A bug detector. or rf detector, will not tell you exactly where the bug is located, but allows you to sweep the room for radio frequency signals. The bug detector will react to all wireless devices within a frequency range between 50 mHz to 60 gHz so, before you start your scan, it’s important to switch off all known appliances that might cause interference. If you are using your rf detector in a car then it is a good idea to disconnect the car battery before you begin. Internet routers, baby monitors, wireless computer equipment and speakers, cordless phones and certain mobile phones are all common household appliances that can produce false readings from your bug detector.
A bug detector may also pick up radio frequency interference from televisions, microwaves, high voltage power lines or even appliances in neighboring apartments and houses, so don’t assume that a response from your bug detector when all known equipment has been turned off is a definite indication of the presence of surveillance equipment.
Start your scan by extending the bug detector antenna and powering up the unit. The rf detector’s sensitivity tuner should be set somewhere around the midrange mark. If you have a high background noise environment you may want to decrease the sensitivity a little, or conversely you could increase it if you are using the bug detector in a relatively clean situation. You can choose to use an earpiece for stealthy detection of listening devices, otherwise set the bug detector to silent mode and use the vibration and visual LED displays instead.
Walk very slowly around the room, moving the bug detector in a back and forth or up and down pattern over furniture, fixtures and fittings. The closer you get to a bug, the stronger the signal from the bug detector will become. If your bug detector leads you to a solid wall, then make a thorough search for radio frequency emitting devices on the other side of the wall. If you suspect your bug detector is picking up too many false positives, you can try decreasing the antenna length. It’s a good idea to concentrate your bug detector searches around cluttered areas, under furniture, electrical switches, smoke detectors, light fittings and other sites which would provide easy access for bug placement.
Once you have had an opportunity to practice and become familiar with your bug detector, you will find that the scanning process becomes less cumbrous and can be accurately performed in a matter of minutes.
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