PACEMAKERS AND RADIO TRANSMITTERS — BE AWARE
Recently Dodge Hickman, KJ4CFE, had a pacemaker implanted. Reading his
“user manual” he found some cautions that he thought important to pass
along. His device happens to be a Medtronic but the cautions likely
apply to other manufacturer’s products. From his manual, chapter 5,
“Living with your pacemaker”:
“Radio Transmitters
Determining a safe distance between the antenna of a radio transmitter
and a pacemaker depends on many factors. These factors include
transmitter power, frequency, and the antenna type. If the transmitter
power is high or if the antenna cannot be directed away from your
pacemaker, you may need to stay farther away from the antenna. Use
these guidelines for different types of radio transmitters:
Two-way radio transmitter (less than 3 watts) –Keep your pacemaker at
least 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from the antenna.
Portable radio transmitter (3 to 15 watts)–Keep your pacemaker at least
12 inches (30 centimeters) away from the antenna.
Commercial and government vehicle-mounted radio transmitters (15 to 30
watts)–Keep your pacemaker at least 24 inches (60 centimeters) away
from the antenna.
Other radio transmitters (125 to 250 watts)–Keep your pacemaker at
least 9 feet (2.75 meters) away from the antenna.
Transmission power levels higher than 250 watts–For more information,
contact Medtronic Patient Services….”
Thanks Dodge, we know of one other PARS member who has a “ticker-kicker.
There may be more. By-the-way, have you performed that FCC required RF
Exposure eval?–Jim
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was low during the 24 hour period
ending yesterday at 5 p.m. local. There are 8 numbered sunspot regions
on the Sun facing Earth this morning. The Prediction Center expects
solar activity to be moderate today with a chance for X-class flares
today. It should be low tomorrow and Wednesday, with a chance for
C-class flares. On Sunday the observed Solar Flux Index (SFI) at
Penticton was 140. (Last Sunday it was 130.) The index is predicted to
measure 130 at noon today and 120 at noon Tuesday and Wednesday. The SFI
90 day trailing average is 112.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet to active yesterday. For our
middle latitude, NOAA expects conditions be quiet to unsettled today and
on Tuesday and then quiet on Wednesday. If flares occur today, there is
a possiblity for R-1 level HF blackouts for areas directly facing the
sun. The estimated Kp-index of 3 reported at 5 a.m. local this morning
indicates quiet geomagnetic conditions.
We can expect fair day and good operating conditions today on 80 to 40
meters, good night and day on 20 through 15 meters. Conditions will be
fair on 12 and 10. The HF bands have been open longer each day. The 20
meter band was especially interesting yesterday morning around 1200Z:
some not often seen DX both to the east and to the west; St. Helena to
the east, South Korea to the west.
For an explanation of the numbers used in our PARSgram, see the
excellent article written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
For listing in the PARSgram send me your amateur radio related items
that are for sale, trade, or wanted. PLEASE let me know when you have
have sold your item or your listing is no longer needed. Listings will
EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear otherwise.–Jim.
NEW For sale: Yaesu FT-897 HF/VHF/UHF transceiver for AM, FM, SSB, CW,
etc., with automatic antenna tuner, 500 Hz crystal filter, and MH-31
hand mic, 100 watts HF, 50 watts VHF/UHF. Can be used as a base,
mobile, or portable station. $450 plus shipping. Prefer local pickup.
Bill Michne, WM3X, drmichne73@gmail.com, 253-249-1175 or 252-671-6703.
(20220404)
NEW For sale: Hy-gain AV-18HT vertical antenna. Covers 80, 40, 20, 15,
and 10 meters. See full specs at dxengineering.com. Antenna is
disassembled and can be delivered within 100 miles or so. $500. A
portion of the proceeds will go to PARS. Bill Michne, WM3X,
drmichne73@gmail.com, 253-249-1175 or 252-671-6703.(20220404)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Apr 9, PAMLICO COMMUNICATIONS TEAM MEETING, Saturday, 9am,
Florence-Whortonsville VFD. AUXCOMM & ARES–All are welcome. For more
info, contact Bruce Perkins, K4ONC, 252-626-2730 or K4ONC@aol.com
* Apr 30, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Mike Marsh, K4NLC,
252-636-1257 or mike@MarshConsulting.org
* May 28, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Mike Marsh, K4NLC,
252-636-1257 or mike@MarshConsulting.org
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Wednesdays,”Pamlico Communications Net”, 7:30 pm local, N4ONC
(Oriental) Repeater, 147.210 + (CTSCC Tone Squelch 88.5).
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
(For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search )
PARS WEB SITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our Web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, 561-308-3456, PARSwebman@gmail.com
73, Jim AI4WL
——–
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