NARDA NBM-550 User manual

NBM-550
Narda Broadband Field Meter
Operating manual
Distributed by:
Air-Met Scientic Pty Ltd
Work with Confidence
Air-Met Sales/Service
P: 1800 000 744
F: 1800 000 774
E: [email protected]
Air-Met Rental
P: 1300 137 067
E: [email protected]
W: www.airmet.com.au

Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH
Sandwiesenstraße 7
72793 Pfullingen, Germany
® Names and Logo are registered trade-
marks of Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH
and L3 Communications Holdings, Inc. –
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
© 2015
Order no.: 2401/98.21
Version: 06/15.03, A ...
Previous version: 05/11.03, A ...
Subject to change.
Our normal guarantee and delivery terms
apply.
Printed in Germany
This product is protected by the following patents:
China Design Patent ZL 2006 3 0303322.X
China Design Patent ZL 2006 3 0190679.1
European Design Patent 000594254-001
European Design Patent 000597836-0001
German Patent DE19536948A1
U.S. Design Patent No. US D570,235 S
U.S. Patent No. 5,877,619

Narda NBM-550 I
Contents
1 Useful information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Measuring electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 About the NBM-550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 About the EHP-50 Analyzer (option). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 About this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Structure of this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
User interface language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Characters and symbols used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Using this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Proper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Improper use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Strong Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Measurement Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Probe is not operating properly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.5 Dangers when handling rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.6 Dangers from AC Adapter / Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 Preparing the NBM-550 for use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Items included. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Unpacking the probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Transport damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Equipping the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
After transport and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Contents
II NBM-550 Narda
3.2 Instrument overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
NBM-550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3 Power supply NBM-550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation from rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Charge state and power source indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.4 Power supply EHP-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Displaying the charge state and power source . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.5 Connecting the probe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Probe with “Push-Pull” connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Probe with threaded coupling connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.6 Connecting and setting up the EHP-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.7 Fitting the GPS module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.8 Using the table top tripod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1 Switching on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Self test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
EHP-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
GPS reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.2 The NBM-550 operating concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Measurement screen overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
The menu levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Navigating in the menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 Making basic settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Selecting the language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Setting the auto zero adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Setting the auto off function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Setting the backlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Setting the contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Changing the display units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Contents
Narda NBM-550 III
Changing the units format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Setting the date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Changing the GPS display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Selecting the field type and units for combination probes. . . . . . 40
Locking the keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5 Measuring with the NBM-550 and HF probes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.1 Avoiding measurement errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Electrostatic charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Changes in temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Strong low frequency fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.2 Measuring in Normal display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Selecting the result type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Freezing a measured value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Storing a measured value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Add voice comments (optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Setting the averaging time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.3 Measuring the spatial average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Measuring discrete values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Measuring values continuously. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.4 Measuring in History display mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Display overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Evaluating the curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Storing the graphical record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
5.5 Measuring in XYZ display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Display overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
5.6 Measuring in Monitor display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Display overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
5.7 Activating the alarm function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
5.8 Audible Indicator (hot spot search) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
5.9 Measuring with a test standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Possible displays when using a test standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Contents
IV NBM-550 Narda
5.10 Measuring with a correction frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
6 Measurements with the NBM-550 and EHP-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
6.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
EHP-50 versions supported. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Selecting EHP-50 mode manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
6.2 Display types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6.3 General settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Display wideband or peak value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Changing the field type and measurement range . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Changing the result type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Changing the frequency range (Span). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Freezing a measured value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Storing a measured value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
6.4 WPM display mode (Weighted Peak method) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
6.5 Spectrum display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
6.6 Standard display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
6.7 XYZ display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
6.8 Monitor display mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
6.9 Other settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Unavailable functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
The alarm function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Storing measured values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Managing result data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Saving and loading device settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
7 Recording and managing measured values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
7.1 Storage types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
7.2 Recording measurements by timer control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Setting the recording parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Starting the recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
7.3 Recording conditional measurements (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Contents
Narda NBM-550 V
Setting the recording parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Starting / stopping the recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
7.4 Managing result data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Using the Memory Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Using the Data Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Data Viewer display examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
8 Setup and configure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
8.1 Configuring the interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
8.2 Saving and loading instrument settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Menu overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Changing a setup name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Setting the power on behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
8.3 Displaying instrument and probe information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
8.4 Using the NBM-550 as a controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
8.5 Activating instrument options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
9 PC software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
9.1 Using the PC software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Minimum system requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
9.2 Connecting the NBM-550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
9.3 Working with the PC software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
9.4 Updating the firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
9.5 Performing a reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
10 Overview of all menus and functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
10.1 Measurement menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
10.2 Main menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
10.3 Measurement Settings (HF mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Page 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Page 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
10.4 Measurement Settings (LF mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Page 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Contents
VI NBM-550 Narda
Page 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
10.5 Data Logger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
10.6 Memory Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
10.7 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
10.8 Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
10.9 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
10.10 Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
11 Instrument maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
11.1 Cleaning the instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
11.2 Replacing / removing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
11.3 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
11.4 Checking instrument functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Appropriate test sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
12 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
12.1 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
12.2 Measurement functions (with HF probes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
12.3 Result memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
12.4 Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
12.5 Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
12.6 General specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
12.7 Standards compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
12.8 AC Adapter / Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
12.9 EHP-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
12.10 CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
12.11 Declarations of origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Contents
Narda NBM-550 VII
13 Ordering information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
13.1 NBM-550. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
13.2 Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
High frequency probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Low frequency probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
13.3 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
14 Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Contents
VIII NBM-550 Narda

