ON/10 MW” position and a
“CHECK” position. The “ON/10 MW” position is used for testing
microwave ovens in the normal manner. In the “CHECK” position, the
meter will respond to very low levels of leakage and will assure you
that the instrument is responding to microwave energy allowing you to
check the operation of the instrument at any time including while
testing the microwave oven.
Meter readings in the “CHECK” mode have no significance; the only
purpose of this mode is to verify proper meter function..
1. Hold the ON/OFF switch in the CHECK position and use the large
knob to adjust the meter to an indication between 0 and 1. Note that
the probe must be in zero microwave field with no RF energy present.
2. Holding the ON/OFF switch in the CHECK position and the oven
operating, move the probe over the door and door gap surfaces of the
oven. In the CHECK mode, the sensitivity of the HI-1801 is increased
from five to ten fold.
Making a Measurement
Turn the oven on and proceed with the leakage measurement.
1. Hold the probe by the red handle in one hand and hold the meter in the
other hand, with the ON/OFF switch in the “ON/10 MW” position.
2. Place the tip of the spacer cover against the oven surface, with the
probe handle perpendicular to the surface. While testing, hold the
meter away from the oven to minimize the possible RF pickup directly
from the oven to the meter case.
3. Move the probe slowly, about one inch per second, keeping the cover
tip in contact with the oven and the probe handle straight.
4. Once you have checked all around the door edges, around and across
the window, and at any louvers or vents, return to the spot where you
noticed the highest reading before.

20 | Operation
5. Hold the probe in place over this spot for at least five seconds and
watch for the highest needle indication. The reading you obtain is the
maximum leakage of your oven.
What the Measurement Means
The FDA/CDRH (Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and
Radiological Health) has established the following requirements concerning
microwave oven leakage:
 The power density (leakage) emitted by a microwave oven shall not
exceed 1 mW/cm2 measured prior to acquisition by a purchaser, and
thereafter 5 mW/cm2.
 The 5 mW/cm2 measurement is mid-scale on the 10 mW range.
However, many ovens leak so little that you may notice only a small
indication. This actual value is sometimes as low as 0.1 or 0.2
mW/cm2.
 If the oven leakage exceeds 5 mW/cm2, you should contact a service
agency recommended by the oven manufacturer, or contact the
manufacturer directly. This oven must be repaired to comply with the
CDRH safety guidelines.
You may wish to write down for future reference the leakage level, and the model
number and serial number of the meter used to make the measurement. Be sure
to note the calibration due date of the instrument; for assurance of accurate
readings, the microwave survey meter should have been calibrated within the
last 12 months.