Optoelectronics Spectrum Scout User manual

160 West Camino Real #233
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.optoelectronics.com
Copyright 2008©
®
OPTOELECTRONICS

Spectrum Scout
USER MANUAL

Table of Contents
ntroduction 1
Front Panel 2
Top Panel 3
Getting Started 4
Function Button 5-8
Reaction Tune 9-10
Memory Download and Datalogging 11
Upload a Database 12
Specifications 13
What to Expect 14
Antennas and Accessory Recommendations 15
Factory Service/Warranty 16
Optoelectronics, COM, AOR, Microsoft are registered trademarks.

16
PRODUCT WARRA TY
Optoelectronics, nc. warrants all products and accessories for one (1) year against defects in materi-
als and workmanship to the original purchaser. Products returned for warranty service will be
repaired or replaced at Optoelectronics’ option.
Specifically excluded are any products returned under this warranty that upon examination, have
been modified, had unauthorized repairs attempted, have suffered damage to the input circuitry from
the application of an excessive input signal, have suffered damage to the charging circuitry or inter-
nal batteries from the application of excessive voltage, or show other evidence of misuse or abuse.
Optoelectronics reserves sole right to make this determination.
O -WARRA TY
Products not under warranty must be returned, transportation prepaid, to Optoelectronics’ service
center. Factory service will be performed on a time and materials basis at the service rate in effect at
the time of repair. A repair estimate prior to commencement of service may be requested. Return
shipping will be added to the service invoice and is to be paid by the customer.
RETUR POLICY
Please contact us first for assistance and to obtain a return authorization number. Service
Department: [phone]. Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Warranty

15
Antenna and Accessory Recommendations
A TE AS
The small dual band VHF/UHF, DB32 antenna, is a very good multi-purpose antenna capable of pick-
ing up a wide range of frequencies from 100MHz to 2GHz. The BB85 VHF/UHF rubber duck anten-
na is also cable of picking up a wide range of frequencies from 100MHz to 2GHz. There are other
antennas available that are useful for specific frequency ranges.
RD27 26-150MHz
RD150 144-165MHz
RD440 440-480MHz
RD800 500MHz-1GHz
RD2400 2400MHz-2500MHz
TA100S 100MHz-600MHz
CELL LOCK 800MHz-2GHz
FILTERS
The N100 FM broadcast notch filter will remove the influence of local FM stations (88-108MHz), pro-
viding up to 30dB of attenuation.
SERIAL DATA I TERFACE
The Spectrum Scout incorporates an RS232 interface for the purpose of interfacing to a PC. The fre-
quencies saved to memory may be downloaded using the Spectrum Scout download program. The
Spectrum Scout may also log frequencies to the PC in real time using the Spectrum Scout datalogging
program. The CBDS interface cable and software are sold separately.

This manual covers connection and operating instructions for the
Optoelectronics Spectrum ScoutTM. The Optoelectronics Spectrum
ScoutTM is covered under U.S. Patent umber 5,471,402 and other
patents pending.
C
C
WAR I G - Maximum input voltage is 12VDC. Automotive voltages may exceed 12V caus-
ing damage to internal circuitry. Damage resulting from excessive input voltage is readily appar-
ent and will not be covered under warranty. Units returned for warranty service that have damage
resulting from excessive supply voltages will incur service charges.
WAR I G - Maximum antenna input signal is +15dBm (50mW). Under no circumstances
should the Spectrum Scout be directly connected to an RF transmitter or be used in close proxim-
ity to a radio transmitter of more than 5 watts. Damage to the input amplifier circuitry is readily
apparent and will not be covered under warranty. Units returned for warranty service that have
damage to the input circuitry will incur service charges.
CAUTION
!

ntroduction
1
How many times have you locked on to a frequency and wondered what that frequency was allocated
to in the FCC bandplan. You no longer have to wonder because the Spectrum Scout will identify that
frequency for you. The Spectrum Scout is the first nearfield device capable of displaying the FCC band-
plan information with each frequency captured. With a frequency range of 10MHz-2.6GHz, over 1000
FCC records are programmed into the Spectrum Scout. The Spectrum Scout is the latest advancement
in hand held test equipment by Optoelectronics, nc.
With over 1000 records programmed into the Spectrum Scout you can use the unit as your own portable
reference guide. Without having to lock on to a frequency just use the arrow buttons to move through
the database in steps of 1, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 25, 30, and 50KHz steps. You may also move in steps of 1,
5, and 10MHz. This allows for easy lookup of the FCC bandplan information.
A great feature of the Spectrum Scout is its ability to allow the user to upload their own frequencies for
their specific location. Using simple text files and and an upload program that is supplied by
Optoelectronics, you can easily load your own information for specific frequencies. For instance, you
could name your local repeater that is operated by your amateur radio club, or identify your local munic-
ipality frequencies. There are many possibilities. f you don't live in the U.S. your allocation tables may
be much different and you can easily upload all of the information for your city or country.
The Spectrum Scout also incorporates the feature that was patented by Optoelectronics, nc., Reaction
Tune. This unique feature allows the Spectrum Scout to automatically tune a compatible receiver to the
frequency it captures, allowing the user to instantly monitor the signal captured.

