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TSCM appointed distributor of Winkelmann countermeasures products

TSCM Services has recently been appointed as the exclusive local distributor of electronic countermeasures equipment manufactured by Winkelmann (UK).

Winkelmann equipment has been in operation since the early eighties and is mainly used by NATO, governments and large corporations in Europe. Prior to the agreement with TSCM Services, Winkelmann did not have an official representative in South Africa.

Its equipment was launched in South Africa during July 1999. Stephen Read and an engineer Russell Evans, from Winkelmann, introduced the equipment to members from government, semi-government departments as well as the corporate security sector in attendance at the launch which was held over three days from 14-16 July 1999 at the Trentbridge Room, Centurion Lake Hotel in Centurion.

Telephone line analysis

The new Winkelmann 200/B telephone line analyser and the upgraded Hawk 401 nonlinear junction detector attracted the most attention.

The telephone line analyser is unique and the only one of its kind in the world today. It can test up to 16 lines simultaneously, whether analog or digital, for illicit bugs and taps. The Central Electronics Unit (CEU) is connected to lines at the main distribution frame (MDF) while remote signal controllers (Rescons) are connected in line at the standard telephone wall sockets.

The Model 200/B classifies lines automatically, carries out tests and assesses the results using dedicated software in conjunction with Windows. All functions of the system are controlled by computer for display, analysis and storage. The software also features an audio spectrum analyser and oscilloscope.

The new Winkelmann 200/B telephone line analyser will allow professional sweep teams to work more accurately and also provide a means to verify the integrity of telephone lines on public and private exchanges, with analog or digital speech, whether constant voltage, voltage drop or dead lines.

Nonlinear junction detection

The Hawk 401 nonlinear junction detector has recently been upgraded to include a third harmonic signal and its sensitivity has been increassed to 600 mW. A nonlinear junction detector aids in the detection of off-line eavesdropping devices hidden in walls, chairs, ceilings, plants, artifacts etc and is an invaluable tool in a countermeasures survey.

A nonlinear junction detector locates potential eavesdropping devices by flooding a suspect area with a spectrally pure microwave RF signal. Various harmonic frequencies are then monitored for a reflected harmonic signal. All diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, found in amplifiers, transmitters, tape recorders and electret microphones are nonlinear devices. A junction also appears in nature when dissimilar metals come in contact with one another. Rust on a screw, the support structure in furniture, etc may also cause nonlinear junctions.

The introduction of the third harmonic on the Hawk 401 allows the operator to distinguish between a semiconductor and a false return (metal to metal).

The Hawk 401 automatically compares the second and third harmonic return signals and indicates to the operator whether the response is from an electronic or nonelectronic source. The increased sensitivity also allows for greater accuracy.

An advantage of the Hawk 401 is the fact that the unit weighs only 3,5 kg compared to other units on the market weighing up to 11 kg.

TSCM Services also offers electronic eavesdropping (debugging and sweeping) services and presents a basic course in technical surveillance countermeasures.

For details, contact Steve Whitehead of TSCM Services on telephone (012) 664 3157, fax (012) 664 3180, e-mail info@tscm.co.za

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