Gigahertz Solutions HF58B User manual

© Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
Made in Germany
HF58B / HF58B-r / HF59B
High Frequency Analyser
27 MHz (HF59B) / 800 MHz to 2.7 GHz
(up to 3.3 GHz with additional tolerance)
Fig. HF59B
Instruction Manual
Revision 7.0
This manual is subject to continuous updates, amendments and
adjustments. The most current version can always be found for
download on your local distributor’s homepage or under www.gi-
gahertz-solutions.de
Due to the rapid increase of high frequency radiation sources,
regular measurements in your private surroundings are
strongly recommended!

© Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
Made in Germany

© Gigahertz Solutions GmbH 1
Made in Germany
Thank you!
We appreciate the confidence you have shown in purchasing this
HF Analyser. It will allow a professional analysis of the exposure to
high frequency (HF) radiation corresponding to the baubiology rec-
ommendations.
If you should encounter any problems, please contact us immedi-
ately. We are here to help.
For your local distributor please check:
www.gigahertz-solutions.com
Contents
Functions & Controls 1
Getting Started 3
Properties of HF Radiation and… 4
… and Consequences for Measurements 5
Step-by-Step-Instruction to HF-Measurement 8
Guidelines, Limiting and Precautionary Values 16
Audio Analysis of Modulation 17
Use of Signal Outputs 19
Further Analysis 19
Battery Management 19
Warranty, Service Address 21
Conversion Tables outside back cover
Safety Instructions:
The HF analyser should never come into contact with water or be used outdoors
in the rain. Clean the meter only from the outside, using a slightly moist cloth. Do
not use cleaners or sprays.
Due to the high sensitivity level, the electronics of the HF analyser are very sensi-
tive to heat, shock as well as touch. Therefore, do not leave the instrument in the
hot sun, on a heating element or in any other damaging environment. Do not drop
or try to manipulate its electronics inside when the casing is open.
The antenna input is protected against overload. This way no damage can be
caused by especially mobile phones, WLAN routers or similar instruments, no mat-
ter how close they get to the antenna.

2 © Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
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Functions and Controls
The HF component of the meter is shielded against interfer-
ence by an internal metal box at the antenna input (shielding
factor approx. 35 – 40 dB)

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1) Volume control for the audio analysis
2) Jack, 3.5 mm: AC output for the modulated part of the signal,
for audio analysis via PC or headset (mono).
3) Only for HF59B: Normed AC output 1 Volt peak-peak, propor-
tional to the field strength.
4) Jack, 12-15 Volt DC for charging the battery. AC adapter for
230 Volt/50 Hz and 60 Hz is included. For other voltages/fre-
quencies please get an equivalent local AC adaptor with the
output parameters 12 – 15 Volt DC / >100mA.
Caution: If an alkaline battery is used, under no circumstances
should the power adapter be connected at the same time, oth-
erwise the battery may explode.
5) Measurement ranges
max = 19.99 mW/m² (= 19,990 µW/m²)
med = 199.9 µW/m²
min = 19.99 µW/m²
Scaling differs when applying an amplifier or damper!
6) Selector switch for signal evaluation. Standard setting: “Peak
hold”. In the peak hold mode you can choose a time setting for
the droop rate (Standard = “+”). The peak hold value can be
manually reset by pressing (14) “clear”.
7) A little bar on the very left of the LCD indicates the unit of the
numerical reading:
bar on top = mW/m² (Milliwatts/m²)
bar on bottom = µW/m² (Microwatts/m²)
8) DC output for additional instruments, e.g. data logging devices
for longterm recordings (1 V DC full scale).
(For HF59B: scalable to 2 V DC).
9) Connecting socket for antenna cable. The antenna is inserted
into the cross slot at the top side of the instrument.
10) Power Level Adapter Switch for external optional amplifier or
attenuator only (these are not part of the standard scope of supply). For
regular use of the instrument, the switch should be in pos. “0
dB”. (Any other position will shift the decimal point to an incorrect position).
11) ON/OFF switch. ..= On with audio analysis mode.
12) Load indicator
13) Signal fraction: “Full” = total signal strength. “Pulse” =
pulsed/amplitude modulated part of the signal. The latter set-
ting minimizes the instrument’s noise to a fraction of the normal
level (of importance for particularly small signals).
14) Push button to reset peak hold. (Push and hold for 2 seconds or until
the reading no longer drops)
15) For HF58B-r and HF59B only: Switch for selection of the Video
Bandwidth. Standard setting: “VBW Standard”
Switches for rarely used functions are recessed in the casing of the
instrument.
Contents of the package
Meter, attachable antenna incl. cable, rechargeable battery pack
(in the meter), mains adapter, manual.

