Model Railway Forum

Hi everyone.
Now here is a question I hope someone can answer for me please.
At 79 years old I had to go into hospital the other day to have a pacemaker fitted which I waited a long time for.
Now back at home and after they told me what I could do and not to do one of the things on the list was be aware of transformers.
I mentioned while in hospital that I had a larger loft model railway layout which was DCC controlled with a 18 volt transformer and had a hand held
walkabout controller that sends signals to each item controlled by a micro chip.
The hospital could not tell me if I could carry using the controller whether at a safe distance or not.
They did not know.
They did say they would ask the manufacturer of the pacemaker but as yet no reply.
Does any one on here know or experienced the same problem ?
Hope I can carry on as normal as my railway has been my life long companion.
Thank you in advance for any help
Moreland

That's a very different sort of question. I've just had a browse through a few forums and the advice is - check with your GP [or in your case, wait for a response from the hospital].

There seems to be a very low level of risk but as they are all saying none of them are doctors.

We are all made slightly differently and even if someone on here has a similar device fitted I would still want to check for myself from someone who knew my medical situation.

R-

That is a very interesting question. I believe that certain types of pacemakers can be reprogrammed via an RF signal, so there is certainly the theoretical issue of other RF signals interfering with it. However, I think it has to be quite a strong RF signal and/or very close to the pacemaker.

I also understand that this theoretical interference should not usually cause the pacemaker to stop working, but just temporarily 'upset' it. For example if you are too close to an induction hob.

If it was me I would consider fitting some sort of earthed shielding around all transformers. Also try not to carry the controller around with you, and definitely not hang it around your neck.

Have a look at this

https://www.nhstaysidecdn.scot.nhs.uk/N ... noSaveAs=1

My uncle (When he was alive) had a defribulator fitted and also all my cousins on that side of the family have and they are not allowed to pass the shop security scanners they have near the doors (The staff have to turn them off to allow them to shop) or scanners at airports.

They were not told they had to keep away from ordinary transformers though but I believe they were watned to only use mobile phones from a distance on loudspeaker and they were not supposed to travel under pylons and things like that but how can they avoid doing that?

Realistically though they have had no real issues since they were fitted other then the devices kicking in to restart their hearts when their harts have played up. My nephew said it was really scary when this happens as it is unexpected and really packs a punch!

Thank you very much for all your replies to date.
On reflection I agree with RogerB and I should wait for the hospital to get back to me.
After all they have my medical records should know how a transformer would affect me.
That is once they find out any information.
They did say a television remote was OK but it is only powered by very low battery power as all remotes in that sphere.
I do hope I can continue as I need my railway more than ever.
Moreland

Obviously don't act on my advice without expert verification, but.... I have a friend who has an implanted defibrillator. He was advised to avoid carrying his mobile phone in his left side jacket or shirt pocket and to avoid proximity to transformers as used to step down national grid voltage to domestic supply voltages. He can, they say carry his phone in his right shirt pocket, the implant is upper left near his shoulder.

I hope you can get technical advice on this but remember the inverse square law applies, so if you can mount your transformer away from where you sit/stand to control the layout that will greatly reduce any affect it may have. At 2 metres away it will have 99% less affect than at 20cm away. Proximity is all in this.

Thank you Geof,

When I get up in the loft I will move transformer away from where I normally sit.
At present still have stitches in.
Any help most grateful.

Moreland

greatwestern wrote: ↑Tue Apr 05, 2022 11:18 am Thank you Geof,

When I get up in the loft I will move transformer away from where I normally sit.
At present still have stitches in.
Any help most grateful.

Moreland

I think that is all you need to do. Just move it so it is a little further away. Problem solved.