Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between versions of the Delta X?

The version’s name is formed from the spectrum analyzer’s update rate and its frequency coverage. “2000/6” means 2000 MHz/sec update rate (scanning speed) and a frequency range with 6 GHz upper edge. So the advantages of the “2000/6 Real-Time” are: quicker detection, ability to detect short-time signals, ability to register short-burst digital transmissions and absence of spurious (false) signals. The frequency coverage of the “100/12” is significantly wider, making this system suitable for detecting microwave signals. The “100/4” has an affordable price and detects most of the commercially accessible RF bugging devices.

What does the “speed of detection” mean?

Some spectrum analyzers sweep frequencies quicker that others. When a new RF signal appears (for example, a remotely activated bugging device) the spectrum analyzer may still be finalizing the previous sweeping cycle so the “bug” is detected during the next cycle only. If a bugging signal exists a shorter time than the duration of the sweeping cycle, it might be missed. The spectrum analyzer’s update rate directly affects the speed of detection and ability to detect short-time signals.

How does the Delta X warn about the detected danger?

The Delta X has 4 ways of warning the operator: alarm sound, general danger bargraph, individual danger bargraphs near signals in the Signals table and the Locator function. The Signals table has a filtering feature allowing to hide safe signals and show the dangers only. The Locator can show a number of dangerous signals simultaneously and estimate the proximity to them.

When should I use the omnidirectional and when – the directional microwave antenna?

The ODA-4 omnidirectional antenna should be used in the RF Sweep and Guard 24/7 modes. It can also be used in the Signal Analyzer mode for locating the transmitter. If the signal’s frequency is above 800 MHz the MWA-6 microwave antenna may be used in the Signal Analyzer mode instead of the omnidirected antenna. In the Car Tracker Detector mode both of antennas can be applied, although the microwave antenna might be more efficient when checking the long vehicles.

What laptop should I purchase to use with the Delta X?

A Windows laptop with a screen 13-14″ is recommended to fit inside the Delta X’s suitcase. The processor should be the Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 for the “2000/6 Real-Time” version. The other 2 versions do not demand much processing power and can work with any modern processor. “2000/6 Real-Time” and “100/12” need 3 x USB ports. For the “2000/6 Real-Time” one of them should be 3.0 or 3.1. For the “100/4” 2 x USB 2.0 ports are enough.

How to guard the area 24/7?

The Guard 24/7 mode is suitable for long-time protection of the area. The Delta X system logs all the spectrum data so the information for any moment can be retrieved later. The Alarms graph can be used for analyzing the results. Please take into consideration the occupied disk space per 24 h.

What is the distance of detection should I expect?

The detection distance depends on the power of the transmitter and is 5-20 meters in most of cases. Some specific low-power and cellular signals are detected at a proximity of 2 meters. Deactivation of local sources of interferences (Wi-Fi routers, cellular phones, cordless phones, wireless devices) will help to increase the detection distance on the specific bands.

How the detected signals are placed on the Locator? Can I see the direction to the transmitter?

Shall I perform the Update Masks procedure before each sweeping?

Since the RF environment changes significantly in different areas, we recommend to update masks before each new detection. Such the false detections will be minimized. The procedure can be omited if you check the same place several times in a row.