Narda NBM-550 1
1Useful information
This chapter contains basic information about measuring
electromagnetic fields, about using the NBM-550, and about
the structure of this operating manual.
1.1 Measuring electromagnetic fields (page 2)
1.2 About the NBM-550 (page 2)
1.3 About the EHP-50 Analyzer (option) (page 3)
1.4 About this operating manual (page 4)

1 Useful information
2 NBM-550 Narda
1.1 Measuring electromagnetic fields
In today’s world, practically everyone lives and works in an
environment surrounded by technical equipment that
generates electromagnetic fields. Our recognition of the
problems associated with such fields and our depth of
information in this area has increased as the effects of such
fields on the human body have been examined more
closely. Various authorities have long defined limit values
designed to protect users from the dangers of exposure to
such emissions.
1.2 About the NBM-550
The Narda Broadband Field Meter NBM-550 provides
virtually everyone concerned with this subject with an
instrument for measuring non-ionizing radiation with utmost
accuracy within the frequency range from 100 kHz to
60 GHz (depending on the probe used). The instrument has
a wide range of functions, yet it is very easy to use. It also
features a handy design, robust casing, long battery life, and
high measurement accuracy.
Probes for various measurement applications are
connected to the NBM-550 basic unit. Flat frequency
response probes are available, as well as so-called shaped
probes that evaluate the field according to a specific human
safety standard. These probes are calibrated separately
from the measuring instrument, and include a non-volatile
memory containing the probe parameters and calibration
data. They can therefore be used with any instrument in the
NBM-500 family without any loss in calibration accuracy.
The PC software supplied with the instrument allows you to
remote control the NBM-550 as well as to export saved
measurement data and to analyze the results.

