GSM196 Mobile Phone Detector
With the size of GSM phones shrinking, their popularity for being used in areas where they are forbidden is increasing. This also makes them an ideal medium for bugs and other surveillance devices.
GSM196 Description
The multi-purpose GSM196 Mobile Phone Detector combats these problems by detecting the presence and location of unauthorised 2G (GSM900 and GSM1800) and 3G (WCDMA2100) mobile phones.
The GSM196 uses advanced band-selection filtering coupled with unique signal detection algorithms.
A user friendly display gives unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity for this type of equipment.
A specially designed directional antenna system can be used in conjunction with the GSM196 for situations requiring greater accuracy or specific monitoring in areas containing multiple phones.
The GSM196 Mobile Phone Detector:
- Detects both 2G and 3G mobile phones
- LED bargraph signal level indication
- Automatic display brightness control
- Advanced digital filtering for signal isolation
- Unique signal analysis for accurate detection
- Multiple range settings
- Cadenced vibration alert for covert handheld use
- One button controls all major functions
GSM196 Mobile Phone Detector - Manufacturer's Description (PDA Electronics Ltd)
Sensitivity and detection ranges
The GSM196's range and sensitivity can be set to match the application. The High range allows entire areas to be swept, while the Low range helps locate the target mobile more accurately. An internal switch allows selection of either the two Handhold modes or the Static mode. Each mode has two sensitivity ranges which the user can select using the single control button.
Indications
In the Handheld mode, the presence and strength of detected GSM phone signals are shown by the Level bargraph display. (The Level display is inhibited in the static mode).
The Type indicators flash rapidly to show whether the currently detected signal is a Network, 2G or 3G call. Once the signal has ceased, these LEDs flash slowly until the control button is pressed. Whenever the GSM196 is operating, either the High or Low Range LED will be lit. Use the control button to step between ranges.
Using the GSM196
The Handheld mode allows the user to walk around checking for threats. In the Handheld mode, a 9-LED signal level display shows the strongest signal detected and helps to guide the operator to its source. This aids searches where several signals may be present at one time.
There are two modes, HV enables the cadenced vibrator and HO causes the unit to function silently. In this mode the brightness of the LEDs is automatically controlled with intensity being reduced under low ambiant light levels.
On the High range, detection range will as much as 300m (in free space, for mobiles on full power). The Low range is used to pinpoint a phone’s location if a phone is transmitting on high power and the building materials allow easy passage of the signals to adjacent areas.
The Static (“mousetrap”) mode is used to detect the presence of mobiles for subsequent location. The Range switch allows the sensitivity to be set in advance according to the building’s construction (thicker walls mean more shielding of signals). In the Static mode the auto power off feature is disabled allowing the 196 to be used for extended periods of monitoring specific areas / cells.
in both modes, the unit distinguishes between Network signals (text messages and registrations), CSM Calls and 3G Calls, and indicates both current and past alarms separately for each type.
GSM196 Specifications
Manufacturer's Description (PDA Electronics Ltd)
Frequency bands
The GSM196 Mobile Phone Detector is specifically engineered to monitor handset transmit frequencies only
- EGSM900 (880 – 915MHz)
- GSM1800 (1710 – 1785 MHz)
- W-CDMA/UMTS 2100 (1920 - 1980 MHz)
Detection method
Pulse Envelope Demodulation with our unique Digital Signal Processing algorithms help to prevent false alarms while differentiating between strong, weak, and interfering signals. SAW filters help reject any interference from nearby base-stations.
LED indications
The 9-segment Level bargraph shows the approximate range to a signal’s source. The segments are colour coded for ease of use in low light areas and are only active in the Handheld modes.
The Type LEDs allow the user to distinguish between Network, 2G and 3G calls, either current (fast flashing) or past (slow flashes). These are active in all modes. N + 2G indicates a 2G network signal detected whereas 2G on its own indicates a call. The same is applicable for 3G signals.
The Range indicators show whether the unit is on, and whether the High or Low range setting is in use. These are active in all modes.
Control button
While the unit is turned off, a single press will turn it on.
In Handheld mode, the entire Level display will now flash for a couple of seconds while the vibrator buzzes in HV mode.
In Static mode, the vibrator is muted, and only LED 5 (centre LED) will flash.
To change the Range setting at any time, press and hold the button down for at least a second. First the current Range LED will flash, then the other, and so on. Release the button to select the range which is being indicated. Repeat as required.
If the vibrator is activate (HV mode), it can be temporarily silenced by a single press. The next alarm will automatically re-enable it.
To turn the unit off, press and hold the switch. The GSM196 will cycle through its range-setting sequence; after two complete cycles, the device will switch off.
Internal switch: mode and sensitivity settings
A small slide switch inside the battery compartment lets you select the operating mode.
HV (Handheld + Vibrator) - 50m (range = low) 300m (range = high)
S (Static surveillance) - 5m (range = low) 13m (range = high)
HO (Handheld – No Vibrator) - 50m (range = low) 300m (range = high)
Note: all ranges are quoted for GSM1800 Network transmissions (1 watt).
Battery life
Handheld: typically 50 - 100 hours, allowing for average use of the vibrator.
Static: typically 180 hours.
Automatically powers off after 12 hours (handheld mode only).
