ZAP CHECKER USER MANUAL

UNIQUE FEATURES

 The ZAP CHECKER is a quality instrument that detects and displays electric field strengths with uniquely high sensitivity, similar to a broadband receiver. It provides relative linear and logarithmic measurements of electromagnetic fields over a wide spectrum of frequencies. Its unique features include:

1- Detection and display of electromagnetic transmitted waves over a wide spectrum of frequencies scanning from 10MHz to over 4.5Ghz, including cellular phones and wireless phones, FM, TV and short wave broadcasts, microwave ovens, wireless computer devices, ham radio, police and service bands, and transmitting surveillance and spying devices such as hidden microphones, phone bugs and hidden video cameras.  

2- High sensitivity with the ability to detect signals from cellular phones and covert “bugs” at more than 20+feet, transmissions from “sealed” microwave ovens at 40+ feet, from FRS walkie-talkies at 60+ feet, and from ham radio transceivers at 80+ feet.  

3- Simultaneous display of a wide range of signal strengths from weak devices (such as wireless home phones) to strongly radiating sources (such as microwave data transmitters and radar). Wide dynamic range display in the LOG (logarithmic) mode covering a 1000 to 1 input signal range, as well as a highly sensitive mode where only the weak signals are examined. The highly sensitive LINEAR mode displaying the weak signals over a 3 to 1 input signal range.

4- Input signal strengths in both the LOG mode and the LINEAR mode, adjustable by using a sensitivity control.

5- Radiated field strengths displayed on both an analog meter and colored Light-Emitting Diode (LED) displays. The LED display produces better readability from a distance and in dim light such as nighttime.

6- A silent vibrator mode allowing the instrument to be used to detect radiated electric fields (as from a hidden camera or microphone transmitter) without viewing the display. The silent vibrator mode is independently switched ON or OFF.

7- Economical - operating for more than 80 hours on 2 AA alkaline batteries.

8- Convenient size - small, portable, and light enough to slip into a pocket or purse.

 

GETTING TO KNOW THE ZAP CHECKER  

1.  METER DISPLAY The analog meter gives a relative reading of electromagnetic signal strength in either linear or logarithmic modes.

2.  LEDs   Two Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used to give a relative signal strength indication for viewing at a distance or in low light conditions. The LED display directly correlates with the analog meter readings. The green LED illuminates brightly with little or no meter reading and progressively dims as the meter reading becomes stronger. The red LED begins to illuminate at moderate meter readings and progressively gets brighter at stronger signal levels.

3.  SILENT VIBRATOR SWITCH The silent-vibrator switch turns the silent vibrator mode ON or OFF.

4.  LOG-LINEAR SWITCH   In the LOG (logarithmic) mode the display spans a greater than one-thousand-to-one input signal range, covering a range from weak to strong signals. In the LINEAR mode the display provides an expanded sensitivity scale. Weak to moderately weak signals are displayed in the LINEAR mode.

5.  OFF-SENSITIVITY CONTROL The ON-OFF switch for the instrument is coupled with the SENSITIVITY control. The sensitivity control adjusts the amplification of the ZAP CHECKER over a 10 to 1 signal range (20dB).

6.  BATTERY COMPARTMENT The rear battery door allows access to the battery compartment that holds two (2) AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended.

7.  FREE –STANDING DESIGN The flattened bottom enables the instrument to be placed upright on its end allowing the meter display and LED displays to be visible from a distance.

 

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

GETTING STARTED 

1   Install two AA alkaline batteries in the indicated direction by opening the rear battery door. Batteries installed in the wrong direction will damage the instrument. Rechargeable batteries (which have a lower voltage) will not work.

2   Turn on the ZAP CHECKER by rotating the OFF-SENSITIVITY control to the right.

USING THE ZAP CHECKER

Rotate the OFF-SENSITIVITY control from low to high to adjust the sensitivity of the instrument over a 10 to 1 signal range.

Choose either the LOG (logarithmic) or LINEAR display modes for viewing. (See USEFUL TIPS for choosing the appropriate mode).

    In the LOG mode the display spans a more than 1000:1 input signal range. At the lowest meter readings the instrument displays the weakest signals. With a low-to medium meter reading (in the LOG mode) the meter displays signal strengths, which are 10 times greater than the weakest signals. At the medium-high meter readings the display corresponds to signals which are 100 times the strength of the weakest signals. With the highest meter readings (in the LOG mode) the display represents signals that are approximately 1000 times the weakest signal level. 

     In the LINEAR mode the meter display corresponds to very weak to moderately weak electromagnetic signals in an expanded (more linear) manner. The signal level at the higher end of the LINEAR mode display corresponds to the lower end of the scale in the LOG mode.

SILENT VIBRATOR MODE 

The silent-vibrator mode ON/OFF switch is located on the right side of the ZAP CHECKER case. The silent-vibrator is used when it is difficult to view the displays or when it is desirable not to be noticed when monitoring the electric field strength. Once a threshold level is exceeded the vibrator turns on and operates in a pulsating manner. The strength of the vibrations increases with an increase in electric field strength.

USEFUL TIPS  

The LINEAR mode is preferable for detecting weak signals. The SENSITIVITY control is used to adjust the input signal strength to a readable level on the displays.  

The LOG mode is preferable for viewing a wide dynamic range of signal levels. These signals vary from the weakest signals to much stronger signals (1000 times the weakest level).

As a working example - an unknown radiating source would first be detected using the LNEAR mode with a high SENSITIVITY setting. The SENSITIVITY control would progressively be decreased as the transmitter is approached. Closer to the transmitter the LINEAR display would be constantly at the highest level. At that point, by switching to the LOG mode, the display resets to a lower level. The LOG display then slowly increases as the transmitting source is approached.

It is possible to identify digital transmissions when the green and red LEDs light alternatively in the LINEAR mode. (The rapid switching of the digital signals is less apparent in the LOG mode where the switched signals represent only a small portion of the displayed scale). Digital or analog cellular phone transmissions can best be identified in the LINEAR mode.

Higher frequencies with shorter wavelengths are often observed to give wide swings in signal strength with small movements or rotation of the ZAP CHECKER. Reflected radio waves from interior walls or the sides of buildings will add to this effect. Wide variations in signal strength with small movements of the instrument is an indication the detected signals are probably at higher frequencies.

The ZAP CHECKER contains an internal antenna, by which sensitivity may vary according to antenna orientation.

The ZAP CHECKER is ideal for detecting “hot” spots (high signal areas) and “cold” or “dead” spots (low signal areas) in a radiated field. This is especially helpful when installing wireless computer equipment where the placement of the transmitting and receiving devices can be optimized for better communications. 

The wide bandwidth of the ZAP CHECKER enables the instrument to receive signals simultaneously over a large frequency range. These signals are all added together to give the signal strength reading. Thus, a comprehensive (summed) display of radiated signals within the bandwidth is presented on the meter regardless of the frequency. This gives an appreciation of all the radiated signals in the location of the instrument.

The summation of very weak signals (that normally would not register on the display) can produce an elevated baseline such that another weak signal becomes detectable on the instrument. In this manner a very weak signal is sometimes detectable although it is too weak for detection by itself.

The SENSITIVITY control of the ZAP CHECKER is more effective at frequencies below 1.5 GHz. At higher frequencies the signal levels are harder to control. Less variability with the SENSITIVITY control is an indication the ZAP CHECKER is detecting a higher frequency.

 

USES FOR THE ZAP CHECKER  

DETERMINING EXPOSURE TO RADIATED ELECTRIC FIELDS

Electromagnetic radiation is pervasive in the environment, emanating from cellular and wireless phones, wireless computer devices, microwave ovens, radar and microwave transmissions, television and radio transmissions, to name a few. Continuous exposure to some or all of these transmissions is unavoidable. Even the best “sealed” microwave ovens produce surprisingly high radiation signals.
      The ZAP CHECKER provides a new perspective on ambient signal levels by making it possible to detect and compare the fields transmitted by such ordinary devices as microwave ovens, cell phones, wireless phones, and baby-monitoring devices. The signal strength from wireless devices can be measured from various distances. This information is useful in determining the placement of objects in a room – from a baby crib in a nursery to a desk in an office.
      Warning:  Do not place the ZAP CHECKER inside an operating microwave oven! This would “ZAP” the instrument, rendering it inoperable.

 

ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE  The ZAP CHECKER can be used for detecting audio and video surveillance devices, phone bugs and hidden transmitting cameras. It is also possible to monitor hotel rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms, etc., for hidden transmitting cameras and microphones, ensuring greater personal and industrial privacy. The portability of the ZAP CHECKER makes it easy to detect transmitting devices that may be concealed on individuals as well. The Silent Vibrator mode enables the unobserved monitoring of individuals or meeting sites for covert transmitters.    

HAM (AMATEUR) RADIO OPERATION  The ZAP CHECKER provides several applications for the amateur radio operator. Its high sensitivity allows the instrument to be used for precisely tuning-up transmitters from low powered QRP rigs to Kilowatt devices. The ZAP CHECKER can be placed far enough from the transmitter so as not to affect the tuning process. The sensitivity of the ZAP CHECKER enables it to determine antenna radiation patterns. Front/back and front/side ratios can be determined at long distances from the antenna –avoiding detuning or mismatching effects. The ZAP CHECKER can also be use for feed line leakage detection.Determining the location of concealed transmitters during hidden transmitter hunts is another application of the ZAP CHECKER. In moving from a distance to a closer range to the hidden transmitter, it is best to switch between the LINEAR and the LOG modes making appropriate adjustments of the SENSITIVITY control. 

ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS Engineers and technicians whose work involves detection and evaluation of radio frequency fields can use the ZAP CHECKER for installation of wireless computer devices, alignment of satellite antennas, alignment of microwave and data transmitting antennas, detection of leakage signals or for tuning-up transmitting devices, and many other related applications.

COMMERCIAL AIRLINES Flight crews can use the ZAP CHECKER to detect and locate radiating cell phones, telecommunications devices, laptop computers, or electronic games that could interfere with airline safety or communication.