14
The Spectrum Scout is similar to other nearfield devices in the way it locks onto RF signals. t is look-
ing for a dominant nearfield signal that is 15dB above the background RF level. As it detects a domi-
nant signal a frequency is displayed.
Background RF levels have a large impact on how far away the Spectrum Scout can lock onto signals.
The higher the background RF levels the closer the Spectrum Scout will need to be to detect a signal.
The lower the background RF the further the Spectrum Scout can be to detect a signal. For instance,
when in a metropolitan area the background RF levels are much higher than in a rural area. Therefore,
a 5 watt UHF radio that can be detected from around 200 feet in a normal RF environment may well
need to be within 100 feet or less in a high RF environment.
High power transmitters such as FM stations, TV stations, Paging towers etc.. have an adverse influ-
ence on the way a frequency counter works. Even if the Spectrum Scout does not lock onto and display
the frequency of your local radio station that does not mean that it is not influenced by the RF. Because
the RF is still present the Optoelectronics N100 FM notch filter should be a consideration. The N100
provides 30dB of attenuation in the FM band. Knocking down the background RF by 30dB will allow
the Spectrum Scout to see that 15dB signal from a greater distance. This is not to say it will not work
in high RF areas, however it is something that should be taken into account.
Using different antennas also plays a large role in the effectiveness of the Spectrum Scout. Experiment
with different antennas for different applications and you will be surprised at the varying results. See
page 15 for a list of accessory antennas.
What to Expect

13
Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
Frequency Range: 10MHz - 2.6GHz
Sensitivity: <3mV
Maximum Input: +15dBM, 50 milliwatts
Resolution: 1kHz / 250.000 or 100Hz / 250.0000
Display: 2x16 alphanumeric LCD with EL Backlight
Timebase: 10MHz
Size: 3.5”H x 3”W x 1.5”D
Weight: 12 oz
Battery: Internal 5 cell AA iCads
Charging Time: 8-10 hours
Operating Time: 4-5 Hours
Power: AC90 adapter supplied
Power Connector: 2.1 mm coax, center positive
Specifications

Front Panel
POWER: Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn the unit ON. Once on, press and hold the button for
two seconds to turn the backlight ON. Press and hold the button for 4 seconds to turn the unit OFF.
TEST: Press the button when you wish to return to the frequency display when in any other mode.
Press and hold the button and at the same time press either the UP/DOWN arrow button to manually
store a frequency to memory.
FU CTIO : Press the button to navigate through the different modes. When in frequency display
mode press and hold the button down and at the same time press the UP/DOWN arrow button to
change the screen from signal strength display to FCC bandplan display.
UP/DOW ARROW: Use these buttons when in the function mode to switch the setting for differ-
ent modes.
2
POWER TEST FUNCTION

Top Panel
3
A TE A I PUT: 50 Ohm BNC input.
CI-5 I PUT: This port is used for Reaction Tune. See Reaction Tune on pages
9&10 for more information regarding this feature and a list of receivers
that are compatible with the Spectrum Scout.
9-12VDC: Power input. AC90 9-12VDC wall adapter.
RS232 This port is used for direct connection to a PC for uploading frequencies
to a database, memory download and datalogging. This port is also used
when interfacing to the COM PCR100/1000 for the purpose of
Reaction Tuning.
CALIBRATIO : The calibration adjustment hole is located to the left of the
Optoelectronics logo on the front panel. The calibration is set at the fac-
tory and should not be altered. Altering the adjustment can result in
inaccurate frequency measurements.

12
Upload a Database
You may make your own database and upload to either of the two USER databases using simple text
files created in Microsoft Word, Notepad or any text editor. Frequency database records consist of a
START FREQUENCY in MHz, an END FREQUENCY in MHz, and a TEXT STR NG, separated by
commas. The TEXT STR NG must be no more than 16 characters in length, and may not contain any
commas.
n general, it is suggested that frequency database records be separated into two categories: BANDS
and CHANNELS. BANDS are ranges of frequencies with a START FREQUENCY and a different
END FREQUENCY. An example is the FM commercial broadcast band. CHANNELS are single fre-
quencies representing a specific channel in a channelized radio service. An example is Marine VHF
Channel 16. n a CHANNEL database record, the START FREQUENCY and the END FREQUEN-
CY are the same. t is OK to have more than one database record for the same frequency or band of
frequencies, and frequency bands and channels may overlap. The Spectrum Scout will display up to
eight database matches for a given frequency. Each USER database can each store up to 2816 records.
The following are example BAND and CHANNEL lists.
BA DS CHA ELS
87.8000,108.0000,FM Broadcast 10.0000,10.0000,N ST WWV WWVH
144.0000,148.0000,Amateur 2 Meter 99.5000,99.5000,FM Brdcst Ch 258
420.0000,450.0000,Amateur 70 cm 147.1000,147.1000,Club Repeater 2
To upload a database please visit our web site and enter the Spectrum Scout page. There you will
find the upload program and instructions on how to make a database and upload that database.

