Mito Meter RF Measurement Guide

by | Jun 5, 2020 | EMF Basics, RF Measurement Guide | 0 comments

Mito Meter Measurement & Mitigation Methods / EMF/RF Basics / RF Measurement Guide

Below is an overview of our Mito RF checklist. RF is short for Radio Frequencies, or more commonly known as microwave radiation when used in the context of discussing cell phone towers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other modern day wireless devices.

1/ The Mito Meter has a single axis antenna so its important to move around the meter to find the highest reading. Move the meter around like you are scoping up the air and that will cover the XYZ axis.

2/ You see it all the time on Youtube, people measuring smart meters, phones and Wi-Fi access points with their meters almost sitting against the unit or device in which they are measuring. This is the wrong approach and can potentially damage the meter. In order to measure that close, a special near field antenna is required. To get what is called a far-field RF reading you need to be at least one to three meters back from the device or source you are measuring. When you measure to close, the Mito Meter, and other RF meters, will over-read the field strength, as the microwaves/radiofrequency wave/field hasn’t formed. (See picture below)

3/ Measure the places you spend time in. If you get high readings around a room at your feet level and also above your head, that generally means it will be difficult or expensive to shield, especially if the reading are up in the red. On the other hand, if you only get a mid to high reading above your head, or say only at your feet, this can be easier to mitigate. You can also use the Mito Meter RF-X Sound Mode to determine what the signal/source is by the signal sound signature.

4/ Turn all your wireless devices off before taking a reading at home so you can determine what your background RF levels are. I recommend turning the power off at the mains so you don’t miss anything.

5/ Take measurements at different times of the day and night. Sometimes random transmissions can seemingly appear out of nowhere and the cell tower transmissions can vary in power density throughout the day. The Mito Meter can be set to log or record events using its onboard hardware or by using an Android device/Mac/PC plugged into the Mito Meter. (This will be covered in another post.)

6/ Find out what side of your property is being affected the most by microwaves by measuring around the house or building at the North, East, South and West sides, noting the readings. In a perfect world, you should be able to stand on top of your roof an not get a reading, or at least, one or two lights. However, that is now almost impossible in populated areas.

7/ By holding the meter tight into your chest and slowly turning around you can find the direction of the signal(s) as your body will absorb the microwaves behind you. You can also place the meter in the middle of a large pot or wok using blue tack or double-sided tape to hold the meter in place which creates a makeshift parabolic receiver antenna for a more directional detection if needed. That can be handy for locating a tricky to find source.

8/ The RF antenna for the Meter Meter is on the left side. So if you hold the meter in your right hands’ fingers you can’t block any signals. It’s just something you need to be aware of, as holding the meter in the palm of your hand will cause it to under-read.

9/ For optimal results you don’t want any LED lights flashing or solid lights on RF Mode, especially for sleeping areas. Most homes now will have two or more LED lights showing in bedrooms. Two or three green LED lights are not of much concern short term. Some sensitive people with compromised immune systems really need to stay well below two LED lights as much as possible. (See Building Biology recommended levels for sleeping areas here.)

You should always check your area on an antenna location map to check for radio station antennas, Ham radio operators, as well as point to point links that maybe crossing over your environment as some of these signals are outside of the meters detection range. In most cases, the Mito Meter will detect all the main offenders.

The Australian antenna site map is at www.acma.gov.au. In order to access the site map, type in “acma location map” on your search engine. (Any direct links to this site map will not work.) Also check out Maprad which has point to point locations and directions.

Near Field

RF Advanced Mito User Notes:

RF-X MODE – Mito 6 Minute Record Mode (2021 Mito Meters Only)
1/ Turn meter on, switch to RF Mode, 2/ switch from RF Mode to LFE Mode and back to RF Mode twice. Two lights will start flashing indicating the meter is logging a six minute event.
After six minutes the results are displayed as follows, the average peak and highest peak is displayed for ten seconds, followed by the peak power accumulated density score, which is displayed for ten seconds. This cycle will display the six minute results until the meter is switched off. Recommend avoiding spending extended time in places with high density scores, especially when it comes to sleeping, or your children’s environment.

RF-X MODE – Sound Signature Mode (2019-2021 Mito Meters Only)
1/ Turn meter on, 2/ switch to RF Mode, 3/ switch from RF Mode to LFE Mode and back to RF Mode twice. 4/ Then switch the Mode Switch from RF to LFM and back to RF. This will help you identify the RF source(s). Practice by measuring your Wi-Fi router. (If all you hear is noise it will be because you have high levels of cell phone tower radiation.)

Thinking of Up-Grading Your RF Meter Kit?
If you are considering up-dating your meter kit see “What is the best EMF meter” Here.

Click here to see where to measure magnetic fields