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Getting Started
Connecting the LogPer Antenna
Screw the angle connector of the antenna connection into the up-
permost right socket of the HF analyser. It is sufficient to tighten
the connection with your fingers. (Do not use a wrench or other
tools because over tightening may damage the threads.)
This SMA connector with its gold-plated contacts is the highest
quality commercial HF connector available in that size.
At the tip of the antenna, there are two LEDs for monitoring the
proper function of all connections of the antenna and the cable dur-
ing operation. The red LED checks the cable, the green one the
antenna itself, both ok if the LEDs are lit.
Slide the antenna into the vertical/cross shaped slot at the rounded
top end of the HF analyser. Make sure the antenna cable has no
tension and lies below the instrument. It may help to loosen the
SMA-connector temporarily to let the cable fall into a “relaxed” po-
sition.
Do not bend or stretch the antenna cable!
Both ends of the antenna cable are equipped with small ferrite-rolls
to improve the antenna characteristics. Do not remove them!
The connection of the omin-antenna UBB27 (available as op-
tional accessory for the HF59B, but included in the HFE59B-kit) is
described in the respective manual.
Checking Battery Status
If the “Low Batt” indicator appears in the center of the display,
measurement values are no longer reliable. In this case, the battery
needs to be charged.
If there is no display at all upon switching the analyser on, check
the connections of the rechargeable battery. If that does not help
try to insert a regular 9 Volt alkaline (non-rechargeable) battery (see
chapter on battery change). Caution: make sure NOT to connect
the analyser to a power supply unit/AC adaptor while temporarily
operating it with a non-rechargeable battery!
Insert fully charged batteries only.
Note
Each time you make a new selection (e.g. switching to another
measurement range), the display will systematically overreact for a
moment and show higher values which will, however, droop down
within a couple of seconds.
The instrument is now ready for use.
In the next chapter you will find the basics for true, accurate
HF-measurement.

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Properties of HF Radiation…
Across the specified frequency range (and beyond), HF radiation
can cause any of the following effects on the materials exposed to
it:
1. Partial permeation
2. Partial reflection
3. Partial absorption.
You may, therefore, come across various extremely differing field
distributions within one building, with strong peaks at individual
spots (so called “hotspots”).
Minimum Distance
In order to measure the quantity of HF radiation in the common unit
“power density” (W/m²), a certain distance has to be kept from the
HF source. The distance depends on the frequency – the higher the
frequency the lower the distance. The transition frequency between
so called far field and near field conditions is not determined ex-
actly, but here are some typical distances:
 27 MHz from approx. 27 meters
 270 MHz from approx. 2.7 meters
 2700 MHz from approx. 0.27 meters
That means the distances are inversely proportional to the frequen-
cies.
Polarization
When HF radiation is emitted, it is sent off with a “polarization”. In
short, the electromagnetic waves propagate either vertically or hor-
izontally. Cellular phone technology, which is of greatest interest to
us, is usually vertically polarized, or at an angle below 45°. Due to
reflection effects and the many ways in which a cellular handset
can be held, we also observe other polarization patterns. Therefore,
it is always strongly recommended to measure both polarization
planes, which is defined by the orientation of the antenna.
… and Consequences for the Execu-
tion of Measurements
When testing for HF exposure levels in an apartment, home or
property, it is always recommended to record individual meas-
urements on a data sheet. Later this will allow you to get a better
idea of the complete situation.
It is equally important to repeat measurements several times:
First, choose different daytimes and weekdays in order not to miss
any of the fluctuations, which sometimes can be quite substantial.
Second, once in a while, measurements should also be repeated
over longer periods of time, since a situation can literally change
“overnight”. Major changes in exposure levels can, for instance, al-
ready be caused by a transponder only being tilted down by a few
degrees (e.g. during installation or repair works on cellular phone
transmitters). In particular, however, the worldwide extremely rapid

