Gigahertz Solutions HF59B High-Frequency EMF Meter

Professional RF Measurement with Expandable Frequency Coverage

The Gigahertz Solutions HF59B is a professional high-frequency EMF meter designed for detailed measurement of radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. It combines a highly sensitive, frequency-compensated LogPer antenna with peak, average and peak-hold measurement, audio analysis and quantitative differentiation of pulsed and unpulsed radiation.

The supplied LogPer antenna covers 700 MHz to 2.7 GHz, with increased tolerance up to 3.3 GHz. The HF59B meter itself is internally open down to 27 MHz and can be expanded with the UBB27_G3 ultra-broadband antenna for measurements across a much wider frequency range.

What Can the HF59B Measure?

With the supplied LogPer antenna, the HF59B measures high-frequency sources from 700 MHz upwards, including mobile communication signals such as GSM (2G), UMTS/CDMA (3G), LTE (4G) and relevant 5G bands, as well as wireless phones, smart meters, Bluetooth and the lower WLAN/Wi-Fi frequency range.

The HF59B can also be expanded with the UBB27_G3 ultra-broadband antenna. This allows the system to measure from 27 MHz through to more than 3.3 GHz, making the HF59B suitable for applications where a broader frequency range needs to be investigated.

High Sensitivity and Wide Measurement Range

The HF59B has a display resolution of 0.01 µW/m² and a measurement range of 0.01 to 19,990 µW/m². This provides considerably more resolution at low field strengths than meters with a higher minimum display value, while still allowing substantially higher field strengths to be measured.

An optional HV10 preamplifier can be used to further increase the sensitivity of the system. For very high field strengths, the optional DG20_G10 attenuator can extend the maximum measurable value by a factor of 100.

Frequency-Compensated RF Measurement

The HF59B uses frequency-compensated measurement so that different parts of its frequency range are not disproportionately weighted. The instrument also displays the combined power density of the RF signals present at the measurement location rather than showing only the strongest individual signal.

Measurements are displayed directly in power flux density units, including µW/m² and mW/m², so no additional conversion is required when taking readings.

Directional Measurement with the LogPer Antenna

The supplied logarithmic-periodic (LogPer) antenna is both a measuring and directional antenna. This allows you to investigate where RF radiation is coming from as well as measure its field strength.

The antenna has a frequency response compensated directly on the antenna and is designed for improved accuracy across the measurement range. Its directional characteristics can be useful when locating or investigating individual RF sources, including sources that may not be immediately visible.

Peak, Average and Peak Hold Measurements

The HF59B provides switchable peak and average readings, together with a Peak Hold function. Peak Hold can be useful when investigating signals that vary quickly, as the highest detected value can be retained on the display while the measurement is being carried out.

The instrument also provides a quantitative differentiation between pulsed and unpulsed radiation using its dedicated measurement circuitry.

Audio Analysis of RF Sources

The HF59B provides an audio signal based on the modulation frequency and field strength of detected radiation. This can help identify and distinguish many pulsed RF sources by their characteristic sound.

Sources such as mobile communication signals, DECT and other pulsed transmissions can therefore be investigated not only through the numerical reading but also through the audio output. This can be particularly useful when comparing different RF sources during a measurement.

Calibrated Signal Outputs for Further Analysis

For applications requiring data recording or additional analysis, the HF59B provides both AC and DC signal outputs. The AC output supplies the demodulated signal and is calibrated, while the scalable DC output can be used for applications such as connection to compatible Gigahertz Solutions analysers for longer-term recordings.

Designed for Professional RF Measurement

The HF59B is suited to users who need more than a basic broadband RF detector. Its combination of high sensitivity, directional measurement, Peak Hold, pulsed and unpulsed signal differentiation, signal outputs and expandable frequency coverage makes it suitable for systematic RF investigations.

The detailed measurement instructions supplied with the meter also provide guidance on carrying out measurements and interpreting the results in relation to building biology precautionary values.

Expandable to Ultra-Broadband Measurement

One of the main differences between the HF59B and conventional RF meters in this range is its ability to work with additional antennas.

With the supplied LogPer antenna, measurements start at 700 MHz. When the UBB27_G3 antenna is connected, the HF59B can be used from 27 MHz through to more than 3.3 GHz. This makes it possible to investigate lower-frequency RF sources that cannot be measured with the supplied LogPer antenna.

For measurements below 700 MHz, the UBB27_G3 is therefore required. The manufacturer's documentation also notes that the isotropic UBB antenna can be advantageous for long-term data logging and broad surveys, while the directional LogPer antenna is particularly useful when locating individual RF sources.

Technical Specifications

What's Included?

• Gigahertz Solutions HF59B measuring device
• Plug-on LogPer antenna with antenna cable
• Internal 9.6 V NiMH rechargeable battery pack
• Power supply / charger
• Detailed user manual
• K2 protective plastic carrying case

HF59B for Professional RF Measurements

The HF59B is intended for users who need a more comprehensive RF measurement system, particularly where sensitivity, directional source identification and a wider range of measurement functions are important. Its expandable design also allows the same instrument to be used with the UBB27_G3 antenna when measurements below 700 MHz are required.

For straightforward RF measurements using the supplied LogPer antenna, the HF59B covers the important 700 MHz-2.7 GHz range with high sensitivity and detailed measurement functions. For broader investigations, the system can be expanded as required rather than replacing the meter with a different instrument.