The AAF9 can be switched between its own, internal antennas or any external antennas or filters. A coaxial connector enables particularly directive external antennas to be used. The AAF9 security package comes complete with a handy 1.8 – 6.4 GHz Log Periodic antenna. This directional antenna increases sensitivity by 3 times in one direction. Point and detect! A custom Yagi antenna with 8 times more sensitivity and directionality at 2.4 GHz is also available from Alan Broadband Co.

People familiar with spectrum analyzers recognize that a large majority of RF signals in our environment come from transmitting sources below 1.5 – 2 GHz. These sources include AM and FM radio, television, cable and satellite television, GPS transmitters, cell phone repeaters, and utility, police, hobby, aircraft and marine transceivers. The AAF9 has a special band-select switch that eliminates the reception of signals below 1.5 – 2 GHz. This clears reception of the Field Strength Detector exclusively to signals between ~1.5 GHz to 14 GHz. This high frequency band is more likely to contain the newer bugs and covert transmitters. Eliminating the lower frequency signals also allows a higher sensitivity to be used in the received high frequency band.

A mini-USB connector on the AAF9 allows the meter reading, and AM or VCO audio output of the device to be monitored at a remote location. The remote meter readings or audio signals can also be used to turn on or off other security equipment (such as video recorders or alarms). The mini-USB connector also enables the AAF9 to be powered from a remote +5vdc power source.

These features make the AAF9 especially suitable for wireless detection, wireless installations and long-distance alignment of Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The AAF9 is also uniquely capable of detecting and locating interfering signals such as from cell phones, errant RF transmissions, radio frequency interference, utility line noise and cable leakage. A prime use for the AAF9 is as a first-line TSCM detector - a counter surveillance detection apparatus that is the first instrument to use when starting a sweep or sniffing out covert devices.