In using the TD-53 to find a planted transmitter, turn the unit on and set the
VOLUME
so
that you can hear the “clicks”. If you are in an area of high ambient RF (from radio or TV
transmitters), you may have to set the
SENSITIVITY
switch to “
LOW
”. Walk slowly around
the room while sweeping the probe (antenna) slowly up and down from ceiling to floor. Also,
turn on the various lamps and appliances as you come to them to activate any bugs that
may be wired in.
When an RF field is detected, the meter reading and clicking rate will both increase. (If
you’re very observant, you can hear an increase in the click rate before the meter steps to
the next level.) At this time sweep the probe from side to side to get a bearing on the
transmitter direction.
Once you have an idea of the area in which the transmitter is hidden, set the
MODE
switch to “
VERIFY
” and turn the
VOLUME
up. Continue sweeping the probe. As you
approach the hidden transmitter a squealing tone will be heard. (If the increasing meter
reading was due to outside sources such as TV stations, this squealing will not be heard.)
At this point, you should have a good idea of where the bug is located. Conduct a physical
search, keeping in mind the information given in previous paragraphs.
In detecting a body transmitter, your subject would probably become suspicious if you
started waving the probe is his face. So, in a situation where a body transmitter might be
present, set up the unit ahead of time so that you or an assistant can observe the meter. (Of
course, you would keep the volume turned down.) The probe can be positioned up to 25’
away from the TD-53 by using an available extension cable. (For example - the probe could
be discreetly hidden in the target room, while the TD-53 is in another room.) If the meter
reading increases when your “friend” walks into the room, you’ll know to watch what you
say.
TELEPHONE
The telephone is suspect to many different eavesdropping attacks. Probably the best
policy is to not say anything over the phone that you don’t want the whole world to know
about. And, for goodness sakes, never say anything of a confidential nature over a cordless
or cellular phone.
Two basic types of radio bugs are available that will transmit both sides of the telephone
conversation. The series tap is installed in series with the phone line and draws its power
from the phone line. It can be installed inside the phone or anywhere along the line.
The parallel tap is placed across the line at any point or inside the telephone. It is usually
battery powered with the attendant limitations of battery powered bugs.
Both types can use the phone lines as an antenna and both are generally activated when
the phone is taken off-hook. To detect phone bugs with the TD-53, set up the unit as done
previously and fully extend the probe antenna. Place a call with the phone. (If you’ll dial the
phone’s own number, you’ll get a busy signal which can activate a VOX type bug.)
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