Below is the question asked during the live event, along with its respective answer.
Q: Mr. Schaad, thank you for your presentation. For the handheld radio tests, are there any criteria to make the tests effective?
A: The handheld radio used must be provided by the customer, to ensure that it will replicate actual field conditions. The radio is held a specified distance (based on customer agreement, typically 18 inches, but not always) from the EUT and keyed. It is then swept back and forth in such a manner as to completely cover all surfaces of the EUT. Sometimes multiple radio types & cell phones are used, as per customer requirements. If susceptibility is noted, one possible solution is to require the placement of warning signs which prohibit the operation of radios within a certain distance from electronic equipment. This approach is contingent upon the agreement of the customer.
Admittedly, this is an ad-hoc test, but handheld radios represent the greatest radiated threat in the rail environment. Consequently, this type of test has gained widespread acceptance in the rail industry, when combined with formal laboratory testing.