. This includes 3.5, 2.4 and 1.2 GHz covert cameras and bugs, 2.4, 1.8, and 0.9 GHz cell phones and wireless phones; 300-400 MHz walkie-talkies, car keys and garage door openers; 70-150 MHz FM transmission; 49 MHz bugs and even 27 MHz citizen-band transmissions. Detection at 2.4 GHz is so sensitive, it will detect an operating “sealed” microwave oven at 12 to 15 meters away and pick-up 2.4 GHz covert transmitting bugs at 8+ meters distance.
The unique feature of the Zap Checker 270 is the ability to use special antennas, band pass filters and attenuators through an SMA coaxial input connector. Depending upon the frequency and directionality of the externally connected antenna, the ZC-270 becomes a highly directional frequency-specific instrument which is ideal for counter-surveillance detection.
The optional 1.8 – 6.4 GHz Log-Periodic Antenna available with the ZC-270 boosts the sensitivity by 3 times. It also narrows the directional detection characteristics of the ZC-270 to a longer, thinner scan pattern directed along the long axis of the antenna. With prior instrumentation it was necessary to “sweep” a room by moving the detection device from 30 to 70 cm away from the walls, ceiling and floor in a raster scanning mode, similar to the travel of an electron-beam in a television CRT. That is time consuming and back-straining work! Using the Zap Checker 270 with antenna, the covert device can be initially detected from 8+ meters away. That is outside the room or at the door. Then, from the door itself, the walls, ceiling and floor can be scanned by pointing the directional antenna and hand-sweeping the room. Now we can “SWEEP THE ROOM FROM THE DOOR”, detecting the direction of the covert transmitter from a distance.
Once the direction of the covert device is detected, we move closer to it while decreasing the gain using the sensitivity controller, keeping the signal measurement within the limits of the meter scale. When we are so close that the meter reading is constantly at the highest level, we reset the ZC-270 to a wider-dynamic-range by switching to the LOG detection mode. In the LOG mode it is possible to pinpoint the bug up to a few cm away without overwhelming the instrument by the high signal level at such close proximity. If the signal is too strong, use the SMA connector to screw on an external attenuator in series between the antenna and the ZC-270. Use as many attenuators as necessary to control the signal level for accurate detection. Now we can identify that tiny hole in the wall as the pinpoint opening to a covet camera or microphone!
SPECIFICATIONS
High sensitivity – with a maximum sensitivity of 100 uV
( to detect RF signals down to ambient, baseline levels.)
10 MHz to 4.5 GHz broad frequency spectrum.
Manual/electronic switching between antenna inputs.
2 internal, fixed antennas that do not require any
adjustments.
A switch-selected SMA coaxial connector for external antenna
inputs - 50 ohm impedance, dc isolated.
An adjustable sensitivity control – ( 26 dB variable
attenuator.)
3 detection modes:
a. Linear – displaying 12 dB of the weakest signals.- For detecting weak signals.
b. LOG – displaying 60 dB of signal strengths.- For pinpointing signal sources.
c. MID – intermediate sensitivity and dynamic range.- For moderate signal readings.
2 Display Modes – An Analog meter and colored LED’s (which are readable from a distance and at nighttime).
A switch-enabled silent vibrator - with vibrations modulated by the signal strength.
1.8 – 6.4 GHz Log Periodic antenna, when used with the SMA connector, will
give ~3 times enhanced signal strength along the long axis
of the antenna.
The Log Periodic antenna provides improved signal reception up to 4.5 GHz (the
upper limit of the ZC-270.)