Field Testing of Consumer RF Meters

Several consumer and inspection grade RF meters were evaluated for accuracy and usability. For all the tests, a Holaday HI-3004EX with HSE probe was used as a primary reference. This meter and probe combination was recently calibrated at the factory, and the frequency specific probe calibration factors were applied to all results. For most tests, a location was selected where the field was relatively homogenous (not close to the ground or other objects that would produce reflections). This was not laboratory testing, and absolute accuracy is not claimed, but it does represent real-world product usage conditions. Further information on the testing process, along with site photos, will be coming soon. Descriptive comments, features, and photos for all meters tested will also be added, and new meters will be tested as time and availability permit.

All readings in V/m    (*converted from instrument native units)

Location	Dominant Frequency (MHz)	Holaday (reference)	Narda * (2nd reference)	EMC - T&D Smart Fieldmeter	Gigahertz Solutions HF-38B *	HF Detector II Profi *	AlphaLab RF Meter *
Cell Site	860	0.42	X	0.35	0.350	0.21	2.0
"	860	1.40	X	1.10	overange	0.68	6.7
FM Tower	100	4.00	4.2	4.00	overange	2.70	7.3
Walkie Talkie in Office	462	1.20	X	1.00	overange	0.34	3.4
"	462	3.60	4.0	3.60	overange	2.70	16.2
TDMA Cell Phone (pulsed)	840	1.40	X	1.10	overange	0.95	3.4
Average % error	N/A	Ref.	Ref.	13%	Insufficient Data	45%	252%

EMF Services
6481 Aragon Way #305
Fort Myers, Florida 33912