6 © Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
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expansion of the cellular phone networks (LTE, 5G) as well as wire-
less LAN hotspots have a considerable impact on the exposure lev-
els.
Even if you only intend to test indoors, it is recommended first to
take measurements in each direction outside of the building. This
will give you an initial awareness of the “HF tightness” of the build-
ing, and also potential HF sources inside the building (e.g. cordless
phones, also from neighbours).
Furthermore, you should be aware that taking measurements in-
doors adds another dimension of testing uncertainties to the spec-
ified accuracy of the used HF analyser due to the narrowness of
indoor spaces. According to the “theory”, quantitatively accurate
HF measurements are basically only reproducible under so-called
“free field conditions”, yet we have to measure HF inside buildings
because this is the place where we wish to know exposure levels.
In order to keep system-immanent measurement uncertainties as
low as possible, it is imperative to carefully follow the measurement
instructions.
As mentioned earlier in the introduction, even slight changes in the
positioning of the HF analyser can already lead to rather substantial
fluctuations in measurement values. (This effect is even more prev-
alent here than in the ELF range.) It is suggested that exposure
assessments are based on the maximum value within a locally
defined area even if this particular value should not exactly coin-
cide with a particular point of interest in, for example, the head area
of the bed.
The above suggestion is based on the fact that slightest changes
within the environment can already cause rather major changes in
the power density of a locally defined area. The person who per-
forms the HF testing, for example, affects the exact point of the
maximum value. It is quite possible to have two different readings
within 24 hours at exactly the same spot. The maximum value
across a locally defined area, however, usually only changes if the
HF sources are subject to change. This is why the latter value is
much more representative for the assessment of HF exposure.
The descriptions in the following mainly refer to immission meas-
urements, i.e. to the definition of the total power flux density rele-
vant for limit value comparisons.
In addition, this device can also be used to identify the source of
radiation, and – most important – to determine appropriate shield-
ing measures. The logper antenna which comes with the meter is
predestined for this aim. The procedure to determine appropriate
shielding methods is described at the end of this chapter in a sep-
arate section.
Preliminary Notes Concerning the Antenna
The supplied logarithmic-periodic antenna (or aerial), has excep-
tional directionality. Thus it becomes possible to reliably locate or
“target” specific emission sources in order to determine their con-
tribution to the total HF radiation level – a fundamental prerequisite
for effective shielding.

© Gigahertz Solutions GmbH 7
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Important:
As the LogPer Antenna provided with this instrument is shielded
against ground influences one should “aim” about 10 degrees be-
low the emitting source one wants to measure. This is to avoid dis-
tortions of the reading.
The upper edge of the foremost resonator is a good “aiming aid”
for the required angle. It does not matter if the angle gets a little too
wide.
Our logarithmic periodic antenna, the “LogPer antenna”, provides
a distinct division of the horizontal and vertical polarization plane.
Also the frequency response is exceptional. There is a patent pend-
ing for its design. (For professionals: For the technically rather difficult measurement
of the vertical polarization, it is significantly better shielded against the falsifying ground in-
fluences).
The missing directionality of standard telescope antennae is one of
the reasons why they are not suited for reliable HF measurements
in building biology EMR.
The readings from the instrument’s display always reflect the inte-
gral power density at the measurement location coming from the
direction the antenna is pointing at.
In order to avoid measurement values to be falsified by radiation
sources from frequencies below 800 MHz when measuring with the
LogPer antenna, the HF58B and the HF58B-r are equipped with an
internal high pass filter at 800 MHz.
As the HF59B picks up frequencies below 800 MHz, it has no inte-
grated high pass filter. However the filter is available for external
connection if needed, and is to be placed between the antenna en-
try and the antenna cable.
In addition, the HF59B is able to capture numerous sources of ra-
diation in the lower HF band which are not pulsed (i.e. amplitude
modulated). By their nature these non-pulsed sources are not avail-
able for audio analysis. That means you can get a significant read-
ing on the instrument without hearing any audio signal, which
makes the interpretation of the readings more difficult. To avoid this
source of misinterpretation the instrument marks those “inaudible”
signals by a rattling tone, the loudness of which is in proportion to
its share in the total signal. The frequency of this marking is very
low (16 Hertz). An example of it can be found on our homepage.
With the switch to the right of the display in the “Pulse” position,
these sources of radiation as well as the corresponding rattling
“marking” are blanked out.
For a quantitative measurement of frequencies below 800 MHz with
the HF59B, Gigahertz Solutions provides the active, horizontally
isotropic ultra broadband antenna UBB27_G3 responding to fre-
quencies from 27 MHz right up to more than 3.3 GHz.

