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Automatic frequency counter
Scout is an automatic
frequency counter
for frequencies between 10 and
1400 MHz, developed and marketed by Optoelectronic, Inc.
in Boca Raton (Florida, USA). The device automatically locks to a
near-field signal that is 15 dB stronger than the current noise level
and stores it in memory.
The current Scout 40 is based on the original design of the
Scout that was released in 1991.
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The device measures just 85 x 66 x 30 mm and weight 250 grams.
It is powered by internal rechargable NiCd batteries that
can be charged with an external 9 - 12V DC power source.
Despite the limited number of controls, it has many features such as
optical indicator, acoustic indicator, vibrator, variable gate timing,
400 memory positions, etc. It also features reaction tuning,
allowing an AOR-8000 or ICOM CI-5 compatible receiver to be tuned
automatically to the frequency detected by the Scout,
using a serial data cable
connected to the data socket.
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The first Scout model was developed in 1991 and was covered by US Patent
5,471,402 [1]. It can be used to measure frequencies manually, but can
also detect intermittend transmissions in the vicinity of the device, and
register their frequencies automatically in its 400 position memory.
In addition, it has a built-in 16-segment field strength indicator,
that can be used as a bug tracer.
The device and its firmware have been improved and enhanced several
times over the years, but the exterior has remained the same.
The device is still available today (2017) as the Scout 40.
The device is well built and provides many hours of trouble-free operation
on a single battery charge.
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- 400 memory positions
- Records up to 255 hits per memory position
- Automatic hit recording
- Digital auto-filter and auto-capture
- Custom LCD display
- 16-segment bargraph signal strength indicator
- Acoustic feedback
- Vibrator feedback
- Internal rechargable NiCd batteries
- Download memory into PC
- Reaction Tuning (with selected receivers)
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Despite the fact that the Scout 40 has only three slide switches and one
push-button, it is packed with features, most of which can be difficult to
grasp, despite the clear text printed on the front panel. Without access
to the original instructions, some features may never be found.
The function of the switches during normal operation are shown in black.
The function of the switches during the start-up phase of the device
are shown in blue. Finally, the function of the push-button when switching
the device OFF, are shown in red. This is further explained below.
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The Scout 40 has several methods of warning the operator when a valid
signal is detected. The position of the switches and the button when
switching it ON, determine the mode of operation.
In addition, the position of the second slide switch when switching ON,
determines whether the backlight of the LCD display will be enabled
or not. It is automatically disabled when not needed.
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The unit support the ICOM CI-5 and the AOR AR-8000 communications protocol.
The last selected protocol is always remembered when the device is switched
OFF. Sliding down the third slide switch immediately after turning the unit ON,
selects the alternative protocol:
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Once the unit has been switched ON, the buttons have the following functions:
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The Scout has a serial interface that is available on the 2.5 mm jack socket
at the top. This interface can be used for the reaction tuning feature,
and allows a supported receiver to be tuned directly to the captured frequency.
Scout has two protocols for this: CI-5 and AR-8000.
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IC-R10 ICOM IC-R7000 ICOM IC-R7100 ICOM IC-R8500 ICOM IC-R9000 ICOM IC-R9500 ICOM PRO-2005/2006 Radio Shack 1 PRO-2035/2042 Radio Shack 2 R11 Optoelectronics ProCom Optoelectronics
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With OS-456/Lite installed.
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With OS-535 installed.
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With optional SAC-8000 cable.
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Frequency 10 MHz - 1.4 GHz Impedance 50Ω Sensitivity < 5mV at 300 - 900 MHz Max. input +15dBm, 50 mW Display 10-digit custom LCD Timebase 10 MHz (± 1ppm) RF strength 16 segments (approx. 3dB per segment) Battery 4-cell AA 650 mAh NiCd, 6 hour life Power 9 - 12V DC, 250 mA
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Saturday 20 May 2017. Last changed: Saturday, 06 October 2018 - 15:12 CET.
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