For this episode, I joined Martin M1MRB, Leslie Butterfield G0CIB, and Edmund Spicer M0MNG. We discussed the following:
The first item was the most interesting. Ofcom, which is the U.K. equivalent of the FCC, will be requiring anyone operating a transmitter at more than 10 W EIRP to perform an evaluation that will ensure their equipment continues to operate within international electromagnetic field (EMF) guidelines. This includes keeping data and records of any testing to demonstrate their compliance.
This has, of course, raised the hackles of many U.K. hams, as well as boat owners, but Leslie, G0CIB, thinks that it’s better to get on board than to get all worked up about it. I seem to recall something similar being proposed here, and if I had to hazard a guess, we’ll have some similar regulation here before long.
There will be a simple way to make this evaluation. They plan to publish a spreadsheet that will allow you to plug in an operating frequency and transmitter output power and get back a safe operating distance. I played with the trial version for a bit, and it certainly seemed easy enough to use. Remember that it’s all about being safe.
Leave a Reply