Simulators : EMDSIM

RF detector simulator for telecoms safety training

Delegates must always be safe during workplace training, but they need the most realistic experiences possible to assist with skills retention and accurate assessment of competence. When workers may be exposed to high power RF electromagnetic fields from transmitters and associated equipment, they rely on personal RF monitors to alert them of fields above the safety limits, but these can only be triggered by the hazards they are designed to detect.

EMDSIM is a simulated RF detector for use in safety training ONLY.

The compact weather-resistant device is worn by the student, but controlled by the course instructor using a radio remote. It can be used in a classroom to demonstrate typical alarm and fault responses, and during practical exercises such as rooftop access or tower climbing to assess the correct recognition and reaction to alarms.

EMDSIM reacts to instructor commands from the remote and to BLE beacons placed around the training site.

How does EMDSIM work?

The unit claims to measure low- and high-frequency RF fields, showing them as a percentage of the safe limit (on a real device this would be an ICNIRP or FCC action level). The values, and alarms, are generated in two ways:

Each unit is linked to a 12-button radio remote control that the course instructor can use to trigger combinations of field strengths, alarms or faults.
EMDSIM can also detect specially-programmed Bluetooth Low Energy beacons, which can be placed around the training area (such as on a rooftop or climbing tower). It measures the distance to each beacon and calculates an equivalent "high power" field level. Since the beacon is a radio source, it responds like any other; shielded by metal, attenuated by the human body, etc. so for example a beacon could be placed inside an old sector antenna housing or an enclosure that represents the RF amplifier circuit.

The instructor can change the two preset alarm levels (default is 50% and 200%) and can switch beacon detection on and off to represent "transmitter" shutdown.

There is no agreed standard for how an RF field detector should indicate alarm signals. EMDSIM is representative of the types of device in common use, but is not a substitute for brand-specific user instruction. EMDSIM has two pre-installed alarm and display styles and can be customized further if required.

Specifications

Each EMDSIM is supplied with a remote control and USB charging cable. Kits of one or two devices are available, in a rugged carry case with remotes and one BLE beacon. Replacement remote controls and beacons are available.

EMDSIM

Dimensions: 110x80x40mm, 160g
Attachment: 50mm belt clip and safety loop
Display: TFT full-colour high resolution
Running time: 12-18 hours typical
Charging: USB-C, 5V at 1A
Weather rating: IP54 equivalent
Alarms: Screen messages, flashing LEDs, tones and vibration
Alarm range: 5% to 200%
Maximum display: 1000%

Remote / Beacon

Remote range: Up to 500m outdoors
Remote band: 433MHz license-free
Remote battery: PP3 9V
Remote is not weatherproof
Beacon range: Up to 50m
Beacon band: BLE v4 (2.4 GHz)
Beacon battery: 3V coin cell
Beacon battery life: Up to 1 year
Beacon rating: IP67

Ordering information

These products are assembled to order and can be customized for the purchaser; typical lead time is one to two weeks.
For more information or to place an order please contact us.

Current pricing (excluding VAT and shipping):

Single kit: £ 69.00
Twin kit: £ 105.00
Spare remote: £ 7.00
Spare beacon: £ 9.50

Due to export and shipping restrictions we can only sell to UK businesses, for professional use in the delivery of training programs. We will not supply devices if we believe they will be mis-represented as safety equipment or re-sold to the public. Customers will be asked to agree to these terms before purchase.

Frequently-asked questions

Is this suitable for the MATS/Arqiva training schemes?: EMDSIM allows for the required practical exercise elements (correct wearing of an RF monitor, appropriate response to alarms, etc.) but should be accompanied by a classroom 'demonstration' of an approved OEM device - e.g. by showing a video clip - for Arqiva RF Awareness training.
Why not just use a real detector?: It is certainly possible to demonstrate the alarms on a real device in a classroom by holding a radio transmitter against the sensor, but you cannot demonstrate fault or low battery alarms, and it is impossible to trigger an "alarm" during the practical sessions where delegates are wearing it.
Why can't I just buy from your website?: We must be certain these products are only used for training purposes, so as a responsible manufacturer we do not sell to the general public. If you are an instructor or training provider operating in the UK, we are happy to supply products to you - just tell us what you need. We will do a quick check then ask you to complete a usage agreement and order form.
Why don't you ship outside the UK?: There are restrictions on international shipment of devices with lithium batteries that make export sales very expensive, but the main reason we only sell to UK customers is standards compliance. These simulators appear to be something they are not, which is the entire purpose for using them. Customs are likely to impound them for that very reason.
What do we do with the beacon?: The small BLE beacon included with the kit is programmed to transmit a special code every second, which every EMDSIM in range will detect. Beacons should be placed within the practical training area, in locations where a student might expect an antenna to be (e.g. at the top of a mast). Because they are radio transmitters they are blocked and reflected by conductive materials, so you could even place one inside an old antenna housing to create a directional field. Although the beacon transmits all the time, buttons on the remote control can switch detection on and off, to simulate the equipment being powered down. Beacon batteries last up to 12 months and you can use EMDSIM to check the battery levels.
Can these simulate how a survey meter works?: No. Survey meters are extremely complex and expensive equipment that measure the frequency spectrums present in an area, they are never used as safety monitors and are not part of MATS/Arqiva training. RF engineers using survey meters will be trained by the manufacturer/distributor of their chosen device.
Is this safe for on-site training?: Yes, but ONLY where there is no hazardous field present. If people are required to carry a genuine RF monitor to access a location then they must not be given a simulator!
Can we take it on a plane or send it in the post?: You can prevent the device from activating in transit by enabling "shipping mode", details in the instructor manual. EMDSIM contains a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery so there will be restrictions on aircraft baggage and some parcel couriers may not accept the package, or will apply special rates. The radio frequencies are legal in the UK and Europe (EU/EEA).
Can the simulator be washed?: The simulator is water-resistant and designed to be used in damp conditions (e.g. in the rain) but should not be immersed in water. Units can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. The radio remote is not water-resistant.
What happens if it breaks?: Damaged units can be returned to us for repair or recycling; we can give purchase credit on reclaimed components. Spare remotes are available to buy.
What if we lose the remote?: You can re-pair the simulator to a new remote by performing a factory-reset.
I'm worried that someone might steal it: Every simulator displays the owner's name each time it starts. This information can only be changed during software updates and at the request of the original purchaser, so a stolen device is traceable and can be remotely deactivated if someone tries to update it.
How many do we need?: For Arqiva RF training, one device is sufficient as there is no practical element to the syllabus. For a MATS rooftop or climbing course we would suggest 2 or 4 simulators as a starting point.