11
Memory saved to the Spectrum Scout may be downloaded to a computer through the RS232 interface
jack located on top of the Spectrum Scout. All 1000 memories and 65,000 hits may be downloaded and
saved for later use. Real time datalogging is also possible through the RS232 jack. The connection to
the PC is direct using the Spectrum Scout serial cable (CBDS sold separately). The Spectrum Scout
download DOS software is included with the purchase of the CBDS.
1. Plug the RS232 cable into the RS232 jack located on top of the Spectrum Scout. The inter-
face cable has a 3.5mm stereo plug on one end and a DB9 connector on the other end. Plug
the end with the DB9 connector into an available com port on your computer. f your com-
puter only has a USB port then it may be necessary to obtain a serial to USB adapter.
2. nstall the Utility Software Disk that came with the CBDS and enter the specscout.exe pro-
gram.
3.. Follow the instructions on the software for downloading and datalogging.
Memory Download and Datalogging

Getting Started
4
Turn the unit on/off
Press and hold the POWER button for 3 seconds until the unit turns on. To turn the unit off press
and hold the POWER button for 4 seconds until the unit displays POWER NG DOWN.
Turn the backlight on/off
After the unit has been turned on press and hold the POWER button for 2 seconds until the backlight
turns on. f the backlight is on press and hold the POWER button for 2 seconds to turn it off.
Display Options
When powered on the Spectrum Scout defaults to signal strength mode. The unit can display either
signal strength or FCC bandplan data. Press and hold the FUNCT ON button and then press either
the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to switch between the two.
Modes
Press the FUNCT ON button to enter the 19 different modes of the Spectrum Scout.

Function Button
5
Pressing the FUNCT ON button will navigate the unit through its 19 different modes.
Memory
There are 1000 unique memory locations with a possibility of 65,000 hits recorded for each frequen-
cy in memory.
Press the FUNCT ON button once to select MEMORY. Press and hold the FUNCT ON button and
then press either of the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to switch between Frequency, Hits, Signal
Strength and FCC Bandplan*. Press only the UP/DOWN arrow button to move forward and back-
ward through the memory locations.
*The Spectrum Scout can display up to eight different records for each frequency. If there are
multiple records for a particular frequency in memory the display will change every two sec-
onds to display the different records.
Clear Memory
To clear all frequencies saved to memory press and hold the FUNCT ON button and then press the
the UP arrow button twice in succession.
Auto Store
The Spectrum Scout can be set to automatically store frequencies and other data to memory. Press
either the UP/DOWN arrow button to switch from AUTO STORE Disabled to Enabled. f Auto
Store is disabled you may also manually store a frequency to memory by pressing and holding the
TEST button for two seconds. This will store what is being displayed on the Spectrum Scout at that
moment.
ote: If AUTO STORE is enabled then FILTER will automatically be enabled. If AUTO
STORE is disabled then FILTER may be disabled or enabled.

10
Reaction Tune
B. AOR: The Spectrum Scout can Reaction Tune the AOR AR8000 and AR8200.
C. PCR1000: The Spectrum Scout can Reaction Tune the COM PCR1000. The CBPCR Reaction
Tune cable is required and it interfaces through the RS232 jack on top of the Spectrum Scout. The
PCR1000 part of the cable plugs into the DB9 connector on the back of the receiver. Since the
PCR1000 has no hardware volume or squelch controls the Spectrum Scout is capable of controlling
these functions as well. See page 7 for details.
Cables Required For Reaction Tune
COM, OptoScan and Optoelectronics Optocom CBC 5
Optoelectronics R11 CBRT
AOR AR8000 RT8000
AOR AR8200 RT8200
COM PCR1000 CBPCR
IMPORTA T:
The Spectrum Scout must send an initialization command to the receiver. Make sure the
Spectrum Scout is turned off. Turn the receiver on first then turn on the Spectrum Scout.