8 © Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
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LogPer or Omni-Antenna?
Depending on the task, either of the antennas have advantages
as well as disadvantages:
 For frequencies below 800 MHz the UBB27 antenna is the only
option, as for geometrical reasons the LogPer antenna only starts
at 800 MHz.
 For long term data logging in most cases the isotropic observa-
tions make most sense: Again UBB27.
 For a quick survey of the total immission (that is: Total exposure
to radiation) the UBB also has clear advantages.
 For the determination of appropriate shielding measures, i.e. the
location and identification of the source of pollution, the LogPer
technology is definitely superior to the isotropic measurement.
When it comes to quantifying the total emission (measurement
of the total pollution) in more detail, the pros and cons of the
two approaches need to be weighed up:
 On the one hand, under typical measuring conditions, an iso-
tropic measurement has a broader error band by its very nature,
and the interpretation of the results is also more difficult. But the
measurement is faster and more encompassing.
 On the other hand, the LogPer antenna offers a higher precision
and better localization for the same kind of work, and the inter-
pretation of the results is easier. But a comprehensive measure-
ment is more time consuming and restricted to a smaller fre-
quency band.
Step-by-Step-Instruction to
HF-Measurement
Procedure for the Quick Overview Measurement:
The HF analyser and antenna are to be checked following the in-
structions under “Getting Started”.
Set the “Signal” switch to “Peak”.
Then set the measurement range (“Range”) switch to “max”. Only
if the displayed measurement values are persistently very low,
change to the measurement range “med” or even to “min”.
Note: When switching from “max” to “med”, the volume of the au-
dio signals will increase considerably; between “med” and “min”,
there is no difference in volume.
HF radiation exposure can differ at each point and from all direc-
tions. Even though the HF field strength of a given space changes
far more rapidly than in the lower frequencies, it is neither feasible
nor necessary to measure all directions at any given point.
Since there is no need to look at the display during an overview
measurement, but only to listen to the audio signal, you can easily

© Gigahertz Solutions GmbH 9
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walk around at slow pace through the in-door or out-door spaces
in question, constantly panning the antenna or the HF analyser with
attached antenna in all directions (forming a horizontal eight). This
will provide you with a quick overview of the situation. In in-door
spaces, antenna movements towards the ceiling or the floor will
also reveal astonishing results.
As already mentioned above, the aim of the quick overview
measurement is to identify the zones of local peaks, not to sup-
ply exact data.
Quantitative (numeric) Measurement:
Setting:
“Range” (measurement range)
Start with the “Range” switch set to “max”, and only switch to
“med” or even “min” if the display constantly shows very low val-
ues. Basic rule for measurement range selection:
As coarse as necessary,
as fine as possible.
Recommendations for the range “max”1:
Values < 0.15 mW/m²: Switch to “med”
Values > 0.15 mW/m² up to 1.5mW/m²:
Use preamplifier HV10 to convert the range of 20,000 (max) to a
range of 2,000! Alternatively, the larger value applies.
If you intend to do comparative measurements (such as “before vs.
after”), please always measure in the same range.
In the case of overload even with the range set to max (display
shows “1” on its left side), the sensitivity of the meter can be re-
duced by a factor of 100 by applying the attenuator DG20_G3
available as an optional accessory. By setting the “ext. adapt.”
switch to -20 dB on your instrument, you will ensure a correct dis-
play of the measurement value (please note: there will be an in-
creased noise level).
In the case of especially low values with the “Range” switch set to
“min”, the HV10 should also be applied.
1There is a factor of 100 between “med” and “max” thus allowing to display as
large power flux densities as possible withouth having to apply an attenuator.
For technical reasons the highest tolerances must be expected here.

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Measurement Ranges
Range
Bar on LCD
Instrument as delivered
i.e. without preamplifier
or attenuator
("ext. adapt." set to "0 dB")
displayed value & unit
max 0.01 - 19.99 mW/m²
med 00.1 - 199.9 µW/m²
min 0.01 - 19.99 µW/m²
s
imply read out
–
no correction facto
r
needed!
Range
Bar on LCD
With ext. attenuator DG20
("ext. adapt." set to "-20 dB")
displayed value & unit
max 1 - 1999 mW/m²
med 0.01 - 19.99 mW/m²
min .001 - 1.999 mW/m²
s
imply read out
–
no correction facto
r
needed!
Range
Bar on LCD
With ext. amplifier HV10
("ext. adapt." set to "+10 dB")
displayed value & unit
max 1 - 1999 µW/m²
med 0.01 - 19.99 µW/m²
min .001 - 1.999 µW/m²
simply read out – no correction factor needed!
Setting: “Signal”
Peak / RMS
The following illustration shows the difference in the evaluation of a
pulsed signal if displayed as an average value reading or a peak
value reading (“RMS” and “Peak”):
With the switch set to “Peak”, the meter will display the full power
flux density of the pulse (10 µW/m² in the graph). With the switch
set to “RMS”, the meter will take the mean of the power flux density
over the total period of time, for instance 1 µW/m² in the above
graph (= ((1 x 10) + (9 x 0)) / 10).
With the switch set to “Peak” or “Peak hold”, the display will show
the “RMS value during the pulse”, which is a common practice in
the building biology.
HF-energy in µW/qm
peak value: 10
avg. value: 1
e.g. 1 pulse every 10 µS

