Did you know that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now requires all amateur radio stations in the U.S. and possessions to be evaluated for RF exposure? It’s been a little more than a year since this went into effect, so OnAllBands thought it would be a good time to remind our readers.

As of May 3, 2023 (the end of a two-year transition period), all transmitters operating in the U.S. were expected to comply with the exposure rules. The new rules did not change exposure limits, but those who were previously exempt from running exposure calculations now must comply.

Under the old rules, many amateurs were exempt from the need to do an evaluation—based on transmitter power used with each band, for example. Under the new rules, there are no longer any service-specific exemptions. These have been replaced with formulas that can be used to determine whether an installation needs to be evaluated.

The ARRL noted that these formulas can be used for exposure that is beyond the near-field/far-field boundary of your antenna, defined as wavelength/2π or 0.16 wavelength. Most stations that were exempt under the old rules will still be exempt from needing to perform a more complete evaluation under the new rules.

As OnAllBands reported last year:

“Under the updated FCC rules, every radio amateur is responsible for determining that their station does not cause exposure that exceeds the FCC MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure) limits to any person, either within their homes or outside of them. This is also required for portable and mobile operations.”

Gregory Lapin, N9GL, QST Magazine, May 2023

Lapin noted that the FCC does not require that the results of a station’s exposure analysis be submitted, but “it is advisable to keep a record of the analysis so that if there’s ever an exposure complaint about that station, the calculations can be shown to the FCC.”

You can read N9GL’s entire QST article here.

There are many resources on the internet for calculating this RF exposure. The ARRL’s website includes an RF Exposure Calculator (below) to assist amateurs in performing station assessments.

The ARRL points out three ways to evaluate your station: calculations (using the above calculator, for example); antenna modeling; and measurements using calibrated equipment. You’ll find many more details about these methods and additional information in the ARRL document, Frequently Asked Questions about the FCC RF Exposure Rule Changes

We also highly suggest reading these resources recommended by the ARRL:

• 100th Edition ARRL Handbook’s RF Safety Section
• Helping Amateurs Interact with Neighbors Asking about Radio Transmissions 
• ARRL Learning Network Video on RF Exposure 

Also check out these FCC resources on RF exposure

• FCC Frequently Asked RF Exposure Questions
• FCC Radio Frequency Safety
• FCC Q & A about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Questions? Share them in the comments below or email me at KE8FMJ@gmail.com.

The post Get up to Speed on Amateur Radio RF Exposure Rules appeared first on OnAllBands.

Last year it became illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other part of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over. Drivers over 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including a speakerphone.  

Ohio’s new distracted driving law can be found in Section 4511.204 of the Ohio Revised Code. It started in April 2023 with only warnings issued. Full enforcement of the law began in October 2023. Penalties can consist of:

• First offense in two years: two points assessed to driver’s license, up to a $150 fine*
• Second offense in two years: three points assessed to license, up to a $250 fine
• Third or more offenses in two years: four points assessed to license, up to a $500 fine, possible 90-day suspension of driver’s license
• Fines doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone

 * Completion of a distracted driving course can help avoid fines and points.

So how does this affect ham radio? After all, there is an electronic device in your hand when you are talking on a speaker microphone to a mobile transceiver. Well, I present to you:

(1) “Electronic wireless communications device” includes any of the following:

(a) A wireless telephone

(b) A text-messaging device

(c) A personal digital assistant

(d) A computer, including a laptop computer and a computer tablet

(e) Any device capable of displaying a video, movie, broadcast television image, or visual image

(f) Any other substantially similar wireless device that is designed or used to communicate text, initiate or receive communication, or exchange information or data

An “electronic wireless communications device” does not include a two-way radio transmitter or receiver used by a person who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to participate in the amateur radio service.

-Section (H) (1) from Section 4511.204 of the Ohio Revised Code

The last paragraph in Section (H)(1) specifically calls out amateur radio as an exception!

You might want to keep a copy of your FCC amateur radio license in your vehicle and maybe even a copy of the section above that exempts licensed amateur radio operators. Law enforcement has a lot of rules to remember, and this is just a good way to help yourself if an incident occurs.

Questions? Share them in the comments below or email me at KE8FMJ@gmail.com

Editor’s note: Ohio joins many other states with similar restrictions. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 34 states—along with U.S. territories—prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving; 49 states ban text messaging for all drivers. Mobile operators are advised to check their own state’s driving distraction laws for wording regarding use of ham radio devices.

The post Ohio Driver Distraction Law Exempts Ham Radio Operators appeared first on OnAllBands.