The ABC 126 is a
professional Radio Frequency (RF) measuring instrument. It excels
at detecting and measuring all Radio Frequency signals between
1 MHz to 14 GHz.
Designed in 2005, the ABC 126 has the latest micro-IC components, pre-amplifiers,
high frequencies filters and advanced circuiting that are byproducts of the wireless
boon in electronics. It employs several stages of active detection [rather than
a diode detector] giving it extraordinary sensitivity. The sensitivity of this
instrument approaches that of a tuned receiver. Even with this high sensitivity,
it still has broadband detection capabilities that enable it to measure all signals
– irrespective of being spread–spectrum, frequency hopping, pulsing
or trunking.
High sensitivity is needed to detect
the weak signals from covert milliwatt transmitters, cell phones
and tiny hidden cameras. The newer 5.8 GHz and 2.4 GHz transmitting
devices can be detected at greater than 10-20 feet (~3-6 meters)
using the ABC 126. This allows the quick and effective security
sweeps of large conference rooms or small restrooms. Signal overload
is avoided by using a logarithmic amplifier with 1000 to 1 dynamic
signal range – making it easy to pinpoint the signal source
at its exact location.
The ABC 126 can be switched between its own, internal antennas or any external
antennas or filters. A coaxial connector enables particularly directive external
antennas to be used. The ABC 126 security package comes complete with a handy
1.8 – 6.4 GHz Log Periodic antenna. This directional antenna increases
sensitivity by 3 times in one direction. Point and detect! A custom Yagi antenna
with 8 times more sensitivity and directionality at 2.4 GHz is also available
from Alan Broadband Co.
People familiar with spectrum analyzers recognize that a large majority of RF
signals in our environment come from transmitting sources below 1.5 – 2
GHz. These sources include AM and FM radio, television, cable and satellite television,
GPS transmitters, cell phone repeaters, and utility, police, hobby, aircraft
and marine transceivers. The ABC 126 has a special band-select switch that eliminates
the reception of signals below 1.5 – 2 GHz. This clears reception of the
Field Strength Detector exclusively to signals between ~1.5 GHz to 14 GHz. This
high frequency band is more likely to contain the newer bugs and covert transmitters.
Eliminating the lower frequency signals also allows a higher sensitivity to be
used in the received high frequency band.
A mini-USB connector on the ABC 126 allows the meter reading, and AM or VCO audio
output of the device to be monitored at a remote location. The remote meter readings
or audio signals can also be used to turn on or off other security equipment
(such as video recorders or alarms). The mini-USB connector also enables the
ABC 126 to be powered from a remote +5vdc power source.
These features make the ABC 126 especially
suitable for wireless detection, wireless installations and long-distance
alignment of Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The ABC 126 is also
uniquely capable of detecting and locating interfering signals
such as from cell phones, errant RF transmissions, radio frequency
interference, utility line noise and cable leakage. A prime use for
the ABC 126 is as a first-line TSCM detector - a counter surveillance detection
apparatus that is the first instrument to use when starting a sweep or sniffing
out covert devices.
The ABC126 is supplied in a packaged
kit within a crush resistant case together with a 1.8 to 6.4 GHz
Log Periodic Antenna; 0.8 - 0.9, 1.2, 2.4 and 5.8 GHz dipole antennas,
volume controlled headphones, a mini-speaker, USB cable, SMA to
BNC adaptor, international AC power supply, and Instruction
Manual.
FEATURES of the ABC 126
Extraordinarily high sensitivity (30 uV @ 2.4 GHz, 90uV @ 5.8
GHz and 2mV @ 12GHz) for detecting the weakest transmitting RF
sources such as distant security wireless or computer wireless
signals, data transmissions and covert cameras and hidden bugs.
Wide bandwidth that extends from < l MHz to >14
GHz to include all computer wireless signals (802.11 a, b,
g, WiFi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, etc.), transmitting spying and surveillance
devices, and transmissions from police, utility, firefighters,
aircraft, and marine bands.
Differentiation between Analog and Digital Signals – A peak
- detector which enhances signal measurements from cell phones, wireless
data transmitters, hidden cameras and pulsed bug transmissions.
Unique band pass filtering system. A sharp cut-off, high frequency band pass
system that eliminates the source of most noise (signals below 1.5 GHz), and
allows the most sensitive detection of high frequency signals without noise interference
or concealment.