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Nevertheless, the “true” mean value is of great interest, too2:
- The “official” limit values are always based on mean value ex-
aminations. When analysing “official” measurement results,
therefore, such as those for instance done for cell phone oper-
ators, it may be useful to have a possibility of comparison.
- Different radio services will never have an equal ratio between
mean values and peak values. DECT cordless phones, for in-
stance, can have a ratio of as high as 1:100, while for GSM the
ratio may vary from 1:1 up to 1:8.
- Especially in the case of the new broadband modulated radio
services, such as LTE, the RMS value and - thanks to the crest
factor of max. 10 dB – also the arithmetical peak value can both
be reliably determined.
Users of professional spectrum analysers please note:
- The value for pulsed radiation shown on the display of the Gigahertz Solu-
tions HF Analysers with the signal switch set to “Peak” corresponds to the
equivalent value in µW/m² resulting from the “Max. Peak” function of a mod-
ern spectrum analyser (elder spectrum analysers had a similar function
mostly called “positive peak”).
- The switch setting “RMS” corresponds the “true RMS” setting of a modern
spectrum analyser (elder spectrum analysers have a similar function mostly
called “normal detect”, as well as a setting for the video bandwidth adapted
to match the pulse).
Setting: “Signal”
Peak hold
In the interior, local peak values are mostly subject to strong fluc-
tuations (caused by multiple reflections). In order not to overlook
any local maxima (so called hot spots), indoor measurements
should, therefore, preferably be done with the “Peak hold” setting.
Switching impulses can cause “pseudo peaks” which will appear
on your display. These can be deleted by pressing and holding the
“clear” button for several seconds (while keeping the “clear” button
pressed, the measurement will turn into a regular peak measure-
ment). Releasing the “clear” button will trigger the period, during
which the maximum value is to be determined.
In the “Peak hold” mode, the sound signal remains proportional to
the currently measured power flux density. This helps finding the
absolute maximum within the measured area.
The droop rate, at which the held peak value decreases over time can be con-
trolled with the “+” and “-” switch. Even after several minutes, the value displayed
is still within the specified tolerance. Nevertheless, the display should be checked
frequently in order to obtain the most accurate readings. In the case of very high
and short signal peaks, the holding capacity of the “Peak hold” function needs
several recurrences (less than a second) to fully load.
2Users of meters produced by other manufacturers please note: The a.m. con-
clusions are only feasible for recordings of the true mean value. They do not ap-
ply if your meter shows the momentary value of the modulated HF signal only in-
stead of the mean value, which is the case for most meters on the market, even
if their specifications state that it will display the mean value.

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Quantitative Measurement:
Determination of Total High Frequency Pollution
As described in Getting Started, attach the LogPer antenna to the
HF analyser. Hold the HF analyser with a slightly outstretched
arm because objects (mass) directly behind it “like yourself”, have
effects on the testing result. Your hand should not get too close to
the antenna, but should be near the bottom end of the instrument.
In the area of a local maximum, the positioning of the HF analyser
should be changed until the highest power density (the most im-
portant measurement value) can be located. This can be achieved
as follows:
- When scanning “all directions” with the LogPer to locate the
direction from which the major HF emission(s) originate, move
your wrist right and left. For emission sources behind your back,
you have to turn around and place your body behind the HF an-
alyser. When scanning with the isotropic UBB27 aerial (HF59B),
it is sufficient to move the instrument to see the field distortions
effected by your body.
- Through rotating the HF analyser, with attached LogPer an-
tenna, around its longitudinal axis, determine the polarization
plane of the HF radiation. When using the UBB27 (HF59B) you
only need to do this in locations where radiation from directly
below or above cannot be ruled out (multistorey buildings, town
houses, etc)
- Change the measurement position and avoid measuring ex-
clusively in one spot, because that spot may have local or an-
tenna-specific cancellation effects.
Some manufacturers of field meters propagate the idea that the ef-
fective power density should be obtained by taking measurements
of all three axes and calculating the result. Most manufacturers of
professional testing equipment, however, do not share this view.
In general, it is well accepted that
exposure limit comparisons should be based on the maximum
value emitted from the direction of the strongest
radiation source. When using the UBB27, of course, the direc-
tional component will not apply.
But the details of the situation need to be considered! For example,
if a 2.4-GHz telephone inside the house emits a similar level of mi-
crowaves as a nearby cellular phone base station outside the
house, it would be helpful to first turn off the 2.4-GHz telephone in
the house. Now measure the exposure level originating from the
outside. After having measured the emission of the 2.4-GHz tele-
phone on its own, the sum of both measurement values could be
used for the exposure assessment. (This is necessary only when
using the LogPer aerial. The isotropic UBB27 does this in a single
measurement).

