In the Air Force, I operated a 2kw microwave portable troposcatter system. We were REALLY careful about keeping from the hot zone in front of the antenna. I’ve heard, but of course, I’d never do anything like this myself, that someone put a hot dog on a long stick and cooked it in front of the dish. This was done from a position behind the dish.

This was a lot of power at some points because the gain of the dish was <>40 db. We just didn’t go there. I don’t know of anyone who suffered any ill effects. Probably the worst case scenario is a cell phone pressed to the brain but I don’t think there is much, if any evidence of harm.

On Thu, Sep 24, 2026 at 3:48 PM Steven Rutledge via ADXA <adxa@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-seeks-public-input-electromagnetic-fields-wireless-radiation.html?utm_source=ARRL&utm_campaign=d6577a0d31-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_24_01_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d6577a0d31-443801903

I did know of an instance where a group of soldiers were ordered to
staff a portable missile launcher and radar in a sensitive location
after 911. The tenants of the building reported that they were drinking
on the job. Turns out they were too close to the radar associated with
the launchers. True story. I have no idea if the results were permanent.

Steve, N4JQQ

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