Optoelectronics X Sweeper; anyone own one?

[videobruce]

I have been thinking about getting one for many years. Now I'm ready to do so, but would like input from any owners, good or bad. I'm basically going to use it for sniffing out frequencies of unknown transmitters (handheld or mobile) that I want to monitor. No GPS use or Reactive tune use.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kingpin]

That sweeper is cool but expensive if you're looking to find hidden stuff. Why not go with a good frequency counter? I have Optoelectronics digital scout and it's great for finding frequencies.

 

[JnglMassiv]

I'm curious how the Opto unit holds up to CloseCall/Signal Stalker hits. Have you tried on of these for your application, Videobruce?

 

[consys]

The scout in capture mode will only hit on FM. I haven't had it close enough to a digital system to know if it still gets the frequency. It also gets confused in when there are multiple strong signals.

Having used the 396 Close Call a bit now, I think the range is better on the scout. Using the same outside discone for days at a time, the scout logs things that the 396 doesn't hear. The frequency lock in accuracy is better on the 396. On the scout you have to look for the “peak”, it will log off the frequency step causing problems when then entering it into the scanner.

The other side of the coin- The scout doesn't let you instantly hear what it finds or auto store it your scanner. (Yes I know all about reaction tune. That tiny audio connector they used never worked reliably, especially mobile) The 369 CC gets everything- including AM aircraft which I like.

396 rant: CC and / or priority when used durring sacanning are slow, very disruptive. GRE figured out how to do a priority circuit over 20 years ago that is effective and a lot less annoying.

 

[videobruce]

I failed to have e-mail notification on and never saw these replies.

I purchased the X-Sweeper and returned it for the Xplorer for these reasons (Optielectronics has been great in this regard);

1. No carring case. For $1600, a case should be included especially considering the size (4x larger then that Xplorer).
2. Can't recharge the batteries in the unit. You need a screwdriver to remove the cover just to charge them. The reason I was given was, unlike all their other models, this one can use alkalines. Why carry a spare set of non-rechargeable cells around when for about 4x the price (of alkalines) you can have rechargeables instead. No different than deal;ing with digital cameras.
3. But, mostly PRICE (for what you get over the Xplorer).


What isn't in the specs, the X-Sweeper has a preamp built in that the Xplorer doesn't.
I do have a counter (UTC 3000), but that doesn't seem to make the grade. It seems to take longer to 'lock' to the frequency. I haven't really 'played' with the unit long enough.

 

[videobruce]

CloseCall/Signal Stalker hits.

Explain this??

 

[wolter]

Explain this??

JnglMassiv is asking you to compare the performance of Close Call and Signal Stalker to your Opto unit. How well does the Xplorer do compared with the two?

 

[K0ATC]

996T vs Opto Scout40

I find the Scout to be very fast in comparison to the 996T, this may be the reason your digital scout appears to find more frequencies. There are adjustments that can be made to the CC feature to pick out particular bands which may speed up the process.

When i key down my radio it takes the 996t several seconds to lock onto that frequency in CC priority mode. The Scout is instant.

I personally like the 996T CC feature better just because it will work in all modes and in DND mode so it doesnt step on what I am already listening to. The Scout is great for just sticking on the belt and then pulling up the frequencies later. I have the reaction tune for my Icom IC20 and it works well, but I dont use it much due to all the cables and its just a pain. I also like the 996T because you can cut out particular bands or frequencies from the CC feature, so you dont get broadcast stations or pagers, not an option with my scout40.

RS