Electronic switching between either internal antennas or an external SMA connector
to allow for directional external antennas or filters to be used. The ABC 126
comes complete with an external 1.8-6.4 GHz log periodic antenna and 0.9, 1.2,
2.4 and 5.8 GHz dipole antennas (in addition to its internal antennas).
A Mini-USB output/input connector which enables the remote viewing of the meter
display. This signal can also be used for the remote switching of other equipment
(such as video recorders). The USB connector also outputs either the AM detector
or VCO audio signals for remote monitoring by a speaker or headphones. The USB
connector may also be used to power the ABC 126 from a remote location with a
regulated +5vdc power source.
Audio outputs which allow AM detection and signal identification by their characteristic
audio sound, as well as a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) to give an indication
of signal measurements by way of shifts in audio signal pitch.
Linear Mode Detection for far-field detection of the weakest signals (15dB dynamic
range), Log Mode Detection for pinpointing RF sources without overload (60dB
dynamic range) and INT Mode Detection for intermediate signal strengths (30dB
dynamic range).
An Analog Display meter to give easy-reading, quick identification of signal
strengths - even with rapid shifts in measurement levels. A colored LED Display
to give signal strength readings from a distance and in dimly lit locations.
The ABC 126 RF System is complete with a durable carrying case, headphones, mini-speaker,
a 1.8-6.4 GHz Log Periodic antenna, 3 dipole antennas for 0.8 - 0.9, 1.2, 2.4
and 5.8 GHz, USB cable, SMA to BNC adaptor, 100 - 240 VAC power supply,
and operating manual.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensitivity -90 dBm at 2.4
GHz, -80 dBm at 5.8 GHz, -60 dBm at 12 GHz
Bandwidth < 1 MHz to > 14 GHz useable
bandwidth. Simultaneous multiband detecting including spread
spectrum, signal hopping and trunking
Sensitivity Controller 20 dB, (10 to
1) signal range adjustment
Detection Modes LINEAR for far-field
detection of the weakest signals, 15 dB dynamic range LOG for near-field
localization and pinpointing, 60 dB dynamic range
MID for intermediate detection, 30 dB dynamic signal range
Antenna Selection
INT - internal, fixed, omnidirectional broadband
antennas. No adjustments required with telescopic antennas.
SMA - 50 ohms impedance, DC isolated; SMA female external coaxial connector
for frequency specific and/or directional antennas, screw-on filters
or attenuators
Band Select Switch The band select switch
is used to switch between a full received band or a band
of frequencies solely above 1.5 to 2 GHz. A multi-stage bandpass filter system
is used to reduce signal levels below 1.5 GHz. This filters out most “noise” allowing
exceptionally weak high frequency signals to be detected
Audio Outputs VCO - Audio-frequency
changing Voltage Controlled Oscillator
for hearing differences in detected signal levels by different pitch
levels
AM – Enhanced AM detection; RF signal characterization and identification
Analog Mode For detecting and measuring
continuously transmitted signals
Digital Mode For peak detection, identifying
and measuring digital and pulsed signals
Audio Output Jack 1V. P-P, 45 mw, 3.5
mm audio stereo jack for earphones or speakers, 15
ohms
Analog Meter Display Visual indication
of changes and levels of RF signal strength
LED Display Gradually dimming and enhanced
LED lighting depending upon detected signal strength; for
recognizing the signal strength from a distance or
in darkness.
Green LED - Maximum at low signal levels-dims as signal strength increases
Red LED – Unlit at low signal levels – gradually changes
from dim to bright as signal level gets stronger
Simultaneous lit Green and Red LEDs due to Digital
Signals with rapid
on/off switching
Mini USB Connector External meter monitoring, 0.2
to 2.7 V dc output, 1 K impedance; Can be used for CMOS switching of
digital video recorders,
1 volt P-P audio output of switch selected AM or VCO audio, 15 ohms.
+ 5 VDC (100 ma.) to the connector can externally power the ABC 126
Supplied External Antennas A 1.8
to 6.4 GHz, 9 dB gain Log Periodic antenna, plus 0.8 - 0.9, 2.4,
and 5.8 GHz dipole antennas
Accessories Volume-controlled
headphones, miniUSB cable, mini-speaker, SMA to BNC adaptor, 100
- 240 VAC power supply, in a crush resistant carrying case
Weight 5.2 oz. (156 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)
Battery Life Approximately 40 hours (2
Alkaline AA cells)
