Health risks of Quantum Radars

[Tenedos]

I know and have read discussions of potential health risks of radars mounted on arches at crew's or helmsman's height.

I am wondering what people think about the same for newer generation Quantum/Broadband or equivalent radars.

I am particularly interested in Raymarine Quantum CHIRP Radar and thinking of putting one on the arch. It will be higher than a person's height but with 12.5 degree horizontal beam, it is fair to say that someone will be in the path.

This unit has a peak power of 20W vs 4.0 kW of HD radome. I feel this would be pretty safe. Any thoughts to the contrary?

[NPCampbell]

RF above 10GHz doesn't make it past the skin. RF below 10GHz behaves more like a microwave oven the lower the frequency gets. Raymarine's pulse radar is around 10GHz so it behaves more like the former. It takes about 1W per square inch to burn the skin and eyes. Raymarine's pulse power is around 20W with a 5 degree horizontal and 20 degree vertical beam that rotates. I would think periodic exposure at 10 feet or so would be less than holding a cellular phone up to your ear. However, prolonged exposure on a fly bridge for days at a time probably adds up. I'd probably avoid it on a live aboard.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Tenedos

.......
I am particularly interested in Raymarine Quantum CHIRP Radar and thinking of putting one on the arch. It will be higher than a person's height but with 12.5 degree horizontal beam, it is fair to say that someone will be in the path.

.....

Mounted 10 feet behind the helm on the arch the beam will dip 1.1 ft. Not an issue for most all installations.
The mounting of a radar should be above person height, even if the power is low.