How to Use MAX and AVG Measurements on TENMARS TM-195 Malaysia
How to Use MAX and AVG Measurements on TENMARS TM-195 Malaysia
RF field measurements are not always stable.
When measuring around Wi-Fi equipment, RF transmitters, telecommunications equipment or other wireless systems, the displayed value may continuously rise and fall.
This does not automatically mean that the TENMARS TM-195 is faulty.
RF signals can change with time, equipment activity, measurement position and surrounding conditions.
This is why functions such as MAX and AVG can be useful when carrying out RF field measurements.
What Does the Current Reading Show?
The normal displayed value represents the RF field measured by the instrument at that moment.
If the RF environment changes, the reading can also change.
For example, you may see:
Lower reading -> Higher reading -> Lower reading -> Higher reading
This can happen when the RF source is transmitting intermittently or when conditions around the measurement point change.
Therefore, one instantaneous reading may not describe the complete RF environment.
What Is MAX Measurement?
MAX means the maximum measured value captured during the observation period.
This is useful when the RF field fluctuates and you want to know:
"What was the highest reading observed during this measurement?"
Instead of trying to watch the display continuously and remember the highest number, the MAX function can help capture it.
When Is MAX Useful?
MAX can be useful when checking:
Wi-Fi environments
Wireless access points
RF transmitters
Telecommunications equipment
Communication antennas
Industrial wireless equipment
Locations where readings fluctuate
It is particularly useful when comparing several measurement locations.
Example - Office Wi-Fi Survey
Imagine an office with a wireless access point.
You want to compare four locations:
Point A - Near access point
Point B - Workstation
Point C - Meeting room
Point D - Corridor
At each location, observe the meter for a similar period and record the MAX value.
This can provide a more consistent comparison than recording a random instantaneous value at each location.
What Is AVG Measurement?
AVG means average.
Instead of focusing only on the highest observed value, an average measurement can provide information about the RF field over the measurement period.
This can be useful because RF signals may fluctuate significantly.
A brief peak and a typical measurement level are not necessarily the same thing.
MAX vs AVG - What Is the Difference?
The simplest explanation is:
MAX = Highest observed measurement
AVG = Average measurement during the observation period
Both can provide useful information.
MAX helps answer:
"How high did the reading go?"
AVG helps answer:
"What was the average measurement during this period?"
For some RF surveys, recording both can provide a more complete picture.
Why Do RF Readings Fluctuate?
RF measurements may change because of:
Transmitter activity
Data transmission
Distance from the source
Meter position
Antenna direction
People moving nearby
Walls and structures
Reflections
Multiple RF sources
Changes in equipment operation
A changing display is therefore not unusual in an RF environment.
Why Observation Time Matters
Suppose you measure one location for only a few seconds and another location for much longer.
The two results may not be directly comparable.
For better comparative surveys, try to use a similar observation period at each location.
For example:
Point A - Same observation period
Point B - Same observation period
Point C - Same observation period
Point D - Same observation period
Consistency improves the usefulness of your results.
Using MAX to Find Higher RF Areas
MAX can be useful when walking through an area to identify locations where higher RF readings occur.
For example, a technician may survey:
Reception -> Workstation -> Equipment room -> Corridor -> Meeting room
At each location, the technician can observe and record the maximum measurement.
Areas with consistently higher readings can then be investigated further.
However, a higher reading does not automatically mean the location is unsafe.
Interpretation depends on the measurement purpose and applicable requirements.
Using AVG for Workplace Surveys
AVG can be useful when the user wants to compare typical RF field levels between occupied areas.
For example:
Office A - AVG reading
Office B - AVG reading
Meeting Room - AVG reading
Equipment Area - AVG reading
The same measurement procedure should be used at each location.
This makes the comparison more meaningful.
Why MAX Alone Is Not Enough
MAX provides useful information, but it only describes the highest captured measurement during the observation period.
It does not automatically tell you:
How long the peak lasted
Which RF source produced it
What exact frequency caused it
Whether the level complies with a particular standard
Whether the reading represents typical exposure
Therefore, MAX should be interpreted together with the measurement conditions.
Why AVG Alone Is Not Enough
AVG also has limitations.
An average value can reduce the apparent importance of short peaks.
For troubleshooting or site comparison, users may therefore want to record:
Current
MAX
AVG
This provides more information than relying on only one number.
