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Datong
Automatic bug finder
- under construction
Ranger 2 was a TSCM receiver,
also known as a bug finder, developed and
built around 1991 1 by Datong in Leeds (UK).
The device is built around
a staircase (harmonics) receiver – pioneered by competitor
Audiotel –
which is basically copied from the
Audiotel Scanlock 2000.
The digital backend of the device however, shows significant improvements
over the Audiotel design [1].
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Ranger 2 is housed in a black metal enclosure, similar to the one of its
predecessor the Ranger Model 890.
All controls and connections are located
at the front panel. The device is powered by 6 internal C-size
NiCd batteries, that can be recharged with the supplied
AC mains adapter.
The device was supplied in an unobtrusive black executive style briefcase, in which
the manuals, headset, external speaker, telescopic antenna and battery charger
were also stowed. It had to be removed from the case before operation.
A leather carrying case was available separately.
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Datong Ranger 2 was the successor to the original
Ranger Model 890, and has
an improved user interface.
In many respects, the Ranger is a direct clone of the
Audiotel Scanlock 2000,
which in turn was a polished-up remake of the
Scanlock Mark VB.
The RF front-end of the Ranger is a 100% copy of the one used in the
Scanlock 2000 [1].
It is based on the harmonics receiver, also known as the staircase receiver,
invented in 1962 by Lee Tracey
and later marketed by Audiotel.
Datong was able to use the design, as competitor
Audiotel was unable to prove
the ownership. 2
Although the analogue front-end was identical to that of the competition,
the back-end was not. The Ranger has a much better post-processing
than the Scanlock 2000, which
is something that – according to its (then) technical director –
Audiotel had
failed to do until the Scanlock ECM [1].
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Estimation based on the date codes on the components and the date of
the manuals.
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It is likely that Lee Tracey never
patented his invention, as he had a principle aversion against patents [2].
Had he done that in 1962, the patent would have expired by the
time of the dispute anyway.
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The complete kit is stowed in an unobtrusive black briefcase of the
era. It has a foam interior, in which the various items are stowed. At
the left is the receiver itself. For operation, it has to be removed from the
briefcase.
The manuals are stowed inside the case lid.
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This external speaker could be connected to the 7-pin DIN socket at the
bottom left of the front panel. It is used for generating a sound that can
be recognised by the receiver whilst scanning the frequency bands.
Although using this acoustic tone generator is very effective, it gives away
the fact that the room is being sweeped for bugs, and may alert the
eavesdropping party.
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When operating the Ranger 2, the detected audio is played via the internal
speaker of the device. As this may alert the eavesdropping party, it is
advised to use a pair of headphones instead.
The image on the right shows the small foldable headphones that came with
the device. It was supplied in a
plastic storage container.
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The receiver was usually operated with the supplied telescopic antenna
shown in the image on the right. If the receiver is connected upright,
it can be connected to the BNC socket at the top left of the front panel.
When using the receiver in horizontal position, a BNC knee-adapter should
be used.
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When sweeping a room, the receiver is usually powered by the internal
NiCd batteries, that can be recharged by the mains adapter shown in the
image on the right. It takes approx. 10 hours to fully charge the batteries.
This adapter can also be used to power the receiver directly from the mains,
but this will only work when the batteries are fully charged.
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- Exterior cleaned (stains from decomposed foam removed)
- Leaking NiCd batteries removed
- Battery compartment cleaned thoroughly
- Internal PSU problem partially resolved
- Briefcase exterior cleaned
- Briefcase interior (foam) replaced
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Thursday 08 October 2020. Last changed: Wednesday, 12 June 2024 - 12:19 CET.
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