How to Set RF Alarm Threshold on TENMARS TM-195 Malaysia
How to Set RF Alarm Threshold on TENMARS TM-195 Malaysia
When carrying out RF field measurements, technicians may not want to watch the meter display continuously.
An alarm function can make field surveys more convenient by providing an alert when the measured RF field reaches a selected threshold.
The TENMARS TM-195 3-Axis RF Field Strength Meter is designed for broadband RF electromagnetic field measurement from 50 MHz to 3.5 GHz.
When using an alarm threshold, however, one point is extremely important:
An alarm setting is not automatically a legal, occupational or safety exposure limit.
The threshold should be selected according to the purpose of the measurement.
What Is an RF Alarm Threshold?
An RF alarm threshold is a selected measurement level used to trigger an alert.
In simple terms:
Measured value below threshold -> No threshold alert
Measured value reaches or exceeds selected threshold -> Alert
This can help users notice when RF measurements rise above a chosen reference level.
Why Use an Alarm?
The alarm function can be useful when:
Surveying several locations
Walking through an RF environment
Comparing areas around RF equipment
Checking wireless installations
Investigating telecommunications equipment
Looking for areas with relatively higher readings
Repeating measurements after equipment changes
Instead of constantly concentrating on the display, the alarm can provide an additional indication when the selected level is reached.
Alarm Threshold Does Not Mean Safety Limit
This is the most important point.
Setting an alarm value on the TM-195 does not automatically mean that the selected value represents:
A legal exposure limit
An occupational exposure limit
A public exposure limit
A regulatory pass or fail level
A safe or unsafe boundary
Formal RF exposure limits may depend on factors such as:
Frequency
Exposure category
Applicable standard
Measurement method
Averaging period
Instrument requirements
Therefore, the alarm threshold should not be treated as a universal safety limit.
What Can the Alarm Be Used For?
For general RF surveys, the alarm can be used as a practical reference threshold.
For example, a facility technician may first measure several normal locations.
After establishing a typical range, the technician may use a selected threshold to help identify areas where readings rise above that internal reference.
This is useful for comparison and troubleshooting.
It does not automatically establish regulatory compliance.
Example - Office RF Survey
An office contains several compatible wireless devices and access points.
The technician first measures:
Reception
Workstation Area A
Workstation Area B
Meeting room
Corridor
After understanding the normal measurement pattern, an alarm threshold may be selected for further comparative surveying.
If the alarm activates in one area, the technician can stop and investigate the location more carefully.
Example - Factory RF Survey
A factory uses wireless communication equipment.
The maintenance team wants to compare RF measurements around:
Control room
Operator position
Wireless equipment area
Maintenance area
An alarm can be useful while moving between these locations.
If the threshold is reached, the user can record:
Location
Equipment operating condition
Current reading
MAX reading
Measurement unit
Time
Remarks
The area can then be measured again more carefully.
Example - Telecom Equipment
For compatible telecommunications equipment, a technician may use an alarm threshold during a general RF field survey.
Possible measurement points include:
Reference location -> Occupied area -> Intermediate point -> Near equipment
If the selected threshold is reached, this does not automatically prove a hazard.
It indicates that the measured value has reached the level selected by the user.
Further assessment may be required depending on the purpose of the survey.
How to Choose an Alarm Threshold
The correct threshold depends on why you are measuring.
Possible approaches include:
Internal Reference Level
A company may use a selected reference level for comparative surveys or internal procedures.
Baseline Comparison
Users may first record normal background measurements and select a threshold for identifying unusual changes.
Project Requirement
A specific project may define a measurement level requiring further investigation.
Formal Exposure Assessment
If the threshold is intended to represent an occupational or public exposure criterion, the applicable standard and measurement procedure must be reviewed.
Do not simply choose an arbitrary number and call it a safety limit.
Use the Correct Measurement Unit
Before setting or interpreting a threshold, confirm the measurement unit.
RF field strength and power density can be expressed using different units.
A threshold only makes sense when the unit is clearly understood.
For example, recording:
Alarm threshold: 10
is incomplete.
A proper record should state:
Alarm threshold: 10 + measurement unit
The measurement unit is part of the result.
Frequency Still Matters
The TENMARS TM-195 has a specified frequency range of:
50 MHz to 3.5 GHz
The alarm function does not extend this frequency range.