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There is no “official regulation” nor clearly defined testing protocol,
because according to national standards setting institutions, as de-
scribed earlier, quantitatively reliable, targeted and reproducible
measurements are only possible under “free field conditions“ but
not in indoor environments.
Cellular phone channel emissions vary with the load. The minimum
HF level occurs, when only the control channel operates. It is sug-
gested that measurements should be taken at different times dur-
ing the day / week in order to find out the times of highest traffic.
Evaluating the different radio services
As the standard please set the instrument to “Peak hold” and “VBW
standard3” (default in the HF58B).
The displays of the meters of this series show the sum of the total
power density within the frequency range of the most common dig-
ital radio services. This means for the often dominating sources
GSM, PCT/DECT or the wireless LAN beacon signal (standby-“rat-
tling”), as well as analogue sources: Simply take the readings and
compare them to the building biology standard values!
To be able to evaluate the different radio standards, transmission
and modulation patterns with one single measurement technology,
compensation is required. The following approach is recom-
mended:
CDMA, UMTS/3G, LTE/4G, WiMAX, DVB, Wireless LAN during full
data transmission:
The modulation of these high-speed services includes high, nee-
dle-like peaks compared to the average power transmitted. Such
signals are referred to as “high crest factor” signals.
Measure these signals for 1 or 2 minutes (with peak hold) by slightly
panning the meter pointing to the direction of the main source. For
the assessment of the peak values of such signals (including the
crest factors) keep the standard setting “Peak hold” and “VBW
standard” (default in the HF58B)4.
For the compensation of the crest factor multiply the displayed
reading by a correction factor. A flat factor of 10 offers a good ap-
proximation5.
Often you will find different telecommunication services being pre-
sent at the same time. With the help of the audio analysis, you will
3The VBW of your HF-Analyser is so chosen, that “mistaken additions” cannot
occur, even if multiple GSM traffic channels are fully used.
4Ideally one would keep the setting "RMS", as the utilized circuitry by its nature
ensures the correct display of RMS values independently of the signal's crest
factor. For practical reasons one can nonetheless use the convenient "Peak
hold" setting, as with "VBW standard" the readings for RMS and Peak won't dif-
fer significantly for the signals in question.
5Even if the standards of these radio services in specify far higher crest factors,
the industry strives for crest limitation for economic reasons, so that the resulting
correction doesn't exceed a factor of 10.

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be able to estimate how much of the total value shown is caused
by such high crest factor signals.
Depending on the proportion to the total signal, please apply the
following “rules of thumb”:
 Slightly audible portion of “high crest factor signals”: multiply
display reading by 2.
 ~“Fifty-fifty”-ratio:
multiply display reading by 5
 Dominating “high crest factor signals”:
multiply display reading by 10.
This adjusted measurement value can now be recorded or com-
pared directly to the building biology recommendations. Taking into
account the multiple external factors of measurement uncertainty,
this approach is perfectly adequate for an assessment of the total
pollution.
The use of a frequency filter and service specific correction factors
will allow an increased accuracy.6
Note the background noise level. In the combination of settings
"VBW Maximum", "Range: min" and "Peak hold" noise can sum up
to a value of 1.00 or more on the display. In order to reach lower
levels you can use the preamplifier HV10.
For obvious reasons the use of a correction factor only makes
sense for readings above the noise level.
Radar
For air and sea navigation a radar antenna slowly rotates around its
own axis, thereby emitting a tightly bundled “radar ray”. Even with
sufficient signal strength, this ray can only be detected every cou-
ple of seconds, for a few milliseconds. This requires special meas-
urement technology.
HF58B-r and HF59B:
Select setting “VBW Maximum”. Set signal switch to “Peak hold”
and direct the LogPer antenna towards the signal emitting source.
Wait for several circles of the radar ray, move the instrument left
and right in order to identify the main direction of the source and
get the relevant quantitative measurement value.
If the location of the radar station is unknown it is particularly con-
venient to use the isotropic UBB27 antenna. However the trade-off
is no information of the direction. The long delays between pulses
may consume a great deal of time trying to detect signal direction
with a LogPer aerial.
HF58B only:
The HF58B does not have the required VBW to perform a quantita-
tive measurement of radar signals.
However the audio analysis identifies even those radar pulses that
cannot be measured quantitatively. As long as the radar pulse re-
sults in a reading above the surrounding signal level you get a rough
estimation by the following procedure:
6For the time being with LTE a factor of 20 may still occur. For TETRA a factor of
2, for WLAN (“standby-rattling”) a factor 4 is enough.

