I'm running an IC-7300 at 100W into a G5RV at 30 feet. With the new RF exposure rules that took effect in 2021, I'm confused about whether I need to perform an evaluation. The new rules don't change existing RF exposure limits but require stations to be evaluated against existing limits, unless exempted, with existing stations having until May 3, 2023.

Looking at the power thresholds in 97.13(c)(1), it seems like I might be above the limits for some HF bands. Can someone walk me through the process? What exactly do I need to calculate?

Key questions:

• How do I determine if my station qualifies for an exemption?
• If I need an evaluation, what's the step-by-step process?
• Are there online calculators that can help with the calculations?

The FCC is relying on amateurs to perform their own station evaluations, requiring only a simple statement on Form 610 with no additional paperwork from amateurs. For your setup, check the power thresholds in Table 1 of OET Bulletin 65 Supplement B first - many HF stations at 100W actually qualify for exemption depending on frequency and antenna height.

The ARRL Laboratory staff is available to help amateurs make these determinations and perform necessary calculations, with their RF Exposure and You book containing valid charts for common antennas at different heights. I'd recommend downloading that free resource from ARRL first before diving into the calculations.

I went through this process last year for my similar station. The bulletin outlines several evaluation methods, and most hams will probably pass using one of the easier approaches rather than complicated measurements. Start with the simple power density equations in OET Bulletin 65 - they're conservative but straightforward to use.