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TSCM Services introduces new Hawk 450 nonlinear junction detector

TSCM Services has introduced its new Hawk 450 nonlinear junction detector (NLJD). The 'Hawk', which has become the fastest selling and most popular series of nonlinear junction detectors in South Africa, was first introduced in the early 1980s for the detection of hidden electronic circuits and has undergone many development changes since those early days.

Says TSCM's Steve Whitehead, "A nonlinear junction is a junction which conducts electricity in one direction only. Such junctions occur in every electronic diode, transistor and integrated circuit. The Hawk range of nonlinear junction detectors locate concealed electronic circuits incorporating transistors and diodes whether active or inactive. The units are essentially tools for professional electronic debugging sweep teams and electronic countermeasures searches."

Adds Whitehead, "The Hawk Model 450 incorporates the very latest technology in nonlinear evaluation. Radio transmitters (RF 'bugs'), powered amplifier microphones, electronic timers all contain nonlinear junctions and will be detected by the Hawk even if they are embedded in walls, furniture and even if they are switched off.

"A pure radio frequency signal is transmitted by the Hawk and absorbed by a nonlinear junction which in turn reradiates on harmonic related frequencies which are picked up by the Hawk's sensitive receivers.

"The Hawk Model 450 distinguishes between second and third harmonic signals (false returns and metal touching metal) and displays the return signals on a bargraph. The Hawk automatically compares signals and indicates whether the response is false (green) or genuine (red). The system also produces an audio tone (Geiger-counter tone) when encountering a genuine response," he adds.

The unit is lightweight (2,3 kg) (compared to some other units weighing 11 kg) and has a variable power output of 60 mW to 1 W. The unit uses rechargeable snap-on NiMH batteries.

Says Whitehead, "With the introduction of the third harmonic detection, AM/FM demodulation, squelch control the Hawk's sophisticated display for signal comparison and higher signal output, TSCM operators now have a detector that will effectively differentiate the response from a true electronic circuit and a natural occurring metal junction."

Another key feature of the Hawk Model 450, according to Whitehead, is its portability. "Countermeasures searches can be monotonous, repetitive and stressful in certain environments, especially if the nonlinear junction detector employed is heavy and cannot properly distinguish between 'true' and 'false' returns. The new Hawk 450 NLJD incorporates innovative technology to give the user superior performance. The unit is more user-friendly than older units and technical personnel can use the system effectively within a few hours," he concludes.

TSCM Services also offer a broad range of high quality countermeasures receivers and telephone analysers for professional electronic debugging survey teams.

For details contact Steve Whitehead of TSCM Services on tel: (012) 664 3157, fax: (012) 664 3180, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.tscm.co.za

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