Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!emory!rsiatl!jgd
From: jgd@rsiatl.UUCP (John G. De Armond)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: miniature FM transmitters: bugs
Keywords: FM transmitter, bug
Message-ID: <2482@rsiatl.UUCP>
Date: 25 May 90 23:33:06 GMT
References: <667@retix.retix.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Radiation Systems, Inc. (a thinktank, motorcycle, car and gun works facility)
Lines: 62

paulk@retix.retix.COM (Paul C. Kim) writes:

>Where can I purchase a miniature FM transmitter?  

Contact Audio Intelligence Device 
1400 N.W. 62nd St
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
305 776 5000

AID is probably the largest maker of police surveillance equipment.
Tell them that you're a consultant who has been hired by Agency X to make 
recommendations for and analyze the performance of the type
of bugs you are interested in.  Ask for a general catalog.  I recommend
that "agency X" be a security agency and not law enforcement.  This
is a very closed world and it is likely that the sales people know
the real buyer for XYZ police department.  To buy, you may have to 
have help from an agency.  They are really pricks about who they
sell to.  Of course, you can get some good ideas from the catalog.

Generally, how small do
>these get, 

The smallest I've seen is a wireless microphone about the size of a 
medical capsule.  I was also shown a custom wire AID built that consisted
of a complete medium range wireless microphone built into the 
frame of a Colt .45 pistol.  The bug was NOT visible even with the 
grips removed.  

>and how powerful?  

There is an inverse relationship between range and size.  Generally 
when wireless bugs must be tiny, a small repeater is installed nearby.
AID sells both.

>Are they easily accessable from a consumer's
>standpoint?  

Depends on how resourceful you are. :-)

>What are the legalities involved?  Are they illegal to
>have in one's possession or are only specific ACTS of eavesdropping 
>considered illegal?  

Depends on the locality.  I'd consult a lawyer if you are seriously
considering using a wire.  It is unconditionally legal to wire your
own conversations.  It gets much more complicated after that.

>How accurately are these little buggers detectable
>via some type of scanner?

A professional sweeper with the proper equipment can find just about any
bug that contains an oscillator or tuned circuit.  On the other hand,
professional sweepers are kinda hard to come by.  I guess it
depends on how afraid you are of jail :-)

John

-- 
John De Armond, WD4OQC  | We can no more blame our loss of freedom on congress
Radiation Systems, Inc. | than we can prostitution on pimps.  Both simply
Atlanta, Ga             | provide broker services for their customers.
{emory,uunet}!rsiatl!jgd|  - Dr. W Williams |                **I am the NRA**