[Boatanchors] PACE MAKER QUESTION

[N4ch at aol.com]

I would think that the distance from the ANTENNA being used  (and NOT the 
transmitting equipment itself, particularly if it is well shielded)  would be 
the main issue.   I run into hams (with pacemakers) all the  time at 
hamfests, where there is always someone driving thru the area with  a rig capable 
of 100 watts output (and often lots more) being operated  mobile, and I've 
never heard of any problems.   In your friend's case,  I would suspect making 
sure that the antennas being used are a safe distance  from where his XYL 
could possibly be at any time, that is, up a reasonable  distance, fed with 
good quality coax, and that good grounding  practices are observed, etc.    
This would be at least as  important as how much power is run.   Running RF 
into a longwire  (beginning at the output connector of an antenna tuner in 
the hamshack) should  be avoided.   I would suspect being a foot or two away 
from the  OM using a 2 meter HT (running several watts) would introduce a 
stronger RF  field than 100 watts to an antenna up 40-50 feet (and at least 
20-30 feet  away).
 
73, Herman, N4CH.