Research Electronics International MESA User manual

Mobility Enhanced Spectrum Analyzer
User Manual
Research Electronics International, LLC
455 Security Drive, Cookeville, TN 38506 U.S.A.
[phone] (US Only) • [phone]
www.reiusa.net
© Copyright Research Electronics International LLC.

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MESA DELUXE CASE CONTENTS
1. MESA Unit*
2. (2) Lithium Ion Batteries*
- Stored under unit
3. Visible Light/Infrared Probe
- Stored under Locator Probe
4. Locator Probe
5. VLF Loop*
6. Ultrasonic Probe
7. Audio Transformer
8. Directional Antenna
- Stored under Down Converter
9. Down Converter Antenna
10 Multi-Carrier Probe (MCP)
11. Whip Antenna*
12. Battery Charger
- Partially stored under Down Converter
13. Power Plug with International adapters
14. GPS Dongle
15. Fixed Whip Antenna*
16. Headphones*
17. (2) Powered QMA antenna cables
(2) Non-Powered QMA cables*
18. Acoustic Leakage Detector
19. Accessory Cables, screen cleaner*,
data storage thumb-drive
*Item included in the MESA Basic, but case location
may vary.

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This document is intended to provide guidance and instruction on using the MESA –Mobility Enhanced
Spectrum Analyzer for finding hidden electronic devices.
This manual contains proprietary information intended solely for use with the MESA product.
The overall effectiveness of this product, and of any surveillance countermeasure, is dependent on the
threat level and the user’s ability to properly utilize the appropriate equipment.
REI offers the world’s largest commercially available Technical Security training facility. Training courses
include classroom instruction and hands-on exercises where students perform sweep exercises in “live”
environments utilizing target-rich project rooms. The progressive course curriculum is designed for the
beginner or the seasoned Technical Security Technician.
Regularly scheduled courses are taught monthly; visit REI’s website (www.reiusa.net) or contact REI
([email protected]et) for training dates.

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Revision 1.0
© COPYRIGHT RESEARCH ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL
REI products are designed and intended for legal commercial applications. However, because laws
and regulations vary from state to state and country to country, it is the sole responsibility of the
purchaser and user/operator to check and comply with all applicable laws and regulations for the
possession and operation of this equipment before and after making a purchase.
Information contained in this manual including product operation and specifications is subject to
change without notice.
Any product or brand names contained in this manual are used only for identification purposes and are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The Serial Number of each MESA is located on the back of the unit. Please record this number and
refer to it whenever you contact your dealer or Research Electronics International concerning this
product. Note: Removal or alteration of the serial number automatically voids all warranties of this
product.
SERIAL NUMBER:
Research Electronics International, LLC
455 Security Drive, Cookeville, TN 38506
U.S.A. [phone] (US Only)
[phone]
www.reiusa.net

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Contents
Precautions ...................................................................................................................................................7
Equipment Description .................................................................................................................................8
MESA Unit.................................................................................................................................................8
MESA Packages .......................................................................................................................................10
Probes, Antennas, and Accessories ............................................................................................................11
Operation....................................................................................................................................................16
Power Control and Charging...................................................................................................................16
Audio Transformer Batteries ..................................................................................................................16
Connecting the Antenna & Probes .........................................................................................................17
Powered Connector Cable (only included with the MESA Deluxe) ....................................................17
Manual Selection of Probes ................................................................................................................19
Display Screen Layout ............................................................................................................................20
Status Bar................................................................................................................................................22
Mode Settings Menu...........................................................................................................................22
Volume Control...................................................................................................................................22
Screenshot ..........................................................................................................................................22
Help.....................................................................................................................................................22
GPS Location .......................................................................................................................................24
Network Status and Setup ..................................................................................................................24
Battery Life..........................................................................................................................................25
Setting the Time Zone, Date, and Time ..............................................................................................25
Attenuator/PreAmp............................................................................................................................27
Modes .....................................................................................................................................................27
Mode Menu ........................................................................................................................................27
Spectrum Mode ..................................................................................................................................27
SmartBars™.........................................................................................................................................41
Mobile Bands ......................................................................................................................................50
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth ...............................................................................................................................54
Additional Features.................................................................................................................................59
Signal List Window..............................................................................................................................59
Network Configuration .......................................................................................................................67

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How to start VNC Server .....................................................................................................................71
How to start VNC Viewer ....................................................................................................................73
Down Converter Directional Antenna Operation ...............................................................................74
Updating Software..............................................................................................................................75
System Menu ..........................................................................................................................................75
Brightness............................................................................................................................................76
Version ................................................................................................................................................76
Network Settings.................................................................................................................................76
File Prefix Settings...............................................................................................................................76
ITU Region...........................................................................................................................................76
Power Down Cache Setting.................................................................................................................77
Snap to Peak Setting ...........................................................................................................................77
Factory Reset ......................................................................................................................................77
Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................78
Receiver...............................................................................................................................................78
Features ..............................................................................................................................................78
Power..................................................................................................................................................78
Mechanical..........................................................................................................................................78
Environmental.....................................................................................................................................79

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Precautions
MESA
•CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by REI could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
•The MESA is for professional use only.
•For your safety do not use the MESA if:
•The MESA cables or its plugs become frayed or otherwise damaged.
•The MESA housing is cracked or otherwise damaged.
•You suspect that the unit requires servicing.
•Only use REI approved power sources, batteries, chargers, and accessories. The supplied
power supply is REI #R-00021 (Front Power #A481-1503000I). The supplied battery pack is REI
#R-00001 (RRC Power Solutions #RRC-2040), a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
•The slots in the housing of the unit are vents and are part of the ventilation system. Do not
block these vents during the operation of the unit.
•The fan that is visible from the back of the unit is part of the ventilation system. The fan does
not operate constantly but only as needed to reduce the internal temperature of the unit. Do
not forcibly stop or disrupt the operation of the fan.
•There are no serviceable parts inside. Contact your dealer or Research Electronics International,
LLC for repairs. Opening the unit will void the warranty.
•For your safety do not use the AC power adapter or the included USB cable if:
oThe cable becomes frayed or otherwise damaged.
oThe power adapter plugs are damaged.
oThe power adapter housing is cracked or otherwise damaged.
oThe power adapter is exposed to rain, liquid, or excessive moisture.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
•CAUTION: RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF
USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
•For your safety do not use any MESA battery if:
oThe battery case is cracked or otherwise damaged.
oThe battery is excessively hot or warm for any reason.
•Avoid shorting the battery, immersing in water, or exposing to fire. Also, avoid excessive
physical shock or vibration.
•Only use the specified REI battery chargers or products to charge REI batteries
•There are no serviceable parts inside the battery. Contact your dealer or Research Electronics
International, LLC for repairs. Opening or puncturing the unit can be dangerous and may result
in injury.
•Using the Lithium-Ion batteries in a manner not specified by this user’s guide may override the
equipment’s built-in protection mechanisms.
•Keep out of the reach of children.
•Dispose of Lithium-Ion batteries in accordance with local regulations.

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Equipment Description
MESA Unit
1. Touch Screen Display - user interface for MESA
2. Battery Door (on the bottom of the unit) - conceals battery compartment
3. Speaker (on the back of the unit) - used to output audio from the unit
4. Fan - used for cooling unit

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5. Power Button - turns the unit off and on
6. Power input - for AC adapter (only use REI supplied AC Adapter)
7. Ethernet connector - Used to access the MESA unit remotely using VNC (Virtual Network
Computing) 3rd party software
8. Audio Input - for connecting the Acoustic Leakage Detector and the Audio Transformer to test
for the presence of audio. The Acoustic Leakage Detector and the Audio Transformer are
included with the MESA Deluxe package from REI.
9. Headphone Jack - for connection of headphones to monitor audio from the unit.
10. USB Port - for saving files from the MESA and for possible future use as probe/accessory control.
Note: Only a single USB thumb drive at a time is supported. Even if a USB hub is connected, only
a single storage USB drive is supported
11. QMA Connector (RF Input) - for connecting the included REI antennas or other RF antennas
12. Handle - to help support holding the MESA unit
13. Probe Grip - for clipping probe handles to the MESA unit