The effect of human presence on signal power received at a TETRA handheld device

The attenuation of the radio signal in the nearfield of a TETRA handheld device due to the presence of human body is measured. By including a confidence margin for the mean and the standard deviation of the measurements we find in open area 8.4 dB attenuation when the handheld device is at talking position close to the head and 19.3 dB when it is placed at the belt. In an urban environment the corresponding values are 11.2 and 9.2 dB, respectively. Detailed measurements are presented and discussed.