Alan Broadband Company - Zap Checker

Alan Broadband Company was established in the fall of 2001. Our initial product, the Zap Checker Model 180 RF field tester was initiated by the desire to give the best FRS walkie-talkies as Christmas gifts. Having tested a number of field strength meters, which could only give rudimentary transmitter measurements in the near field, we were inspired to design a more sensitive, broadband RF tester using the newer ICs that had just come to the market.

The Zap Checker Model 180, (ZC 180) developed after several prototypes, was a success in the Silicon Valley area when first introduced in March 2002. Computer wireless devices, wireless cameras, data transmitting devices, and industrial espionage apparatus were beginning to be used in this region at that time.

The ZC 180 is the first hand-held device to effectively detect higher frequency transmitting “bugs” and cameras from more than 8 meters. It is particularly effective in the 2.4 and 1.2GHz bands where covert devices are often used. Since it measures down to ambient RF levels (baseline levels usually due to FM and TV broadcasts in the area), and detects low level signals that just exceed that baseline, it has become a first-line counter-surveillance instrument.

The Zap Checker Model 270 (ZC 270), first introduced in May 2003, is based on the suggestions of a number of security professionals. The ZC 270 has improved basic sensitivity, bandwidth and features of the ZC 180, but also provides an electronically switched coaxial input connector. Different frequency-specific and highly directional antennas can be used on the ZC 270 to home in on micro-mill watt transmitting devices from a distance. The ZC 270 is available with an optional 1.8 – 6.4 GHz directional Log-Periodic antenna.

We are currently working on a larger hand-held counter surveillance instrument for more sophisticated counter-surveillance detection.

Alan Broadband Company
93 Arch Street
Redwood City
CA 94062
USA

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Website: www.zapchecker.com

Articles by Alan Broadband Company - Zap Checker:

Alan L. Susal Surveillance Devices SURVEILLANCE - STRAIGHT TALK When faced with the challenge of finding a covert device, there are dozens of counter-surveillance products to choose from to help with the quest. The plethora of these products is mind-boggling. Many boast unsubstantiated claims and non-standardized specifications – making it hard for even the professional to choose from among them. It is no wonder the uninitiated security person is confused and misled by the hype associated with all these counter-surveillance instruments.
Alan L. Susal Counter Surveillance COUNTER SURVEILLANCE DETECTION - A SECOND LOOK We are monitored daily by surveillance devices that are scanning us. We welcome the security afforded by some of this surveillance (identifying bank-robbers), may feel ambivalent about other applications (recording traffic violations) and feel downright hostile toward surveillance, which infringes on our personal privacy (covert cameras in hotel rooms and restrooms). In the world of business and government, covert surveillance can reverse a company’s competitive edge, tip-off antagonists to critical design and strategy, threaten lives and even change the course of history.
Alan L. Susal Surveillance Devices COUNTER SURVEILLANCE DETECTION A PRIMER In recent years, it has become increasingly easier to install and use surveillance devices such as covert cameras and transmitting audio “bugs”. Surveillance devices have mushroomed in number in domestic use, businesses and government fields. This proliferation of surveillance apparatus adversely affects the privacy of everyone.