GB2112531A - Apparatus for detecting use of installation of a surveillance device - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device comprising a portable housing including battery operated transmitter detector means in the lid part (3) and audio detecting means (4) in the base part (5).

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device The invention relates to apparatus for detecting use of installation of a surveillance device.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device, comprising a portable housing in which is installed battery operated means for detecting electrical or electro-magnetic frequencies emanating from or used in conjunction with an aural surveillance device.

It will be understood that the term "aural" used herein includes both frequencies which are audible to the human ear unaided, and to those frequencies which are not audible to the unaided human ear.

The portable housing may include a base part with an attached closable lid part. This construction is relatively simple and provides for an attach6 kind of case whereby the apparatus is readily portable.

The base part may include the means for detecting said electrical or electro-magnetic radiation.

The lid part may include the means for detecting said electrical or electro-magnetic radiation.

The base part and the lid part may each include separate means for detecting said electrical or electro-magnetic radiation. In this embodiment, the means in one part, preferably the lid part, may include a first electrical or electro-magnetic detection means which may comprise a transmitter detector while the means in the other part, preferably the base part, may include a second electrical or electro-magnetic detection means which may comprise a wiring and telephone line or instrument analyser.

The base part may include a charging unit.

The base part and lid part may be disengageable.

This construction provides apparatus in which the first and second means may function independently, which provides ease of use in detecting a surveillance device or devices and allowing two users to carry out different detection operations simultaneously in different areas.

The base part and lid part may be permanently hinged together, or may be detachable one from the other by means which allows them to be assembled so that when so assembled with the first and second means interiorly of the apparatus, the apparatus present an unobtrusive external appearance.

Apparatus embodying the invention is hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a perspective view of the apparatus.

Referring to the drawing there is shown apparatus 1 for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device, comprising a portable housing in the form of a carrying case in which is installed battery operated means for detecting electrical or electro-magnetic frequencies emanating from or used in conjunction with an aural surveillance device, the means comprising a first means 2 in a lid part 3 of the case which first means 2 is a transmitter detector and a second means 4 in a base part 5 of the case which second means 4 is for detecting general surveillance devices including audio devices on mains, telephone lins and other wiring, concealed microphones and the like, devices activated by tone or high voltage, telephone and intercom listening devices, including audio attachments, non-transmitting taps and hook switch by-passes.

The first means 2 is for detecting AM, FM, SSB and subcarrier transmitters in rooms, on telephone lines, mains or other wiring.

The lid part 3 and base part 5 are hinged together by a hinge 6 and each part has a carrying handle 7 respectively so a double carrying handle is provided when the apparatus is closed with the first and second means interiorly thereof and so that the lid part 2, and base part Scan be carried separately if the two parts are separated if the hinge is of the kind which enables the two parts 3 and 5 to be detached one from another.

The first means 2 includs antennae 8 which are plug-in with a knuckle joint 9 and telescopic so that they can be extended as shown for use. Inputs to the detector are antenna RF inputs with BNC type connectors, one for each frequency range including an internal wire loop. The same inputs are used for external probes and wandering or hand held antennae.

The RF sensitivity is from 2 ffi V to in excess of 2 m V while tuning is automatic up to 1.4 GHz with the ability to tune manually over the entire spectrum. Bandwidth incorporates automatic tuning at 10 - 30 KHz with manual tuning being selectable at 5, 10,50 or 300 KHz. The frequency range which can be detected using the transmitter detector or first means is as follows: Frequency Demodulating Frequency Demodulating Range Range 5/6 KHz-300MHz AM 300MHz-900MHz AM FM FM Sub-carrier AM/FM SSB Sub-carrier FM/AM Frequency Demodulating Frequency Demodulating Range Range 5/6 KHz-300MHz USB 900MHz-4GHz AM LSB FM Sub-carrier range 0.200 KHz The second means includes two LCD displays, one for main carrier frequency and one for sub-carrier frequency.The first means 2 includes an integral, electronic, spectrum analyser which is a memory module incorporating all the necessary circuitry for decoding, drive and interface functions. The display comprises a dot matrex LCD resolving at least 256 bits horizontally and 16 bits vertically in the embodiment shown. The spectrum analyser of this first means 2 enalbes a scan of a certain RF frequency to be stored in the memory and recalled at a different time/location providing the same frequency limits are used. The difference between RF readings are displayed so providing direct indication of a new and possibly previously unknown or unregistered transmission to be detected.

