RF Exposure

As of May 3, 2023, FCC rules require that operators of all licensed transmitters, including radio amateurs, assure that RF exposure does not exceed safe limits.  The limits themselves have been effect since 1996 and have NOT changed.

Here are some links to useful explanatory documents and calculators you can use.  The calculators shown here were independently implemented, but they closely agree in the results they produce.

• • ARRL RF Exposure web page
  • ARRL RF Exposure calculator (probably the easiest to use)
  • Frequently asked questions (v1.4 4/27/2021, from ARRL)
  • Lake Washington Ham Club RF Exposure Calculator
  • RF Safety Calculator (by VP9KF, NOTE: uses metric units)
  • FCC OET Bulletin 56 ("Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields")
  • FCC OET Bulletin 65b ("Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields, Additional Information for Amateur Radio Stations")
  • "RF Exposure and You" (a free eBook from ARRL, big and somewhat dated, but Chapter 8 includes useful, extensive tables for near-field exposure evaluation)

Antennas

Design for a 2-Meter TV Twinlead J-Pole Antenna

Design for 2-Meter and 70cm Dual Band J-Pole Antenna Protected in PVC Pipe

2 Meter Collinear J Pole Antenna in PVC Pipe

2 Meter Phased Vertical Antenna

Coax Cable Loss Calculator Web Page

Misc

Interfacing your rig and computer via USB ... presentation slides by N6TV

A R D F ... Amateur Radio Direction Finding Information

The QRP Philosophy

Build It! 40 Meter Rock Bending Receiver ... found in ARRL 2006 Handbook

Simple Direct Conversion Receiver ... One Cubic Inch Direct Conversion Receiver by Monty Northrup, N5ESE

S-Meter Chart - GQRP Club Datasheet

Sunspot Propagation Demystified ... by ARRL

Amateur Radio Call Sign Systems ... how call signs are assigned by the FCC

Old! Sooper Shooter Slingshot / Fishing Reel Antenna Launcher Project (formerly in Logger's Bark)