2044
RF DETECTOR


Click on the red button for a close-up
showing the controls in detail.

The 2044 ambient radio frequency (RF) level detector detects the presence of many types of RF, Carrier Current and Infrared (IR) transmitters. The unit consists of the main amplifier/detector assembly, a multisection RF antenna with extension cable/probe, a carrier current probe, an optical probe, headset, battery charger and carrying case. Three methods of detection can be accomplished with the 2044. These are by audio feedback, relative signal strength and audible/visual alarm.

AUDIO FEEDBACK:
When the transmitter hears the audible hiss from the speaker of the 2044 it, in turn, is detected by the 2044 and the process rapidly repeats until an audible feedback is established. To operate in this mode set the controls as follows:

METER SENSITIVITY 5
LIMIT FULLY CCW
ZERO DOESN'T MATTER
THRESHOLD 12 O'CLOCK
ALARM (SWITCH) OFF
VOLUME 10 O'CLOCK

Use the extension cable/probe to connect the multisection RF antenna (YELLOW BNC connector) to the ANTENNA jack. Extend two or three of the larger or heaviest antenna sections and leave the rest collapsed. Turn the POWER ON. A hiss or collection of local radio and/or TV stations will be heard from the loudspeaker on the back of the 2044. Reduce the volume slightly if the noise level is too loud but keep the setting of the VOLUME control between comfortable and loud.

If the signal on the meter exceeds 1.0 (full scale) on position 5 of the METER SENSITIVITY switch slowly rotate the LIMIT control clockwise until the meter reads between .95 and 1.0 (the last two lines on the meter scale). Note that when the LIMIT control is in use the YELLOW light emitting diode (LED) to the left of the control illuminates. Sweep an area four to five feet wide by passing the antenna over the area in a vertical position; then horizontal; then perpendicular. Pass the antenna over all objects in the search area, such as chairs, desks, lamps, etc., that could possibly conceal a transmitter. If feedback develops (a loud squeal) reduce the VOLUME until it stops and move in the direction that causes the feedback to be reestablished. By repeating this process the microphone in the transmitter will be located. Bear in mind that the actual transmitter may be some distance from the microphone.

IR light beam devices can be located using the same method. Disconnect the antenna cable by turning the BNC plug one-quarter turn counterclockwise and pulling out. Insert the IR probe (RED BNC connector) into the OPTICAL PROBE and ANTENNA jacks. Turn off any fluorescent lights (incandescent lamps are O.K.) by removing the light bulbs. Turn OFF the power to the lights when removing the bulbs and then turn it back on.

The IR probe "sees" an area two feet in diameter at a distance of three feet. Stand three feet from the search area and pass the probe back and forth in an overlapping motion. Feedback will develop if an active source is detected. Reduce the VOLUME and reestablish feedback to locate the exact source. Remove the IR probe from the 2044 once the sweep is complete.

Search for carrier current devices by connecting the 2044CC (BLUE BNC connector) to the ANTENNA and OPTICAL PROBE jacks. Connect either the power line or telephone line cable to the 2044CC. Check the power and telephone lines again listening for feedback.

SIGNAL LEVEL:
The 2044 will measure the ambient RF level in any given area. The headset may be used during this test to actually listen to signals. Set the controls as follows:

METER SENSITIVITY 2
LIMIT FULLY CCW
ZERO AS REQUIRED
THRESHOLD 12 O'CLOCK
ALARM (SWITCH) OFF
VOLUME 9 O'CLOCK
FILTER LOW

Turn the POWER ON. Rotate the ten turn ZERO control until the meter reads zero (0). Use the right angle BNC adapter to connect the RF antenna directly to the ANTENNA jack and plug the headset into the PHONES jack. Extend two or three of the heavier antenna sections as before. Adjust the VOLUME to a comfortable level. If the meter goes beyond full scale (1.0) rotate the METER SENSITIVITY switch clockwise until until the meter reads on-scale i.e. below 1.0. If the METER SENSITIVITY switch reaches position 5 and the meter is still reading beyond full scale rotate the LIMIT control slowly clockwise until the meter reads between .95 and 1.0 (the last two lines on the meter scale). Note that the YELLOW limit LED lights. Sweep the area.