The first means also includes battery and tuning indicators, an audio circuit including a IW amplifier and speaker (for use when the first means is used independently), headphones (which by-pass the integral speaker) and a multi-way connector for tape recorder and remote tuning control. The first means enables detection of surveillance transmitters which are "tucked under" already used frequencies, or transmitted on carriers of their own.

Each function in the lid part 3 is contained in an individual housing with its own circuit boards so making the first means of the modular construction. The modules may each be removed individually for monitoring transmissions whose location would otherwise be inaccessible.

The integral spectrum analyser can allow remote tuning and detection of transmission over telephone systems by utilising suitable equipment connected to the analyser and acoustically coupled into a standard telephone. This enables a target area to be monitored, while a complementary system at a remote station where there is an analyser coupled into the system enables the target area to be dialled or keyed up, so detecting any surveillance devices. The data link between the two analysers is by encoded tones and is thus independent of physical or tone restrictions on use.

The second means 4 in the base part 5 includes an inclined display section 10 of its fascia panel. The second means 4 has two double side printed circuit boards (not shown) one contaning liquid capitai bar-graph and digital displays together with logic circuits, the other contaning logic switches and variable controls. The boards are mounted resiliently on a rigid frame and sub-panel assembly of the base part 5 with the fascia panel on top.

The second means 4 has a measure which utilises a 0-1999 readout auto-ranging multimeter to measure parameters of voltage, current, resistance and capacitance. There is a "peak hold" facility to aid an operator when testing wiring in inaccessible areas, whereby he can connect and disconnect test probes 11 and then take a reading. The second means includes a reset button.

All the function and range indicators of the second means 4 are included in the LCD display, there being separate displays for pF and uF.

The second means 4 also includes a telephone line voltage display, telephone line current display, store/comparator facility, audio amplifier, speaker, mains check, line tester/wiring check, tone activator including siusoidal sweep output via probes or speaker and a pulser, and a high voltage output.

Both the first and second means 2 and 4 are each powered, in the embodiment shown by six rechargable lead and cyclon 2V x 2.5Ah cells, the batteries of the first means 2 being charged via a connecting lead 12 from the second means 4.

The apparatus includes a pressure relief valve for safety when transported or stored in unpressurised situations such as some aircraft cargo holds.

CLAIMS (Filed on 23 Dec. 1982) 1. Apparatus for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device, comprising a portable housing in which is installed battery operated means for detecting electrical or electro-mechanical frequencies emanating from or used in conjunction with an aural surveillance device as herein defined.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1,the housing including a base part with an attached closable lid.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, the base part including means for detecting said frequencies.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 2, the lid part including the means to detect the electrical or electro-mechanical radiation.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 1, the base part and the lid part each including separate means for detecting the electrical or electro-mechanical radiation.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, the lid part including a first electrical or electro-magnetic detection means including a transmitter detector and the base part including a second electrical or electro-magnetic detection means including a wiring and telephone line or instrument analyser.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including a charging unit.

8. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 7, the base part and lid part being disengageable one from the other.

9. Apparatus for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device, substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. Both the first and second means 2 and 4 are each powered, in the embodiment shown by six rechargable lead and cyclon 2V x 2.5Ah cells, the batteries of the first means 2 being charged via a connecting lead 12 from the second means 4. The apparatus includes a pressure relief valve for safety when transported or stored in unpressurised situations such as some aircraft cargo holds. CLAIMS (Filed on 23 Dec. 1982)

1. Apparatus for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device, comprising a portable housing in which is installed battery operated means for detecting electrical or electro-mechanical frequencies emanating from or used in conjunction with an aural surveillance device as herein defined.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1,the housing including a base part with an attached closable lid.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, the base part including means for detecting said frequencies.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 2, the lid part including the means to detect the electrical or electro-mechanical radiation.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 1, the base part and the lid part each including separate means for detecting the electrical or electro-mechanical radiation.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, the lid part including a first electrical or electro-magnetic detection means including a transmitter detector and the base part including a second electrical or electro-magnetic detection means including a wiring and telephone line or instrument analyser.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including a charging unit.

8. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 7, the base part and lid part being disengageable one from the other.

9. Apparatus for detecting use or installation of a surveillance device, substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.