Before starting sweeping, some preparation tasks should be carried out. Firstly, it is necessary to consider the time and individual circumstances of the sweep. Due to there being lots of devices which are remotely controlled it is recommended to carry out a sweep during working hours in real situations when the eavesdropper most wants to listen. It may be necessary to arrange a fictitious meeting. Nobody has to know about the pending search.

Close all drapes in the room. Turn on all the lights and activate any other devices to imitate normal conditions. It is also advisable to turn on a source of sound such as a stereo system or radio. This sound source has two very important functions:

• Voice activated transmitters will be activated
• Your actions will be masked

1. Leave the room, turn on your iProtect 1206i (7) and select ANT1 (9). Watch the bar graph (6) and if it shows an increased level (more than 4-5 segments), turn on the attenuator by pressing the ATT+ button (8). This procedure measures the background noise of the surrounding area.
2. Choose the operation mode with the help of the MODE button (4).
   • For covert procedures use the vibration mode.
   • The sound mode is more convenient for locating and inspecting the RF source.
   • The vibrating or mixed mode allows the operator to avoid constantly watching the bar graph when inspecting areas that are difficult to access.
   The sound mode allows the operator to listen to the signal so that he or she can understand more about the source. The FM-modulated transmitter (bug) can produce a ‘loopback effect’ when the unit is close to it or cause the effect of a disappearance of the background noises, which are usually present further away from the transmitter. In this case the ‘hum’ which can be heard in other parts of the room can disappear when the iProtect 1206i approaches the transmitter and there is a silence on the speaker. In this case it is recommended to use the ‘CORR’ function (10) while watching the ‘DEMODULATION’ display (3). Simultaneous fluctuations will warn of the danger.

3. Enter the room holding the iProtect 1206i while watching its bar graph or paying attention to the vibrator. Turn the lights and other equipment in the room on and off. Walk around the room, continuously watching the indicator or feeling for the iProtect’s vibration. The bar graph level will increase or decrease when the detector is closer to, or farther away from a transmitting device.

   Probe all objects which may contain a hidden surveillance device. When you get close to an RF bugging device the bar graph of your iProtect 1206i will rise (or the vibration will appear). The distance of detection may vary depending on the situation. Usually the iProtect 1206i is able to detect an average radio microphone at a distance of 20-80 cm, although it is recommended to probe objects at a proximity of 10 cm.

   The bar graph can display 16 different levels. You can use the attenuator to decrease the sensitivity when performing the location procedure (finding the source of the RF field). Press the ATT+ button when the bar graph shows a high level to force the unit to react to a stronger field only.

   Please note: If you want to continue sweeping after the location of one bugging device, it may be necessary to restore the normal sensitivity of the iProtect 1206i by pressing the ATT- button.

   The bar graph may often show an increased level near wires or metal objects. This may not be a bug, but rather the metal acting as an antenna extension. A similar situation may appear in the apertures of windows due to radio waves coming from the outside.

   If you have found a suspicious area, switch the iProtect 1206i to the second antenna 2.44GHz (2). In this mode the unit is much more sensitive to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless protocols. It measures the level of the RF field which allows the operator to perform the location procedure. The ‘IDENTIFICATION’ LED (5) will show the corresponding color in accordance with the table printed on the front panel. After checking for the presence of wireless transmissions return the iProtect 1206i to the initial state (ANT1) and continue searching.

4. Repeat the scanning procedure for the whole room with the ANT2 selected. Which will enable you to find sources of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM and some DECT transmissions. Please note: there are many variants of DECT sub-types so the iProtect 1206i may not recognize some of them with its IDENTIFICATION display. Nevertheless its ‘SIGNAL STRENGTH’ indicator will always show an increased level when approaching a source of DECT transmission. Try to train your hearing to recognize different types of wireless protocols:
   • Bluetooth gives a ‘crackle’ sound
   • Wi-Fi will produce a ‘scratching’ sound
   • GSM gives a ‘buzzing’ (hum)
   • DECT is heard as a 50Hz AC transformer hum
   If you have found a source of wireless transmission inspect it very carefully. Consult IT employees to become acquainted with the scheme of wireless access points and the location of wireless telephones used in the office. Illegal transmitters have a number of typical signs:
   • Compact
   • Hidden
   • Handmade or produced with low quantity
   • With microphones or video cameras
   • Implanted inside another piece of electronic equipment
   • Connected to a telephone line
   • Connected to AC wires or with its own source of power
   • With antenna
   • With a SIM card inserted
5. After you have found the exact location of a high field, perform the following actions:
   1. If secrecy is not critical turn on the sound mode and check for the presence of a loopback effect or the effect of a disappearance in background noise near the suspicious place
   2. Press the CORR button while watching the DEMODULATION display to find the synchronous fluctuations. They will show the presence of correlation, i.e. a radio microphone
   3. Select ANT2 and check for the presence of wireless protocols as described above