Other than the designator “Model 40,” the
Frequency Recording Scout (or just Scout) from Optoelectronics, looks just like the
previous Model 25. However, the engineers at Optoelectronics, never content to rest on
their accomplishments, have set out to further improve one of the most innovative scanning
accessories ever made.
For those who are not familiar with the Scout, it is essentially a frequency counter
designed to collect frequencies inconspicuously. Just slightly larger than a digital
pager, it can store up to 400 frequencies, along with the number of “hits” on
each. It can be programmed to inform the user that a frequency has been intercepted via an
audible beep or silent vibrating alert. And, it can be used to instantly tune a scanner to
the intercepted frequency via the ICOM CI-V interface port.
Though the outside is relatively unchanged, much of the workings on the inside have been
substantially improved. The Scout now has a frequency dithering circuit (patent pending)
that performs comparisons of successive measurements. This new circuitry almost completely
eliminates the incidence of false readings.
The signal acquisition time of the Scout has also been greatly enhanced. Where signal
measurement for three places to the right of the decimal (i.e. 146.765) used to require
6.4 milliseconds, it’s now accomplished in only 800 microseconds—eight times as
fast!
In order to obtain these fast acquisition times, a different prescaler chip is used in the
Scout. This new chip has an upper limit of 1.4 GHz, as opposed to the previous chip that
went up to 2.8 GHz. However, this shouldn’t be a problem for most scanning
enthusiasts, since, other than the 1.2 GHz ham bands, there’s almost nothing of
general interest above about 900 MHz.
The second major change to the new Scout is the ability to directly interface with the AOR
AR8000 and AR2700 scanners (a modification to the scanner is required). This means the
Scout now has the ability to Reaction Tune a handheld receiver, allowing complete
portability.
By incorporating a single, small cable between the Scout and the scanner, the Scout will
automatically tune the receiver to any signal it locks onto. This means that there is
finally a way to monitor the local side of trunked transmissions! And not only will it
tune to the frequency it most recently registered, but will also tune the scanner to any
of the frequencies in memory as you scroll through.
Of course, the Scout still has the ability to Reaction Tune scanners via the ICOM CI-V
interface. Switching between the AOR and the CI-V mode requires only a key press when the
Scout is powered up.
Though the modifications to the AOR scanners are a bit involved (requiring the partial
removal of one of the boards), they aren't nearly as complicated as some of the other
scanner modifications I’ve seen. The Scout owner’s manual has excellent detailed
instructions for making the modifications. However, those uncertain about tackling the
task are admonished to have the modifications performed by a qualified technician. The
manual also warns that these modifications may void the manufacturer’s warranty, so
consider this carefully before proceeding.
For owners of earlier versions of the Scout, an AOR interface circuit is available from
Optoelectronics for $45.
Other improvements on the Scout are not as dramatic, but are certainly welcome. For
example, one of the features of the Scout is the “sleep” mode, where the user
can suspend operation of the Scout, but allow it to retain all captured frequencies in
memory. On the previous Scout, it only took a momentary depression of the SLEEP button to
put the Scout in this mode, so inadvertent activation was not uncommon. Now, the button
has to be depressed for approximately two seconds before it will enter the
“sleep” mode.
The battery and charge circuit of the new Scout have also been improved. A more
sophisticated circuit helps prevent the battery from being damaged by overcharging.
However, if the battery is completely drained, the fast charge cycle (which requires only
one hour) may have to be manually restarted two or three times, since it the circuit may
shut down the charge to protect the battery. The good news is that the battery life has
been increased from approximately six hours to ten hours or more before requiring a
recharge.
The Scout is manufactured by Optoelectronics, Inc., 800-327-5912 (5821 NE 14th Ave., Ft.
Lauderdale, FL 33334). It is also available from Grove Enterprises (800-438-8155) for
$449.95.
For more information about the Scout, click on the logo below.
All articles are property of Haskell L.
Moore, and may not be reproduced
in whole or in part without written permission from the author.
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