1.3 About the EHP-50 Analyzer (option)
Narda NBM-550 3
Applications
The NBM-550 makes precision measurements for human
safety purposes, particularly in workplace environments
where high electric or magnetic field strengths are likely. It
can also be used to demonstrate the electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) of devices and equipment.
Examples:
• Measuring field strengths as part of general safety
regulations
• Measuring the field strengths around transmitting and
radar equipment to establish safety zones and for
monitoring during operations
• Measuring the field strength emanating from mobile
phone repeaters and satellite communications systems
to ensure compliance with human safety limit values
• Measuring the field strength in the industrial workplace
environment, such as plastics welding equipment, RF
heating, tempering, and drying equipment
• Measurements to ensure the safety of persons using
diathermy equipment and other medical equipment that
generates high frequency radiation
• Field strength measurements in TEM cells and absorber
chambers
1.3 About the EHP-50 Analyzer (option)
The optionally available EHP-50 Analyzer can be used to
measure either electric or magnetic fields in the frequency
range between 1 Hz and 400 kHz. As well as wideband
measurement, it is also possible to perform spectrum
analysis on the LF fields because of the FFT function built
into the EHP-50. It is also possible to display the numerical
value of the highest peak in the spectrum (“Highest Peak”).
The IEC 6176-2 Weighted Peak method (time domain) is
provided to allow standard-compliant measurement of
complex signal shapes. The EHP-50 Analyzer can be
operated as a stand-alone system since it has its own power
supply and built-in signal processing. It forms a complete
measuring system for recording, processing, storing and
displaying LF field measurements when used in conjunction

1 Useful information
4 NBM-550 Narda
with the NBM-550 as a convenient control and display unit.
Even so, the EHP-50 still performs the measurement by
itself and transfers the results to the NBM-550 in digital form
via an optical cable.
Note: The NBM-550 only supports the functions of the EHP-50 for
versions EHP-50D and EHP-50F. The EHP-50D has a
frequency range restricted to 5 Hz – 100 kHz and does not
yet support the Weighted Peak method.
1.4 About this operating manual
Structure of this operating manual
This operating manual is divided into two main parts:
1. Operating the NBM-550 and measuring with HF probes:
You will find all the information you need to make the
most important settings on the NBM-550 and easily
carry out most of the measurement tasks using HF
probes in chapters 3 to 5 and 7 to 9.
2. Measuring with the EHP-50 Analyzer:
You will find all the information you need to operate the
EHP-50 LF Analyzer in conjunction with the NBM-550 in
chapter 6. Cross references are provided to information
already described in other chapters.
3. Overview of menus and their functions:
You will find an overview of all menu functions, together
with a brief description of each function in chapter 10.
You can use this overview to find a function quickly.
User interface language
English language terms are used in this operating manual to
describe the user interface.
You can display the user interface of the NBM-550 in other
languages (see “Selecting the language” on page 35).
Please note that if you change the language, the
displayed terms will differ from those described in this
manual.

1.4 About this operating manual
Narda NBM-550 5
Characters and symbols used
Various elements are used in this operating manual to
indicate special meanings or particularly important
passages in the text.
Symbols and terms used in warnings
According to the American National Standard ANSI Z535.6-
2006, the following warnings, symbols, and terms are used
in this document:
Structure of warnings
All warnings are structured as follows:
The general danger symbol warns of risk of serious injury
when used with the signal words CAUTION, WARNING,
and DANGER. Follow all the instructions in order to avoid
injuries or death.
NOTICE Indicates a danger that results in damage to or destruction
of the instrument.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
SIGNAL WORD
Type and source of danger
Consequences of failure to observe warning
Instructions for preventing danger

1 Useful information
6 NBM-550 Narda
Symbols and marks used in this document
Terminology
!Important instruction
Indicates an instruction that must be followed to avoid
danger.
✓Requirement
Indicates a requirement that must be met before the next
instruction can be carried out, e.g.
✓The instrument is switched off.
Instruction
Indicates a single instruction, e.g.
Switch the instrument on.
1.
2.
3.
Sequence of instructions
Indicates a sequence of instructions that must be carried
out in the order given.
Result
Indicates the result of carrying out an instruction, e.g.
The instrument starts a self test.
Bold type Control element
Indicates a control element on the instrument, e.g.
Press the ENTER key.
CAPITALS Menu name
Indicates a menu name, e.g.
Open the MAIN menu.
Item Meaning
Battery Rechargeable battery
Dry battery Non-rechargeable battery

