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ZAP CHECKER ADVANCED
Bug and covert camera detection made easy

It's difficult to know where to start with this extraordinary electronic counter-measures device, but let's say it would certainly be high on my 'wish list'. We have all seen the hi-tech movies whereby intelligence officers 'home-in' on concealed bugs and cameras using instruments more befitting to a Hollywood B Movie: lights flicker and an audible warning sounds as one nears the bug. Tension increases and the alarm and instrumentation goes haywire. Well, Zap Checker Advanced does both of these, but it also vibrates as well and has several other 'canny' features. Utilizing new integrated circuits developed for use in cell phones and wireless devices, the unit is hundreds of times more sensitive than standard field strength meters, and more sensitive than most spectrum analysers. However, it is particularly suitable for the detection of radio frequency (RF) signals from transmitting bugs and covert cameras.

The firm that makes the Zap Checker range (Eye Spy's Shop carries several variants) makes a few boasts. The packaging says: 'Zap Checker Advanced measures radiation from cell phones, microwave ovens, 'bugs' (transmitters), two-way radios etc. The range is impressive - 10MHz - 4.5GHz. It also comes with a meter and two colour LED display.

When we requested a product review, we expected quite a substantial piece of kit, especially as you would not expect much change from £450.00. When Zap Checker arrived we were not disappointed, but a little suspicious. A hand-held product with a 'Christmas-tree' like aerial did not inspire our engineer, but we were astonished by the effectiveness of this impressive 'bug hunter'.

The Zap Checker Advanced is a new generation countermeasures RF sweeper that detects and displays RF signal levels with uniquely high sensitivity, similar to a broadband receiver. It provides linear and logarithmic measurements of RF signals over a broad span of frequencies. The device allows the user to detect and measure signal strength and to distinguish between analogue and digital transmissions.

An Eye Spy employee was charged with hiding five espionage devices in a cluttered room some 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. Three transmitters (bugs) UHF, VHF and FM were carefully concealed behind books, a refrigerator and inside a hollowed-out stone slab. A spy camera attached to a 9 volt battery was transmitting, and just for good measure, we turned on an Enigma spy phone placed on a bookshelf.

We invited a total novice to attach the aerial to the Zap Checker and explained he could home-in on the bugs using the meter, light display or vibration facility, which incidentally can either sound a warning or operate silently, which is terrific if you need to monitor a location or check for a covert body-worn bug.

It took just seconds for the operator to locate the hidden camera. Within five minutes every bug had been discovered. Our member of staff had carried out a relatively tough assignment and passed with flying colours. Having the ability to reveal the presence of a bug in your office or home is one thing, having the equipment to actually find the device is far more comforting, and could provide clues as to the handler or company who actually concealed the device in the first place.

The Zap Checker Advanced is a compact battery-operated unit that can identify the simultaneous output of ALL RF transmitted signals within its wide bandwidth including cellular phones, wireless phones, analogue, pulsed, hopping, spread spectrum, trunking, TV and short wave broadcasts, computer wireless devices, wireless security systems, microwave ovens, ham radio, police and service bands, and transmitting surveillance and spying devices such as hidden cameras, transmitting bugs and covert video or data transmissions.

The Zap Checker features electronically-switched antenna selection options between its two internal antennas and its external log periodic antenna. It provides three switchable detection modes - linear (for detection from a distance), log (to sort through multiple signal sources), and mid (to home-in and pinpoint devices). It's ergonomically engineered design is small enough to fit in your pocket and it is also free-standing for convenient continuous monitoring.

Its in-built analogue meter gives a reading of radio frequency signal strength. It also provides a clearer visual display of rapid signal changes than other types of displays. Furthermore, the device has the added advantage of detecting superior weaker signals.

Continuous radio frequency signals are detected in the analogue mode. The digital mode is used when the transmitting device is broadcasting digital or rapidly pulsed analogue signals. Digital signals are distinguished from analogue signals when measurements in the digital mode are noted to be stronger than in the analogue mode.

All very interesting but the outcome is the same. Zap Checker Advanced is the best physical bug hunter at its price and can easily compete with counter-measures products costing four or five times as much. The instrument is easily carried and concealed and has a plethora of supporting functions that enables the operator to determine what type of bug is in use and the frequency it is transmitting.

Operates on two AA batteries for over 60 hours. Full instructions are easy to follow and will allow the operator to use it within seconds. It's that easy. This is no ordinary product and essential for those involved in the security world or for readers who require the assurance of a superior bug hunter.

£350.00 UK/$395.00 US/ 365.00 ROW