© Gigahertz Solutions GmbH 15
Made in Germany
To begin with use of the “Peak” setting to identify the main direction
of the source and to check if the pulses are above the surrounding
signal level.
Then switch to “Peak hold”. Several circles of the radar ray should
be awaited to reach a balance between drop and rise. This can take
several minutes. Depending on the type and distance of the radar
station, the real flux density will be at least a factor ten higher than
the displayed reading.
Please note that there are radar systems which operate at frequen-
cies between 8.5 and 9.5 GHz (naval, aviation, traffic and weather
radar), and which can be measured with our HFW59D.
Smart Meters
The frequencies / radio services implied are those of standard wire-
less communication standards. The challenge with measuring
emissions of smart meters lies in their duty cycles. They transmit
data in very short, but intensive bursts that happen only about every
1 to 10 or even more minutes, where the period between the bursts
is subject to change unpredictably.
To measure these bursts use the standard setting (Peak hold/VBW
standard), keep the meter in the same location and monitor it until
a burst occurs.
For the HF58B it is helpful to use the “-” (“minus”) setting for Peak
hold to catch the short bursts.
The HF58B-r and HF59B have a patented circuitry that allows for
the exact measurement of the extra fast rise times of the bursts
even in the “+”-setting for Peak hold.
Identify where the radiation enters a structure
As a first step eliminate sources from within the same room (e.g.
cordless phones, wireless routers, etc.). Once this is completed,
the remaining radiation will originate from outside. For remedial
shielding it is important to identify those areas of all walls (including
doors, windows and window frames!), ceiling and floor, which are
penetrated by the radiation. To do this one should not stand in the
centre of the room, measuring in all directions from there, but mon-
itor the permeable areas with the antenna (LogPer) directed and
positioned close to the wall7. That is because the antenna lobe wid-
ens with increasing frequency. In addition reflections and cancella-
tions inside rooms make it difficult and often impossible to locate
the “leaks” accurately. See the illustrating sketch below!
7Please note: In this position the readings on the LCD only indicate relative highs
and lows that cannot be interpreted in absolute terms.
wall
antenna
wall
antenna
potentiell
durchlässiger
Bereich
wrong!
right!
potentially HF-permeable
part of the wall
The uncertainty of localization with HF-antennas

16 © Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
Made in Germany
The shielding itself should be defined and surveyed by a specialist
and in any case the area covered by it should be much larger than
the leak.
Guidelines, Limiting and
Precautionary Values
The official regulations in many countries specify limits far beyond
the recommendations of environmentally oriented doctors, “build-
ing biologists” and many scientific institutions and also those of
other countries. They are vehemently criticised, but they are none-
theless “official”. The limits depend on frequencies and in the HF
range of interest here they are between 4 and 10 W/m², far beyond
10 million times the recommendations (1 W/m² = 1,000,000 µW/m²).
Official limits are determined by the potential heat generation in the
human body and consequently measurements of averages rather
than peaks. This ignores the state of environmental medicine. The
“official” limits are far beyond the range of this instrument, which is
optimized for accurate measurement of power densities targeted
by the building biologists.
The building biology guideline SBM 2015, widely accepted world-
wide, classifies the following steps:
Building biology guideline acc. to SBM-2015
© Baubiologie Maes / IBN
Anomaly none slight strong extreme
(µW/m²) < 0,1 0,1-10 10-1000 > 1000
Critical radio waves, such as pulsed or periodic signals (mobile
phones, DECT, WLAN, digital radio, etc.) should be considered
more damageable, especially when frequently measured, whereas
less critical radio waves, such as unpulsed or non periodic signals
(VHF, short wave, MW, LW, analogue radio, etc.) can be considered
less important, especially when less frequently measured.
The "Bund fuer Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland e. V."
(BUND) proposes 100 µW/m² outside buildings. In view of the
shielding properties of normal building materials, far lower values
exist inside buildings. In February 2002 the Medical Authority of the
Federal State of Salzburg, Austria, recommends to reduce its
“Salzburger Precautionary Recommendation” from 1,000 µW/m² to
1 µW/m² inside buildings and 10 µW/m² outside. These limits are
based on empirical evidence over the past few years.
In summary it confirms the justification of precautionary limits
well below the present legal limits.
Note for users of cellular phones or Wifi:
Unimpaired reception of calls or Wifi is possible with power densi-
ties far below even the very strict precautionary recommendation
of 0.01 µW/m² for pulsed HF frequencies by the SBM.