Narda NBM-550 7
2Safety instructions
This chapter contains important instructions on how to use
the NBM-550 safely. Please therefore read this chapter
carefully and follow the instructions closely.
2.1 Using this operating manual (page 8)
2.2 Proper use (page 8)
2.3 Improper use (page 8)
2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields (page 9)
2.5 Dangers when handling rechargeable batteries
(page 10)
2.6 Dangers from AC Adapter / Charger (page 10)

2 Safety instructions
8 NBM-550 Narda
2.1 Using this operating manual
Carefully read this entire operating manual before you
start using the instrument.
Keep this operating manual so that it is available to
everyone who uses the instrument, and ensure that this
operating manual is with the instrument if you pass it on
to a third party.
2.2 Proper use
The NBM-550 is designed to measure and evaluate
electromagnetic fields.
Only use the instrument for the purpose and under the
conditions for which it has been designed.
In particular, observe the technical data given in the
“Specifications” on page 123.
Proper use also includes:
observing any national accident prevention regulations
at the place of use.
ensuring that the instrument is used only by
appropriately qualified and trained persons.
2.3 Improper use
The NBM-550 is not a warning device that gives active
notice of the existence of dangerous fields by means of a
visible or audible warning signal.
Remember that this instrument is a measuring device,
not a warning device.
Carefully observe the actual measurement displayed
when you are approaching an unknown field source.
If in doubt, use an additional warning device such as
“RadMan” or “Nardalert”, available from Narda Safety
Test Solutions.

2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields
Narda NBM-550 9
2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields
Strong Fields
Very high field strengths can occur in the vicinity of
some radiation sources.
Do not cross or ignore safety barriers or markings.
Persons with electronic implants (e.g. heart
pacemakers) must avoid danger zones.
Measurement Errors
Metallic labels (stickers) affixed to the yellow sensor
area of the probe can lead to measurement errors,
usually an underestimation of the electromagnetic field
strength.
Affix labels of any type only to the black probe shaft.
If the instrument malfunctions, take it out of service and
contact your Narda Service Center. The addresses are
listed at the end of this operating manual and on the
Internet at http://www.narda-sts.com.
Probe is not operating properly
Possibly present high radiation values are not
recognized.
Check probes for proper operation with a signal source
before using this measuring instrument. This is
especially important for thermocouples because the
sensors can be affected by various mechanical and
environmental stressors.
Narda offers portable sources to accomplish this impor-
tant step (see “Accessories” on page 135).
Before beginning any RF radiation measurement, always
inform yourself of the frequencies and field strengths that
you could expect to encounter.

2 Safety instructions
10 NBM-550 Narda
2.5 Dangers when handling rechargeable
batteries
When handled improperly, rechargeable batteries can
overheat, explode, or ignite.
Only use the NBM-550 with NiMH rechargeable
batteries (AA, Mignon).
Do not use dry batteries.
Do not replace individual batteries; always replace the
entire set.
Always use identical batteries.
Never touch both poles of the batteries simultaneously
with a metal object.
Make sure you insert the batteries correctly as shown on
the base of the battery compartment.
Always close the battery compartment immediately after
replacing batteries.
Never use the NBM-550 with the battery compartment
open.
2.6 Dangers from AC Adapter / Charger
You could experience electric shock from the AC
adapter/charger.
Do not use the instrument when the casing is damaged
because parts carrying dangerous voltages could be
exposed.
Do not use an AC adapter/charger that has been moved
from a cold to a warm room, thereby forming
condensation.
Only use the AC adapter/charger indoors and at
temperatures between 0 °C and +40 °C.
The AC adapter/charger could be destroyed if the
voltage specification on the AC adapter/charger does
not match the AC line voltage.
Only use the AC adapter/charger if the voltage
specification on the AC adapter/charger matches the AC
line voltage.