Use the Same Measurement Position
When comparing MAX or AVG measurements, try to maintain a consistent measurement position.
Avoid comparing:
One reading very close to the source
with:
Another reading several metres away
without recording the different positions.
Measurement location is an important part of the result.
Use the Same Measurement Unit
The TM-195 can display RF measurements using different measurement units.
When comparing several locations, use the same unit.
Do not record one location in one unit and another location in a different unit unless you understand and correctly convert the values.
A consistent unit makes reports easier to understand.
Why 3-Axis Measurement Helps
The TENMARS TM-195 uses a 3-axis RF measurement system.
RF fields can arrive from different directions, especially inside buildings where signals may be reflected by walls, equipment and metal structures.
The 3-axis design makes general RF field surveys more convenient when the exact direction of the field is unknown.
This can be useful when taking MAX and AVG measurements across multiple locations.
Example - Factory RF Survey
A factory has wireless communication equipment installed in several areas.
The maintenance team wants to compare RF measurements at:
Point 1 - Control room
Point 2 - Operator position
Point 3 - Near wireless equipment
Point 4 - Maintenance area
At each point:
Keep the meter at a similar height.
Use the same measurement unit.
Observe for a similar period.
Record MAX.
Record AVG if required.
Note the location and equipment operating condition.
This produces a much more useful survey record.
Example - Telecom Equipment
A technician measuring around compatible telecommunications equipment can use the same approach.
Record:
Location
Distance or measurement position
Current reading
MAX reading
AVG reading
Measurement unit
Operating condition
Remarks
If a measurement looks unusual, repeat it before drawing conclusions.
Does MAX Show the Exact RF Source?
No.
The TM-195 is a broadband RF field strength meter.
MAX tells you the highest measured RF field value captured during the measurement period.
It does not identify:
Exact frequency
Wi-Fi SSID
Mobile operator
Specific transmitter
Individual RF signal
If frequency identification is required, a spectrum analyser or another frequency-selective RF instrument may be needed.
Common Mistakes When Using MAX and AVG
Avoid these mistakes:
Measuring each location for very different periods
Changing measurement units between points
Holding the meter differently at every location
Recording MAX without recording the location
Assuming MAX identifies the RF source
Treating one peak as proof of a safety problem
Comparing readings without checking distance
Ignoring the operating condition of the equipment
Measuring RF sources outside the meter frequency range
A consistent procedure is more important than collecting many random readings.
Simple RF Measurement Record
A practical record can include:
Date:
Time:
Location:
Equipment:
Operating Frequency:
Measurement Position:
Current Reading:
MAX Reading:
AVG Reading:
Measurement Unit:
Remarks:
Using the same format at every location makes future comparisons easier.
TENMARS TM-195 Frequency Range
The TENMARS TM-195 is designed for broadband RF electromagnetic field measurements from:
50 MHz to 3.5 GHz
Always confirm that the RF source you want to investigate falls within the supported frequency range.
For RF sources above 3.5 GHz, another suitable instrument should be considered.
General Survey vs Formal Assessment
MAX and AVG functions can be useful for general RF surveys, troubleshooting and comparison work.
However, formal occupational or regulatory RF exposure assessments may specify:
Measurement methods
Averaging periods
Instrument requirements
Calibration requirements
Frequency-dependent limits
Reporting procedures
Do not assume that simply selecting MAX or AVG automatically satisfies a particular compliance standard.
TENMARS TM-195 RF Measurement Malaysia
The MAX and AVG functions of the TENMARS TM-195 can help users understand fluctuating RF measurements more effectively.
Instead of relying on one instantaneous reading, technicians can compare maximum and average measurements across different locations using a consistent procedure.
This can be useful for RF surveys in:
Offices
Factories
Commercial buildings
Telecommunications environments
Wireless equipment areas
Industrial facilities
Not sure how to use the TM-195 for your application?
Tell MTM Precision what equipment you want to measure and where the measurements will be taken.
We can help you select the appropriate type of RF test instrument.
Contact MTM Precision Sdn Bhd
Showroom & Service Centre: Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Tel: 03-8080 7172
WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
Serving customers throughout Malaysia, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.
Keywords: TENMARS TM-195 MAX AVG | TENMARS TM-195 Malaysia | RF MAX Measurement | RF Average Measurement | RF Field Strength Meter Malaysia | 3-Axis RF Meter | RF Testing Malaysia
20 Sep 2026
