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Anonymous Poster

VFD and a pacemaker

11/20/2007 3:48 PM

My wife is teaching a 9th grade general science class that is about to start studying physics. We were talking last night about controlling a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), attached to a miniature conveyor, with a hand held transmitter to demonstrate a radio signal in the real world. The question that came up, and I am asking for help on, is there any risk to her student who has a pacemaker?

I say no, but we are not willing to gamble with a 12 year old girls life, hopefully somebody will be able to provide an answer to the question. Thank you in advance to anyone who chooses to help.

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#1

Re: VFD and a pacemaker

11/20/2007 5:09 PM

Can't talk authoritatively, but if the radio signal was ≈ e.g. Bluetooth, I can't see there'd be any problem. Also never heard of any problems with RC models & toys.

If you get a commercially made TX/RX from a reputable company, designed for e.g. model control (with some approvals!), all should be well.

Any chance of getting a look at the recommendations from the pacemaker supplier?

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Anonymous Poster
#2
In reply to #1

Re: VFD and a pacemaker

11/21/2007 9:39 AM

Thank you for that idea about the pacemaker supplier.

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: VFD and a pacemaker

11/24/2007 8:35 PM

I thought you might be worried about RF noise off the VFD and motor affecting the pacemaker. Best keep the VFD very close to the motor, limiting the length of the wires as a source of RF noise. Or maybe a DC motor and drive would be less prone to RF problems. Speed control could be accomplished by using Infrared Light pluses, as is done with a TV remote control controlling volume. IR Decoding clip sets are common and cheap. Any other ideas out there?

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#4

Re: VFD and a pacemaker

11/26/2007 6:11 AM

If the VFD complies with current European electromagnetic immunity requirements then there is unlikely to be a problem, though it is clearly worth talking the problem through with the OEM of the equipment. A problem is more likely to arise in proximity to devices that emit large fluxes of electromagnetic radiation, like the mobile telephone, for example.

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Power-User

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#5

Re: VFD and a pacemaker

12/11/2007 2:56 PM

won't speak about computer problems but i suggest you have i your wife determine if it possible to what material the pacemakers sexterior shell is constructed from.

you may have aproblem if it is based in some part or way on a plastic material chrysler crankshafts timing systems went scewball with in the ealy nineies when a 2.8, 3.0. or thwe worst was with thier 3.8 engines cutting out when near microwave sources of radar. many conked out near air ports, the military get a handle on this info until it was published as a repair procedure in chrco internal service manuals under sudden power l;oss problems.

hjave gun with that one the doctor will start a lawsuit if you get too close to it, then you may get a attorney from the cottman pharmaceutical products of boston on your doorstep serving a c&d on on your wife and her school's district officails.

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