PDA Electronics GSM186 Mobile phone detector
  GSM186 Mobile phone detector

 Detects the presence of active GSM phones

 Quad-band operation

 Five range settings

 Advanced digital filtering for signal isolation

 LED Received Signal Strength Indication

 Display sensitivity options

 Cadenced vibration alert for covert operation
     

Product Description

With GSM phones getting ever smaller, they are increasingly being used in areas where they may compromise security. This technology is also becoming the preferred medium for bugs and other surveillance devices.

To combat these problems, PDA Electronics has developed the GSM186 mobile phone detector. On detecting activity from a GSM-based transceiver, it alerts the user by illuminating one or more LEDs. A cadenced vibrator is built in for covert use.

The 5-bar LED display shows the strongest signal detected and helps to guide the operator to its source.

The GSM186 is especially suitable:

•  for use by security personnel in Government establishments, military bases, and prisons;

•  in commercial applications such as banking, dealing rooms, and design offices;

•  for security companies who need to sweep premises for concealed surveillance devices.

Features

 Sensitivity and detection ranges
You can set the GSM186's sensitivity to match the area to be scanned to help detect GSM phones or surveillance units not only in variously sized rooms or buildings but also over much larger areas . The detection ranges vary from 300m* (Blue) down to 15m* (Red)

*Ranges quoted are line of sight to a 2 watt signal from a GSM900 phone.

 Display
The presence and strength of detected GSM phone signals are indicated by the number of LEDs illuminated on the bargraph display. The higher the signal strength, the more LEDs are illuminated.

An internal switch allow the bargraph display to function in either 2dB or 3dB steps per LED. This option allows the user to select the best display parameters for the conditions. In the 2dB setting a signal range of 10dB is accommodated whereas in the 3dB setting, a15dB signal range is catered for.

While the GSM186 is operating but there are no alarms, one of five LEDs will flash slowly to indicate the current sensitivity setting . Use the On/Reset button to step from range to range until the desired setting is shown.

 Using the GSM186
Initially set the 186 to max. sensitivity, Holding the unit upright and using your body as a shield, determine the direction of the source and move towards it. Once the current range settings indicates signal saturation, set the unit to next lower setting and repeat the procedure. This can be repeated until a range is found where a max signal cannot be obtained. The 186 is now very close to the source of the signal and it should be easy to indentify the room or cell containing the active GSM phone.
 

Specifications

Frequency bands
EGSM900 & GSM1800 ( Europe ), GSM850 & GSM1900 ( USA & Canada )

Sensitivity settings
The settings on the unt range from a max sensitivity of -60dB (Blue) to
-32dB (Red). The intermediate steps are approx -7dB.

This means that when changing from a range to the next one down there is always an overlap on the displays. The 186 requires just under 0.5 sec. to re-acquire and revalidate the signal when changing to a new sensiitivity setting.

Detection method
Pulse Envelope Demodulation with our unique Digital Signal Processing algorithms help to prevent false alarms while differentiating between strong, weak, and interfering signals.

LED indications
The 5-segment bargraph is also used to display signal strength as a steady column of lights. The higher the signal strength, the more LEDs are illuminated. The segments are colour coded for easy use in low light areas.

The five LEDs are also used to signal the selected sensitivity range.

On / Reset button
•  While the unit is turned off, a single press will turn it on .
•  To change the range setting at any time, press and hold the button down for at least a second. First the current “ sensitivity ” LED will flash, then the next in sequence, and so on. Release the button to select the range which is being indicated. Repeat as required.
•  If the vibrator has been activated, it can be temporarily silenced by a single press. The next alarm will automatically re-enable it.
•  To turn the unit off , press and hold the switch. The GSM186 will cycle through its range-setting sequence; if this returns to its beginning while the switch is still being held down, the device will switch off.

Internal switches
DIP switches on the circuit board allow the user to select the following:

Switch 1

Function

ON

Sets display steps to 3dB (total display=15dB)

OFF

Sets display steps to 2dB (total display=10dB)

Switch 2

Function

ON

No Function allocated

OFF

No function allocated

Battery life
Typically 50 hours' operation, allowing for average use of the vibrator. The GSM186 automatically powers off after 12 hours.
The Low battery LED indicates that the the cells should be replaced.

Physical
Case 85 x 46 x 16mm (length x width x depth). ABS to UL 94-HB.
Weight 59 grams (including batteries)
Battery 2 x alkaline ‘N' cells