Purchase the GSM196 Mobile Phone Detector
To purchase the GSM196 please contact QCC Interscan on +44 (0) 20 7353 9000.
Incident Response - Act Now
Act now if you suspect that you are under surveillance.
1. Cease all sensitive communications.
2. Remove yourself from the target area
3. Call QCC Interscan from a payphone on +44 (0)20 7353 9000
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM)
QCC Interscan has been providing world class TSCM (bug sweeping) services to UK and Global clients since 1997.
Protecting your business from covert surveillance threats makes economic sense. We conduct professional and effective counter surveillance assignments to keep vour valuable information safe from prying eyes.
TSCM, also known as bug sweeping or counter surveillance, is the process of electronically and physically inspecting offices, buildings, vehicles, telephone systems and cabling for the presence of eavesdropping devices.
Read more...High Net Worth Individuals
QCC has particular experience dealing with the surveillance and privacy concerns of high level company executives, celebrities and high net worth individuals. Our specialist services include TSCM (bug sweeping) services, covering residential sites and executive vehicles. We also have extensive knowledge in performing security inspections and review services for ocean going yachts, private planes, and executive motor vehicles. QCC can also supply a range of products to further secure important individuals.
To discuss these and other executive protection services please call +44(0) 207 353 9000.
Read more...Specialist Vehicle Search
As part of our security inspection service for high profile company executives and high net worth individuals, we offer an extended security inspection service for executive vehicles. This includes all types of yachts, executive cars, limousines and private executive jets.
In the past few years QCC Interscan have completed increasing numbers of counter surveillance inspections and physical security reviews globally of numerous marine vessels, executive jets and company vehicles.
Physical Security Review
QCC Interscan offers clients an expert assessment service of the physical security arrangements for their business premises and assets.
This service inspects and reports on all aspects of physical security including locks, access control, CCTV, waste management, executive transportation and asset protection. The physical security review will also cover particular areas clients direct our attention to.
After conducting the security review, we provide clients with a full written report outlining the physical security arrangements in place and any findings and recommendations relating to the security of the areas or assets inspected.
Your security report
Your report can be used to specify the installation of necessary security architecture to protect premises and assets.
Additionally, the report is invaluable in highlighting vulnerabilities with the existing security arrangements or as a tool in formulating a physical security standard for use within your organisation.
For more information or to discuss how our Physical Security Review Service can assist your business please contact us on +44 (0) 20 7353 9000.
Tiger Testing Services
Tiger Testing is a special type of vulnerability test that originated in the United States Air Force who use it to test air base defences. The personnel who perform such testing are referred to as the Tiger Team.
Commercial Tiger Testing
Commercial Tiger Tests are beneficial to companies and organisations to highlight true physical, procedural or technical vulnerability and are especially useful in the maintenance of particularly valuable assets.
The aim of our Tiger Test is not to discover vulnerabilities but to gain unauthorised access to specified assets or areas of a business or organisation. Only then are the processes used to acquire those assets analysed, vulnerabilities assessed and suitable countermeasures implemented.
We maintain the original idea of the Tiger Test but apply this idea specifically to ‘Information and Assets’. Once a Client has specified which information or assets are ‘Target Assets’ (TAs), we use whatever non-violent means that would be reasonably available to a covert agent to try and acquire that Target Asset. Our experts backgrounds means that they are particularly well suited to perform specialist Tiger Testing.
QCC Interscan has deployed many Tiger Teams to evaluate and test a company or organisations security arrangements. This normally occurs before or after the commissioning of a review and evaluation program of physical security.
For more information on the benefits and procedures involved in Tiger Testing please contact QCC Interscan on +44 (0) 20 7353 9000.
Read more...GSM Telephone Evaluation
QCC Interscan has a dedicated telephone forensics unit offering an exclusive service to clients who are worried that their personal mobile telephones are being secretly monitored.
Many spy shops and on line surveillance equipment suppliers offer software packages that monitor mobile telephone conversations and text messages by an unauthorised agent. These phone bugging software packages are very difficult to detect without specialist equipment and knowledge.
As part of a TSCM program, QCC Interscan can inspect mobile telephones with our portable telephone forensic equipment.
In addition we offer a separate service that evaluates phones sent to us at our central London laboratory. After forensic evaluation we return the mobile phone via secure post with a full written report of the findings of the forensic analysis.
For more information on GSM telephone analysis contact QCC Interscan on +44 (0) 20 7353 9000.
Installing permanent bug detectors
New for 2010.
We can now offer a complete solution to large clients with the highest level anti-bugging requirements.
If your organisation requires a higher level of security than that afforded by regular manual TSCM sweeps, then talk to us about our newly developed systems for 'permanent, always-on radio and GSM bug detectors.'
Using advanced multiband detection our system allows individual rooms, office suites or entire buildings to be covered with a permanent bug sweeping umbrella, constantly monitoring and reporting on unauthorised eavesdropping.
Call us today to discuss whether this advanced option will suit your organisation's needs.
Read more...
High profile sports organisations
Sport is big business and high profile organisations and venues can be as much a genuine target for information thieves as any major multi-national corporation. Knowledge of the discussions that take place in a premier division football club's boardroom could be used by gamblers, conmen, newspapers, agents and rival clubs to make fortunes.
Read more...





