On Tue, 6 Jan 2004 13:14:01 -0500, "w4jle" W4JLE(remove this to
wrote:
I would venture to say we all operate in the near field. How does one avoid
it, particularly on 160 meters?

Hi OM,

The greater part of risk is in the wavelength compared to body height.
Sitting down obviously lowers risk.

Now, for the standing individual of average size, that person is
approaching a quarter wave at 10M (especially if you are a fat
conductor). If you were the standard 1 wavelength away from a 100W
transmission, then the standard 22dB down would be your exposure and
you would experience something less of 1 watt of heating throughout
your body. Touch a christmas tree bulb (7.5W) and ask yourself how
uncomfortable that feels, then average that over your 2M² surface
area.

At 160M, you certainly stand the risk of being much closer than 1
wavelength, but you also stand less risk of being a quarter wave tall
(towering egos do not conduct). In any event, you are probably
sitting down anyway. Your radiation resistance in that band makes you
nearly invisible to the power emitted. Those standing next to VOA
half megawatt towers need to check their insurance clauses covering
acts of incipient stupidity.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC