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

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MESA Packages
The MESA is available in two packages (Basic and Deluxe) with varying probes, antennas, and
accessories. Below is a chart showing which probes, antennas, and accessories are included in each
package (note that this is subject to change). Additional information can be found in the Probes,
Antennas, and Accessories section on the following pages.
Probes/Accessories
MESA PACKAGES
BSC
DLX
Fixed Dipole Antenna (85 MHz - 6 GHz)
X
X
Whip Antenna (30 MHz - 6 GHz)
X
X
MCP Multi-Carrier Probe (100 kHz - 60 MHz, 5 MHz - 2 GHz)
X
X
VLF Loop Antenna (10 kHz - 30 MHz)
X
X
Batteries (2)
X
X
Down Converter Antenna (500 MHz - 12 GHz)
X
Directional Antenna (70 MHz - 500 MHz)
X
Locator Probe (20 MHz - 6 GHz)
X
Visible Light / Infrared Probe (10 kHz - 50 MHz)
X
Ultrasonic Probe (15 kHz - 80 kHz)
X
Audio Transformer (300 Hz - 20 kHz)
X
Acoustic Leakage Detector (300 Hz - 20 kHz)
X
GPS Dongle
X

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Probes, Antennas, and Accessories
Fixed Dipole Antenna (85 MHz - 6 GHz)
The Fixed Dipole Antenna is a versatile, omnidirectional antenna that connects directly to the MESA unit
without the need for cables.
Whip Antenna (30 MHz - 6 GHz)
The Whip / Dipole is a versatile, omnidirectional, near-field probe used for locating RF transmitters up to
6 GHz.
MCP Multi-Carrier Probe (100 kHz - 60 MHz, 5 MHz - 2 GHz)

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The MCP (Multi-Carrier Probe) extends the functionality of the MESA with the addition of different
connectors to allow for the analysis of suspicious signals: an AC power plug and coaxial connectors.
To use the AC power plug, the "MCP (AC Carrier Current)" option must be selected in the Input Info
window (see page 19). To use the coaxial connectors, the "MCP (Coax)" option must be selected in the
Input Info window.
The MCP can be used to test for carrier current signals on any pair of conductors less than 250 volts.
Before testing an unidentified pair of power conductors, a voltmeter should be used to measure the
voltage across the conductors. If this voltage exceeds 250 volts, do not test with the Carrier Current
Probe. Two power plugs are included for connection to US-style or Euro-style outlets. The included
alligator clip cable assembly should only be used on 50V or less. Measurements can be made with three
different pair configurations using the switch on the front of the carrier current probe: Hot/Neutral,
Neutral/Ground, and Hot/Ground.
Due to power line noise and the broad frequency range that MESA searches, every outlet in an area
should be inspected.
The coaxial connectors on the MCP can be used to test for suspicious signals on coaxial cables. The MCP
can be used to make both in-line measurements and single-ended measurements. For in-line
measurements, connect one side to the Coax Input. The same signal will be output at the Coax Output
connector. For single-ended measurements, connect up to the Coax Input connector.
VLF Loop Antenna (10 kHz - 30 MHz)
The VLF Loop Antenna is an omnidirectional antenna used for locating low-frequency signals below 30

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MHz.
Down Converter Directional Antenna (500 MHz - 12 GHz)
The Down Converter Antenna is a directional antenna that operates in 2 user-selectable bands:
Band 1: 500 MHz - 6 GHz
Band 2: 6 GHz - 12 GHz
When using Band 2, the Down Converter Antenna converts signals occurring above the standard 6 GHz
threshold so they can be detected and displayed on the MESA. For details on operation, see page74 .
Directional Antenna (70 MHz - 500 MHz)
This flag-shaped antenna provides directional coverage for lower frequency signal detection. It is a
powered probe and must be used with one of the powered connector cables (see page 17).
Locator Probe (20 MHz - 6 GHz)
The Locator Probe is omnidirectional and is attenuated for use in high RF environments and for locating
an RF signal within a few inches.
Visible Light / Infrared Probe (10 kHz - 50 MHz)
The Visible Light / Infrared Probe can be used for detecting the presence of IR or visible light. This probe
is a powered probe and must be used with one of the powered connector cables (see page 17).

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Ultrasonic Probe (15 kHz - 80 kHz)
The ultrasonic probe detects sound waves operating above the upper limit of human hearing
capabilities. The ultrasonic probe is a powered probe and must be used with one of the powered
connector cables (see page 17).
Audio Transformer (300 Hz - 20 kHz)
The Audio Transformer is a balanced audio coupler to provide electrical isolation for audio testing. A 3.5
mm stereo to 3.5 mm stereo cable is included with the MESA to connect the audio transformer to the
MESA. Two pushbuttons provide a positive and negative bias voltage to the two banana jacks on the
audio transformer. The control knob on the audio transformer adjusts the level of the applied bias
voltage from 0 to 22 volts. An included set of banana jack test leads with bed-of-nail alligator clips allow
the audio transformer to be used on 66 blocks or other wires.

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Acoustic Leakage Detector (ALD) (300 Hz - 20 kHz)
With the Acoustic Leakage Detector, the operator can determine the vulnerability of acoustic leakage by
placing the probe against structural objects such as walls or windows. The Acoustic Leakage Detector
connects to the Audio Input on the MESA.
GPS Dongle
The GPS Dongle is used to obtain GPS coordinates. If the GPS Dongle is connected and enabled, the
MESA will tag saved files with the GPS coordinates and will store GPS coordinates for the signals in a
signal list. For additional information on storing GPS information, see page 24.

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Operation
The MESA has been designed for quick and easy deployment. Depending on your application some
adjustments to the default setting may need to be made.
The MESA is a swept spectrum analyzer featuring a bar graph representation of the spectrum and is
used to locate transmitters by monitoring the RF signal strength. When searching for unknown
transmitters, it is advised to remove or disable any known transmitters from the target sweep area (i.e.
unplug, turn off, or remove any wireless transmitting devices including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices,
laptops/PCs, mobile phones, wireless transmitting devices, etc.), as any transmitting devices can hinder
detection of unknown transmitters.
Power Control and Charging
To turn on your MESA unit, ensure that a charged battery is in the unit or connect the supplied AC
adapter and press and hold the power button (see page 8) until it begins flashing. During operation, to
turn off your MESA unit, press and hold the power button until the "Power Off" graphic appears on the
screen.
Press and hold the power button 8 seconds or more to perform a firmware reset. This method should
only be used if the unit has locked up and the normal shutdown method is not functioning.
The MESA unit has a built-in battery charger. To charge the battery, simply plug the supplied AC adaptor
into the unit with the battery in the MESA unit and into the power outlet.
Note: It is recommended that the MESA battery be recharged regularly during extended periods of
storage (3 months or more) to prevent damage to the battery. Additionally, when storing the MESA for
long periods (1 month or more), it is recommended that the battery be removed from the unit and
placed in the storage compartment in the case. Storing the MESA with the battery in the unit can
deplete it more rapidly, potentially shortening the life of the battery.
Audio Transformer Batteries
The audio transformer, which is an accessory probe included with the MESA Deluxe model, requires two
A23C batteries, which are customer replaceable.
To replace the audio transformer batteries:
1. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws from the back of the audio
transformer.

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2. Locate the two A23C batteries and replace, being careful to observe the polarity marked on the
unit.
Connecting the Antenna & Probes
The MESA Basic and Deluxe packages include connector cables for connecting probes and antennas.
Powered Connector Cable (only included with the MESA Deluxe)
The powered connector cable is included with the MESA Deluxe package and is required to operate the
flag-shaped Directional Antenna (70 MHz - 500 MHz), the Down Converter Antenna, the optical probe,
and the Ultrasonic probe. Other, passive probes included with the MESA Deluxe will also work with the
powered connector cable. The powered connector cable has a pin on each end that transfers power to
the powered probes. When connecting the powered connector cable to the MESA, it is important to
align the power pin on the cable with the power contact pad on the MESA for the connector to snap into
place.

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Note: When disconnecting the powered connector cable, pull from the cable release for leverage. Do
not pull from the cable. Doing so could damage or shorten the life of your cable. It is not necessary to
power off the MESA when changing probes/antennas.

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Manual Selection of Probes
The MESA detects any REI supplied antenna or probe that is connected and will automatically adjust the
MESA settings, such as span or default mode, for best working with that probe.
The MESA will also allow you to manually select the probe connected.
To manually select a probe:
1) Tap the Input Selection in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The Input Info window will
appear.
2) Select a probe/antenna from the Probe Name drop-down box.
Note: Not all probes and antennas listed in the Probe Name drop-down list may have shipped with your
purchased MESA package.
Note: REI advises the use of a blocking capacitor when using 3rd party probes to avoid any negative
effects from the small bias voltage that the MESA uses in its probe identification system.