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Power line bug
The MCX is an eavesdropping device (bug)
that uses the mains power line as its transmission medium,
also known as a Mains Carrier Transmitter (MCX).
The MCX was developed by Audiotel
in Corby (UK) and was intended for training sweep teams on their
Scanlock receivers, but was also
suitable for covert operations when used in combination with the
matching MCR receiver [1].
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The MCX is housed in a small plastic case and measures 10 x 6 x 3 cm.
It can be connected directly to the mains power (220V AC) and has a small
sensitive electret microphone at the front, that picks up
voice conversations many metres away. The MCX then modulates them
onto a 120 kHz carrier that is send back into the mains.
The special MCR receiver is used to demodulate the mains carrier
signal, after which a clear wide-band voice signal will be heard.
Rather than using a dedicated receiver, it was also possible to use
a modified power line intercom.
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Power line communication was used extensively during the 1970s and 80s
for intercoms and baby monitoring systems. It was a simple and effective
means for eavesdropping as well, as it was possible to build relatively
small transmitters that could be hidden inside a wall socket.
In order to eavesdrop on a conversation in another room, the receiving end
had to be connected to the same power phase as the transmitter.
As three mains phases are commonly used to wire a house (R, S and T),
some experimentation and luck were often necessary. As an example:
Power line bugs could be detected with special bug finding equipment,
such as the Scanlock 2000
and the Scanlock ECM.
The MCX was created by Audiotel especially for training sweep teams,
but could also be used as an effective bug.
Today, power line bugs are hardly usable as their signal is disturbed
by switched mode power supplies, Power Line Communication (PLC) Modems,
and mains filters in many domestic and industrial appliences.
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© Copyright 2009-2013, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Thursday, 16 May 2013 - 07:54 CET
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