EMFields - The COM and the A-COM
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It is not always easy to explain the difference between the two monitors, but you might find it easier to think of the measurements in terms of something you may be more familiar with.
Imagine pulsed microwave radiation from mobile phone base stations and similar sources as if it were a morse code transmission.
Morse code messages have two components:-
- The strength of the signal (e.g. loudness of sound)
- The information content of the signal (i.e. the message)
Microwave transmissions from mobile phone masts have two components which can be treated in the same way.
The COM measures the 'strength' of the microwave signal
It begins to register when the 'strength' is 0.7 volts per metre (V/m).
The three green lights show an increase in 'strength' from 0.7-1.0 V/m,
the yellow lights show 1.5 - 3.0 V/m, the red lights show 4.0 - 6.5 V/m.
Signal strengths above 6.5 V/m are over the range of the COM as we believe this
level is too damaging for members of the general public to be exposed to for
extended periods of time. Many countries now accept that above this level is too
high for prolonged exposure, and have imposed lower precautionary levels to
protect their population.
If you wish to measure the overall signal strength from the microwave source the COM will enable you to determine this. You can then compare your exposure to the precautionary levels advised in other countries, and monitor changes in levels with additional, or changing, equipment. "Best Practice" by the mobile phone industry should not result in levels inside your home being above 1 V/m. Salzburg has now set a maximum level of pulsing mobile phone base station signals in residences over 10 times lower than this (less than 0.1 V/m).
The A-COM measures the 'information content' of the pulsed microwave signal
The A-COM is much more sensitive than the COM and is designed to pick up the pulsing of the microwave signal. It will not pick up the steady signal strength, just the pulsing.
It is this pulsing quality which is believed by many scientists to be responsible for the adverse health effects that many people experience. The volume responds to the level of the pulsing radiation. The A-COM can measure pulsing signals in places where the signal strength is quite low (down to about 0.01 V/m - equivalent to about 0.25 microWatts per square metre).
The A-COM is invaluable to discover whether you are being exposed to pulsing radiation. You can detect the levels throughout your house and garden, your workplace, your children's school and any other areas of concern to you. You can find out if there are any 'hotspots' of radiation (produced unpredictably by antenna design).
The A COM will enable you to find the quietest, least exposed places to position bedroom and living room furniture in your house; the quietest areas in the garden to place a patio or play area; and ensure that work places are as 'quiet' as possible.
Using the A-COM will help you decide whether you need to screen against incoming radiation and which rooms are most vulnerable. The A-COM does not pick up signals from a generator, such as that used to power a base station.