Pace Makers and Radio Control Query

[Keith Berriman]

So a friend has spent most of the year building 2 new models and over £350 on a transmitter but rushed in hospital some weeks ago with heart problems and had to have an operation for a pace maker

His consultant has advised not to try go flying or testing his models untill he has read the instructions

Has anybody any experience or friends in the same situation flying when a pacemaker is fitted

I appreciate they can adjust the pace maker remotely by Bluetooth

[Denis Watkins]

There are a number of different pacemakers Keith, and they are tuned to the individual.

These operate successfully in all walks of life and generally you have just to avoid proximity to high powered inductors.

Typically, most homes have wifi, as well as in the street and On public transport. These pose no threat.

When fitted, you are told what your pacemaker does and what to avoid.

You need to decide which type of device is dealt with, as most pacemakers are set to idle until you need it.

Others run constantly to maintain the patient.

The patient should have been informed about their device.

Edited By Denis Watkins on 18/12/2020 21:04:17

[David Tayler]

Having implanted hundreds of pacemakers over 20 years and studied the effects of arc welding upon pacemaker function I would say the risks of flying using EU compliant gear are very small indeed. Going near a domestic router on 2,4 G is probably more dangerous. Nevertheless most pacemaler manufacturers would advise keeping a distance of 30 cm between the transmitter ariel and the pacemaker. The implanting hospital or the pacemaker manufacturer should be able to provide more information ,although these understandably tend to err on the side of caution.

[Matt Carlton]

Would it not be possible to wear something as an RF shield whilst flying?

[cymaz]

Surely, there would be some effect with all the RF signals and microwave transmissions that are currently around us. If not, it seems pretty safe.

[Stephen Smith 14]

I had a pacemaker a couple of years ago, fitted Thursday flying Saturday. I asked the surgeon when he was operating about radio control mainly on 2.4 and he said he couldn't see any problems and he'd never heard of any.

I have a classic car restoration business and he advised I shouldn't do any form of electric welding, mig tig or stick which suits me as I hate welding, just means someone else has to do it, he also advised not to get close to running alternators. In the house he advised not to get to close to microwaves so she has do do all the cooking as I also told her I couldn't go near cookers or kettles as well, result.

[Engine Doctor]

We have a few members in our club with pacemakers fitted . Never heard of any problems .

I

[Keith Berriman]

A big thank you to those who have replied and the last one is very pleasing to read.

I have found that American kits give out 250mW European kits are limited to 100mW

I will pass your comments on to my friend so he can take to hospital on his next visit

[Peter Jenkins]

I might be wrong, but I believe the higher output from US standard Txs makes them illegal in the UK.

[Keith Berriman]

Hi Peter I agree with your comments on power output

EU legislation and numerous forum posts confirm this

I feel sure if kit bought from American outlet would be the higher rating

I have a query with the Hitec Servive dept to see If can get on answer on on English bought Flash 7

[kc]

Presumably using a buddy box with lead connection and holding the box that's not transmitting would get the actualTx well away? Wireless buddy would not though?

Would 35 mhz be safer?