PAXBoy,
They aren't a very good substitute. A much better one is the one used for testing medical implants at 2.5 GHz (ETSI EN 301 559 - ETSI is the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, near Antibes.)
Table A.1
Frequency 2,5 GHz
Quantity (%)
H20 63,9
Sugar 34
NaCl 0
HEC (see note) 2
Bacteriacide 0,1
Total 100
NOTE: Hydroxyethylcellulose.
The tube shall have a length of 1,7 m ± 0,1 m and an internal diameter of 300 mm ± 5 mm with side wall thickness of 1,5 mm 0,5 mm.
To reduce the weight of the simulated man it may be possible to use an alternative tube that has a hollow centre of 200 mm maximum diameter.
But I suppose potatoes are easier......But I doubt very much that we will use write them into ETSI or CENELEC or ISO standards!
You might guess that I am professionally heavily involved these days with wireless medical applications, standards and regulations.....
Merry Christmas to all..