The
Cornet ED85EX could be the most useful, moderately priced RF meter on the market. Its compact size and upgradeable antenna make this GameBoy-looking device an essential tool for anyone (ages 4 and up) who is curious about their radio frequency environment.
Do you think the ED85ex is worth the extra money---to go above 6GHz (ED75) and below 100MHz? What additional things would you hope to pick up with that extended range?
ReplyDeleteFor someone only dealing with a Smart Meter, the 65/75 models are fine. The 85 may pick up frequencies up to 10 Ghz, so that extra 4 Ghz on the upper end and 100 Mhz on the lower is quite a bit. If you live anywhere near a 90-100 Mhz FM transmitter or microwave relay site that uses 5-10 Ghz for backhaul, the extra $60 is well worth it. The detachable antenna means you can hook it up to just about anything and monitor something at a distance. Imagine being able to monitor a SM 50 feet away. On the other hand, the 65/75 antennas are somewhat directional (to the left), so they make it easier to determine the source/direction of the RF. Either way, the histogram on these meters is why I like them so much. Driving or walking past sources of RF and seeing a bell-curve is what clarified the fact that we aren't simply "awash in radio frequencies." It's consistently and predictably strong in some places and likely no coincidence that those places tend to make me ill.
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