ALARM:
The 2044 has a unique and patented (#4093920) alarm system. The purpose of the alarm is to alert the user that the ambient RF level in the vicinity of the 2044 has increased i.e. someone has entered the area carrying or wearing a transmitter. To use this mode set the controls as follows:

METER SENSITIVITY 2
LIMIT FULLY CCW
ZERO AS REQUIRED
THRESHOLD FULLY CLOCKWISE
ALARM (SWITCH) OFF
VOLUME FULLY COUNTERCLOCKWISE
FILTER LOW

Turn the POWER ON. Rotate the ZERO control until the meter reads zero (0). Place the 2044 in a position that allows the RED LED located above the word ALARM to be easily seen. Use the right angle BNC adapter to connect the antenna to the ANTENNA jack and extend three or four of the larger sections. Place it nearest to the area of interest i.e. the front of a desk or under a chair. Set the METER SENSITIVITY switch so the meter reads between .2 and .7 (midway between .6 and .8). Use the maximum sensitivity possible i.e. towards position 1. IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible and acceptable to suppress the meter zero by rotating the ZERO control counterclockwise.

Use the lowest METER SENSITIVITY position and zero suppression (counterclockwise) to accomplish the .2 to .7 setting. If the meter reads beyond .7 in position 5 shorten the antenna until it does. The ZERO control will have little effect in positions 4 and 5. Once the relative level has been set, rotate the THRESHOLD slowly counterclockwise until the ALARM light begins to flash. Next, rotate it counterclockwise roughly one-eighth inch (one-sixteenth of a turn) from that point. The light should now be out.

If the ambient RF level increases i.e. a transmitter is brought into the vicinity of the 2044, the light will begin flashing. Placing the ALARM (SWITCH) in the INSTANT position will cause an audible alarm to sound whenever the light flashes. Bear in mind that the ambient RF level will increase when a transmitting CB, taxi, etc. drives by or a pilot using his or her radio passes overhead. Each time they transmit the RED LED will flash and the alarm sound. The 2044 contains a patented circuit to overcome this problem. By placing the ALARM (SWITCH) in the DELAY position the alarm will sound only when the ambient RF level in the immediate vicinity of the 2044 has been increased for 20 to 30 seconds. This time period automatically resets each time the transmission ceases. It is most likely that anyone carrying or wearing a transmitter will keep it ON continuously.

Here are some miscellaneous notes:

TELEPHONE TRANSMITTERS:
Adjust the 2044 for the AUDIO FEEDBACK mode. Insert the antenna into the unit and extend one or two of the heaviest or larger diameter sections. Insert the antenna through 4 or 5 turns of the handset coil cord nearest the handset. Lift the telephone handset and listen for feedback or the dial tone. Neither should be heard. Repeat using 4 or 5 turns of the handset cord nearest the telephone.

TRACKING TRANSMITTERS:
Adjust the 2044 for the SIGNAL LEVEL mode. Pass the antenna slowly over all parts of the car while looking for pulsating signals on the meter. Bear in mind that a continuously transmitting voice unit may be attached to the car in which case the ambient level will increase continuously.

BATTERIES AND CHARGER:
The 2044 is powered by rechargeable gel-cell batteries that supply well over 50 hours of operation before recharging is necessary. If, when the unit is turned ON, the GREEN LED to the right of the POWER ON switch fails to light or the light flickers when the VOLUME is turned up it is time to recharge the batteries. Insert the connector (WHITE) on the POWER SONIC charger into the jack on the back of the 2044 and plug the charger into a wall outlet (110 volts 60 Hz AC). Both the POWER ON and FAST CHARGE LEDs will light. After several hours of charging the FAST CHARGE LED will go out and the charger will automatically switch to float charge. The FAST CHARGE LED may pulse on and off occasionally. The 2044 can be operated while the batteries are charging. Always unplug the charger from the wall socket and 2044 when not in use.

PACKING:
Always put the main assembly into the padded carrying case so the meter is closest to and faces the outside edge of the case nearest the latches. This will prevent any accessory from damaging the meter should it slip about.

CARRYING HANDLE:
The handle can be moved to other operating positions by pulling out gently where the handle meets the sides of the case and rotating to the desired position.

BACK TO PRODUCTS      HOME

8/09