ELECTRIC UTILITIES Municipal and state agencies responsible for detecting and monitoring radio frequency interference (RFI) will find the ZAP CHECKER a useful addition to their larger and heavier detection equipment. This is especially true for linemen who need to detect RFI on cables and wires at the tops of utility poles.

SCIENCE PROJECTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS The ZAP CHECKER is an ideal instrument for school projects and demonstrations, for example;  Demonstrating the radiation effectiveness and patterns of different antennas; Using the detection of nulls and nodes in transmitted fields to determine the transmitted frequency; Demonstrating standing waves in a room or reflections from buildings; Demonstrating the attenuating or shielding properties of different materials introduced between the transmitter and the ZAP CHECKER.

DISCLAIMERS    
    The ZAP CHECKER is designed to indicate relative signal strengths of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. It is particularly useful for detecting these fields and comparing them with the radiation from known or common transmitting field sources.   
    The ZAP CHECKER is not intended for quantifying absolute values of electromagnetic radiation. To quantify absolute power levels the following apparatus is required: a spectrum analyzer, a calibrated RF power meter and calibrated antennas with reproducible radiation patterns at specified distances from the transmitter. Such measurements are beyond the scope of the ZAP CHECKER. 

CARE AND MAINTENANCE Avoid water and dusty locations; Water, liquids, moisture and excessive dust can damage your ZAP CHECKER. Do not use the device in the rain or in wet environments. Avoid rough treatment; Avoid dropping or striking the ZAP CHECKER. Do not expose the instrument to very high levels of radiation (such as the interior of an operating microwave oven). Remove the batteries; To avoid battery leakage, remove the batteries if the instrument is to be stored or inactive for more than one month.

CLEANING THE ZAP CHECKER  The plastic case of the instrument is best cleaned with a slightly moistened soft cloth and a mild soap solution. DO NOT use any cleaning solvents or excessive water. DO NOT spray liquid directly onto the instrument.  

TROUBLESHOOTING  

The ZAP CHECKER does not work at all;  
Be sure the batteries are fresh, not rechargeable, are properly installed and making good electrical contact.   
Move the ON-OFF switch back and forth a few times to ensure good contact.   
The Green LED lights up but the ZAP CHECKER does not register any signals;    
    Place the ZAP CHECKER in its most sensitive mode (with the switch in the LINEAR position and the SENSITIVITY control at its highest setting to the right). Test the ZAP CHECKER by bringing it in close proximity to an operating transmitting source such as a wireless phone, cell phone, family radio service walkie-talkie, CB transceiver, or operating microwave oven.

 

The ZAP CHECKER registers only a slight signal level;   
This may be because the ZAP CHECKER is in the LOG mode, or the SENSITIVITY control is set too low.
The radiating source may be too weak to register on the ZAP CHECKER. Move the ZAP CHECKER closer to the radiating device.

 

The Red LED lights up all the time;    
The ZAP CHECKER may be exposed to high or excessive radiation fields. Switch to the LOG mode and rotate the SENSITIVITY control to a lower setting. This may be especially true in certain urban areas where the ambient radiation levels are constantly high.
Place the ZAP CHECKER inside a partially shielded space (such as a metal cabinet or a large coffee can) to shield excessive electric fields from registering on the ZAP CHECKER.

 

The LEDs are weakly lit or display is erratic in operation; 
Check the connection of the batteries.
Replace the batteries with a fresh pair of alkaline batteries.

LIMITED WARRANTY Alan Broadband Company, hereinafter referred to as ABCom, warrants this product against defects in material or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. The warranty extends to the original purchase only and does not include any costs associated with return of the ZAP CHECKER. ABCom will replace or repair your warranty covered ZAP CHECKER at its own discretion.

 

For warranty returns send your ZAP CHECKER in a properly cushioned box along with a copy of the original sales receipt and evidence of the date it was purchased to: 

    Alan Broadband Company  93 Arch Street  Redwood City, CA  94062
    Telephone  (650)  369-9627 Fax (888)  369-9627  
    In the US or Canada send the unit by UPS, insured (or equivalent shipping).

 

The warranty does not cover:

Products, which have been opened, modified in use or incorporated into another product.

Damage due to neglect, misuse or harmful acts of nature, (i.e., floods, lightning, exposure to fire, etc.)

Batteries.

Devices purchased or operated outside the USA, its territories or Canada.

Products damaged by reverse installation of the batteries or damage caused by battery leakage.

Product damage from exposure to excessive radiation fields.

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency Range:  

 useful frequency range from less than 10MHz to over 4.5GHz.
Sensitivity Control:  More than 10 to 1 signal strength control (20dB).
LOG mode: More than 60 dB observable signal strength (1000:1).  
LINEAR mode: Better than 100-microvolt sensitivity at the lower frequencies.  
Battery Life: Approximately 80 hours. (Alkaline AA cells). Approximately 45 hours using the silent-vibrator mode.
Weight:  Less than 5.0oz. (150 gm) with batteries installed.  
Dimensions: 2.1 in. wide x 5.0 in. high x 1.25 in.thick  
(5.6 cm wide x 13 cm high x 3.1 cm thick)