If the RF source is outside the supported frequency range, setting an alarm does not make the instrument suitable for that source.
Always check the equipment frequency first.
What Happens When the Alarm Activates?
If the alarm activates during a general RF survey, do not immediately conclude that the area is dangerous.
Instead:
Step 1 - Stop at the measurement location
Step 2 - Observe the current reading
Step 3 - Check the MAX reading
Step 4 - Record the measurement unit
Step 5 - Record the exact location
Step 6 - Identify nearby RF equipment
Step 7 - Repeat the measurement
Step 8 - Compare with surrounding locations
This creates useful information for further investigation.
Why Repeat the Measurement?
RF fields can fluctuate.
A brief increase may occur because of:
Transmitter activity
Data transmission
Movement
Equipment operation
Reflections
Multiple RF sources
Therefore, an alarm event should normally be followed by another measurement rather than being interpreted from the alert alone.
Alarm Function and MAX Function
Alarm and MAX perform different jobs.
Alarm
Alerts the user when the selected threshold is reached.
MAX
Records the highest measured value observed during the measurement period.
Using both can be useful during a survey.
For example:
Alarm activated -> Check location -> Record MAX -> Repeat measurement
This provides more information than simply hearing the alarm and moving on.
Alarm Function and AVG Measurement
AVG can also provide additional context.
An RF field may briefly rise above the alarm threshold but have a different average level during the observation period.
Therefore, where appropriate, record:
Current
MAX
AVG
This helps describe a fluctuating RF environment more clearly.
Can the Alarm Identify the RF Source?
No.
The TM-195 is a broadband RF field strength meter.
If the alarm activates, it tells you that the measured RF field has reached the selected threshold.
It does not automatically identify:
Exact frequency
Wi-Fi SSID
Mobile operator
Individual transmitter
Specific antenna
If exact frequency or source identification is required, a spectrum analyser or another frequency-selective instrument may be needed.
Common Alarm Threshold Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
Treating the alarm value as a universal safety limit
Forgetting the measurement unit
Ignoring the RF source frequency
Using an arbitrary threshold without a purpose
Assuming every alarm means danger
Not recording where the alarm occurred
Not repeating unusual measurements
Comparing measurements taken using different procedures
Assuming the alarm identifies the RF source
The alarm is a measurement tool, not an automatic safety judgement.
Suggested RF Survey Record
A practical record may include:
Date:
Time:
Location:
Equipment:
Operating Frequency:
Alarm Threshold:
Measurement Unit:
Current Reading:
MAX Reading:
AVG Reading:
Alarm Activated: Yes / No
Remarks:
Using a consistent record makes future comparisons easier.
General RF Survey vs Compliance Assessment
For general troubleshooting or comparative surveys, users can select alarm thresholds according to their measurement objective.
For formal occupational, public or regulatory assessments, the situation is different.
The applicable requirements may specify:
Exposure limits
Frequency-dependent criteria
Measurement distance
Averaging periods
Instrument characteristics
Calibration
Reporting methods
The alarm function alone does not establish compliance.
TENMARS TM-195 RF Alarm Measurement Malaysia
The alarm function on the TENMARS TM-195 can make general RF field surveys more practical by helping users identify when measurements reach a selected reference threshold.
It can be useful for surveys around compatible RF sources in:
Offices
Factories
Commercial buildings
Telecommunications environments
Wireless equipment areas
Industrial facilities
The key is to understand what the alarm threshold represents.
Alarm threshold = User-selected measurement reference
It does not automatically mean:
Alarm threshold = Safety or regulatory limit
If your RF measurement is related to a formal safety or compliance requirement, confirm the applicable standard before selecting the threshold.
Contact MTM Precision Sdn Bhd
Need help selecting an RF meter for your application?
Tell us:
What equipment do you want to measure?
What is its operating frequency?
What is the purpose of the alarm threshold?
Is the measurement for general checking or formal assessment?
MTM Precision can help identify the appropriate type of test instrument for your application.
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 Alarm | RF Alarm Threshold Malaysia | TENMARS TM-195 Malaysia | RF Field Strength Meter Malaysia | RF Exposure Meter | 3-Axis RF Meter | RF Measurement Malaysia
20 Sep 2026
