The new ORION 900 HX Non-Linear Junction Detector from REI detects electronic semi-conductor components through dense materials such as bricks, concrete, and soil. The longer 900 MHz wavelength excels at detecting older, less refined circuitry and also penetrating building and construction materials compared to the shorter wavelength of the 2.4 GHz model, which excels at detecting modern, surface mounted circuitry in normal office environments.
For those with both applications, a new ORION HX Deluxe package is available which includes interchangeable 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz antenna heads. The antenna heads are easily exchanged in under twenty seconds by simply turning a pair of thumb screws. The touch screen controller on the ORION handle automatically recognizes the attached antenna and displays the corresponding data.
The ORION antenna head is a transceiver (transmitter and receiver) that radiates a 1.25 MHz-wide digital spread spectrum signal to determine the presence of electronic components. When the signal encounters semiconductor junctions (diodes, transistors, circuit board connections, etc.), a harmonic signal returns to the receiver.
The receiver measures the strength of the harmonic signal and distinguishes between 2nd or 3rd harmonics. When a stronger 2nd harmonic signal is present, visual, audio, and haptic feedbacks alert users that a junction has been detected.
The standard transmit power of the ORION 900 HX FCC model is 1.4 W EIRP with operating frequencies between 905 and 925 MHz. A higher power “G” model with 3.2 W EIRP and a wider frequency range is also available. Due to the variety and complexity of compliance organizations across the globe, several different ORION models exist.
Consider the following when selecting your ORION:
- What is your application – office-like environments, or areas with dense materials like brick or concrete?
- Do you need a CE, FCC, or IC compliant model?
- Do you prefer a touch screen or keypad?
All new ORION orders will come with the quick-disconnecting handle, allowing customers to add-on the alternate antenna head at any time.
This is an excerpt from REI’s TSCM Quarterly Newsletter. Click here to download the full edition.