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Made in Germany
Audio Analysis of Modulation
The audio analysis of the modulated portion of the HF signal helps
to identify the source of a given HF radiation signal. There is a se-
lection of audio samples on our homepage (under RF and EMF Me-
ters/ High Frequency).
Important: For the audio analysis please set the switch on the right
of the display to “Pulse” in order to eliminate acoustical markings
(“rattling” with 16 Hz) of unpulsed signals.
How to proceed:
For audio analysis, simply turn the volume knob of the speaker at
the top of the case all the way to the left (“-”). If you are switching
to audio analysis while high field strength levels prevail, high vol-
umes can be generated quite suddenly. This is especially true for
measurements which are to be taken without audio analysis. The
knob is not fastened with glue to prevent over winding. However, if
by accident you should turn the knob too far, simply turn it back
again. No damage will be caused.
Sounds and signals are very difficult to describe in writing. The best
way to learn the signals is to approach known HF sources very
closely and listen to their specific signal patterns. Without detailed
knowledge, the characteristic signal patterns of the following HF
sources can be easily identified: 2.4-GHz telephones as well as cel-
lular phones, the signal patterns of which can be divided into “a live
connected phone call“, “stand-by mode“ and especially the “es-
tablishing of a connection“. The typical signal patterns of a cellular
phone base station can also be identified this way. For comparison
reasons you are well advised to take measurements during high-
traffic times, as well as some times during the night, in order to
familiarize yourself with the different noises.
The volume can be controlled with the “audio” knob. Note: The
power consumption of the speaker is directly proportional to the
volume.
For a quantitative differentiation of the various radio services, we
can offer selective frequency filters.
Analysis of the modulated / pulsed signal compo-
nent (Full/Pulse)
The little switch at the right of the display allows to distinguish be-
tween the complete signal including the pulsed part and its pulsed
or modulated part only.
As most of the presently used signals have a modulation of 100%,
there is mostly only little difference between the two switch set-
tings. Especially in the case of very low field strengths (only few
µW/m²), we recommend to use the “Pulse” setting as the instru-
ment noise is more than a factor 10 lower in this setting than in the
“Full” setting.
Marking of CW signals
Un-pulsed signals by their very nature are not audible in the audio
analysis and therefore easily missed. For that reason they are
marked by a uniform “rattling” tone, with its volume proportional to

18 © Gigahertz Solutions GmbH
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its contents of the total signal. This “marking” has a frequency of
16 Hz, and is also available as audio sample on our website (see
“Sound Samples”).
Note concerning the switch setting “Pulse“:
Under special laboratory conditions a signal can be created, which causes an ad-
ditional deviation from the actual value of up to -3 dB. However, commercially
used modulations under field conditions will only show minimal deviations.
Use of Signal Outputs
AC output:
The AC output “PC/head-set”, 3.5 mm jack socket, is meant for an
in-depth analysis of the AM/pulsed content of the signal by headset
or a corresponding PC-audiocard.
DC output (2.5 mm jack socket):
The DC output is meant for a long-term recording of the display
value. If “Full Scale” is displayed, it has 1 VDC output.
The auto power off function is automatically deactivated as soon
as external devices are connected, but only as long as there is no
threat of total discharge.
Further Analysis /
Optional Accessories:
Available from Gigahertz Solutions:
 The amplifier HV10 for a particularly high resolution, allowing
measurements of very weak HF signals.
 The Attenuator DG20_G10 allowing the measurement of very
strong HF signals.
 A Frequency filter for a more specific differentiation of the vari-
ous sources
 Meters for HF from 2.4 to 6 or 10 GHz allowing the analysis of
even higher frequencies, i.e. the HFW35C (2.4 - 6 GHz) or
HFW59D (2.4 - 10 GHz)
 Meters for the low frequencies: With the NFA series, which al-
lows a three-dimensional measurement of alternating electrical
and magnetic fields, Gigahertz Solutions offers a broad range of
professional measurement technology also for this frequency
range.
 Data loggers: All NFA meters can equally be applied as data log-
gers for long-term recordings.