9
Reaction Tune
When the Spectrum Scout is in F LTER mode it can Reaction Tune a receiver connected through the
C 5 port on the top panel. Following are the procedures for Reaction Tuning the various receivers that
are compatible with the Spectrum Scout.
1. Press the FUNCT ON button until Filter Mode is displayed. t must display Enabled.
2. Press the FUNCT ON button until nterface Type is displayed. t must display Reaction Tune.
3. Press the FUNCT ON button until Receiver Type is displayed. There are three options.
A. CI5: Following are the current C -5 compatible receivers that the Spectrum Scout is
capable of Reaction Tuning.
COM R10, R20, R7000, R7100, R8500 and R9000.
Radio Shack PRO 2005/2006 (with OS456/Lite installed), Radio
Shack PRO 2035/2042 (with OS535 installed).
Optoelectronics R11 and Optocom.
The COM R10 and R7100 require special default settings for Reaction Tuning with the
Spectruml Scout.
COM R10: Baud Rate = 9600, TRN = ON, C -V ADDRESS = 52
COM R7100: Baud Rate = 9600, Transceive Mode = ON

6
Function Button
Frequency Database
You may scroll through the entire database to use as a reference tool by using the UP/DOWN arrow
button for F NE tune. You may also scroll by pressing and holding the FUNCT ON button and press-
ing the UP/DOWN arrow button for COARSE tune. See next step for adjusting step sizes.
Coarse Step
There are 3 different settings for COARSE tune, 1, 5 and 10 MHz . Press either the UP/DOWN
arrow button to switch between the different options. Once a step size is chosen this is the step size
in which the unit will move when scrolling through the database in the previous step.
Fine Step
There are 8 different settings for F NE tune. 1, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 25, 30 and 50kHz. . Press either
the UP/DOWN arrow button to switch between the different options. Once a step size is chosen this
is the step size in which the unit will move when scrolling through the database in the previous step.
Resolution
There are two possible resolution measurements. 1kHz 250.000 (fast) and 100Hz 250.0000 (slow).
Press the UP/DOWN arrow button to switch between resolutions.
Filter Mode
You may Enable or Disable Filter mode. When Filter mode is enabled, the frequency will lock and
hold on the display. This also allows frequencies to be logged to memory when Auto Store is
enabled. When Filter mode is disabled the frequency detected will remain on the display as long as
the signal is present. Press and hold the TEST button for two seconds to manually store the frequen-
cy to memory.

Function Button
7
Frequency Display
The two options for frequency display are Channel or Measured. The channel frequency will be the
actual channel that the transmitter is on and a measurement may look something like this 454.1250.
The Measured frequency will be the actual frequency that is coming from the transmitter and a mea-
surement may look something like this 454.1248.
Interface Type
Switch between C -5 Command and Reaction Tune. C -5 is used when interfacing to a PC for mem-
ory download and datalogging. Reaction Tune is used when interfacing to compatible receivers.
Receiver Type
C 5 for COM, and Optoelectronics receivers, AR8000 for AOR receivers and PCR1000.
PCR1000 Volume
When interfaced to an COM PCR1000 in Reaction Tune mode you may control the volume of the
receiver by pressing the UP/DOWN arrow buttons.
PCR1000 Squelch
When interfaced to an COM PCR1000 in Reaction Tune mode you may control the squelch level of
the receiver by pressing the UP/DOWN arrow buttons.
Beeper
Pressing the UP/DOWN arrow buttons will Enable or Disable the beeper. Each time a signal is
detected the Digital Scout will beep once.
Vibrator
Pressing the UP/DOWN arrow buttons will Enable or Disable the vibrator. Each time a signal is
detected the Digital Scout will vibrate for two seconds. Note: If both the Vibrator and the Beeper
are Enabled only the Vibrator will function.

Function Button
8
Auto Power Off
Enabled allows the unit to automatically shut off after two minutes of inactivity. Disabled will not
allow the unit to shut off unless done so with the Power button.
Default DB
The Spectrum Scout has one default database and two optional databases. The default database is
loaded by Optoelectronics at the factory and may not be altered, although it may be disabled. The
unit’s default setting is ENABLED. To D SABLE the default database press either the UP/DOWN
arrow button. ote: If you disable the default database and the other two available databases
have no data, or are not enabled if they do have data, then the Spectrum Scout will not display
any FCC bandplan data when the unit locks on a signal.
User 1 DB
To upload data to the USER DB 1 location please see page 12 and our web site for more informa-
tion. You may choose to ENABLE all three databases. f so, then the DEFAULT DB will display
first, the USER DB1will display second and the USER DB2 will display third. To enable USER DB
1 press either the UP/DOWN arrow button so the unit displays enabled.
User 2 DB
To upload data to the USER DB2 location please see page 12 and our web site for more information.
To enable USER DB 1 press either the UP/DOWN arrow button so the unit displays enabled.