COBHAM T-2765-KF Quick Start Manual

Key Fob

Covert Wireless Audio Transmitter/Recorder
Model T-2765-KF

The most important thing we build is trust

2

PN OP1920583 REV. C

copyright notice

Copyright © 2010 - 2011

COBHAM All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or
translated into any language or computer
language, in any form or by any means,
including but not limited to electronic,
magnetic, mechanical, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of COBHAM.

disclaimer

The information in the document is subject
to change without notice. COBHAM
makes no representations or warranties
with respect to the contents hereof, and
specifically disclaims any implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. COBHAM reserves the right to
revise this publication and to make changes
from time to time in the content hereof
without obligation of COBHAM to notify
any person of such revision or changes.

how to contact COBHAM

For operator and troubleshooting
information, customers are encouraged
to refer to the details in this manual. For
additional clarification or instruction, or to
order parts, contact COBHAM.

Customer Service is available Monday
through Friday between the hours of 9:00
AM and 5:00 PM EST at:

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.cobham.com/surveillance

Email: [e-mail]

DTC Communications, Inc.

dba Cobham Tactical Communications &
Surveillance

486 Amherst Street

Nashua, New Hampshire 03063

3

NOTE: Describes special issues you should be aware of
while using a particular function.

WARNING: Calls out situations in which
equipment could be damaged or a process could be
incorrectly implemented, but in which operator safety is
not a factor.

TIP: Describes application hints.

manual conventions

Introduction ....................................................................................................................4-5

Accessories .................................................................................................................. 4

Quick Start................................................................................................................4-5

Operation .................................................................................................................6-10

Programming ..............................................................................................................11-19

Watermarking ..............................................................................................................20-21

Specifications ......................................................................................................................22

Contact Us ......................................................................................................................23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

Introduction

The T-2765-KF is a disguised surveillance device hiding an integrated microphone, synthesized
analog FM (narrow or wideband) VHF radio transmitter and high-capacity (1GB) digital audio
recorder with real-time clock and watermarking. It picks up local audio and transmits and/
or records it. The powerful 100mW transmitter can be received by compatible receivers. It
is powered by a single, commonly available, AAA Lithium 1.5V battery, and can operate for 3
hours, when both transmitting and recording, or 14 hrs when recording only. Local control is by
3 buttons on the unit. When a button is pressed, a vibrator motor provides positive momentary
feedback of the operating mode to the user. Unit configuration, and recorded audio data
download, is performed over a USB connection via supplied software

The T-2765-KF transmitter incorporates its own internal Tibbets microphone, that can be
configured for AGC (Automatic Gain Control) mode for maximum audio dynamic range, or
fixed gain.

The frequency of the T-2765-KF is user-programmable (recommended within ±1MHz of
factory setting). It is designed for personal protection and evidence gathering missions.

The Keyfob disguise is designed to look like an authentic factory-supplied unit to allow its overt
presence without attracting attention.

This manual describes the operation of the Keyfob T-2765-KF.

NOTE: There are no visual status indicators (eg: LEDs) on the unit.

Accessories

• 1 T-2765-KF Transmitter

• 2 AAA Lithium 1.5V batteries (non­rechargeable)

• 1 Data sheet

• 1 Operator’s Manual

• 1 Screwdriver

• 1 Programming/Watermark Software

• 1 USB Cable

NOTE: The unit does NOT power
up automatically when the
battery is inserted.

INTRODUCTION

Microphone

Mini-Keychain Screwdriver is included in kit for changing

the battery. Turn either barrel-end counter-clockwise to

reveal the required Phillips head.

Phillips Slotted

5

QUICK START

The following Quick Start procedure assumes the T-2765-KF has already been configured
via USB as desired. Factory-set transmit frequency and/or other parameter settings can be
modified as described in the Programming section, starting on page 11.

Install the battery by removing the End-Cap using the screwdriver provided, and inserting
the battery, with anode (battery button) head first (unit is protected against accidental
insertion the wrong way round). Re-attach the End-Cap. Note that the unit does

not

power up

automatically.

A Vibrator Motor gives momentary feedback of operating status when buttons are depressed.
Functionality is controlled by the buttons to be in one of five modes:

Mode Initiating Button(s) Tactile Feedback

RECORD: Unlock 1 pulse

TRANSMIT: Lock 2 pulses

TRANSMIT & RECORD Lock then/or Unlock* 3 pulses

PANIC Panic 4 pulses

(SWITCHING) OFF: Lock AND Unlock Vibration switches on
then slowly dies away.

Whenever one of the above modes is toggled off, the resulting mode is whatever is indicated
by the Vibration feedback.

*If RECORD is activated when TRANSMIT is already active, or vice versa, the unit enters
TRANSMIT & RECORD state.

The T-2765-KF is designed to operate in the 150 - 174 MHz frequency band.

USB Connector - Battery

Panic ON/OFF

Button

Record ON/OFF

Button

Transmit ON/

OFF Button

Battery
Compartment
End Cap

6

OPERATION

Unit Configuration Prior To Deployment

The unit is configured prior to deployment with supplied software via the USB connector. This
allows the user to:

• Set the transmit frequency. It is recommended to stay within +/- 1 MHz of the factory
setting (or significant transmit range reduction may result).

• Select AGC (Automatic Gain Control) or Fixed Gain audio mode.

• Download, and delete, recorded audio files.

• The User is also provided the Serial Number of the device when the unit is connected.

For details of the configuration operation, see Programming, starting on page 11.

Local Control

Control in the field is via the three buttons. They allow simple switching of the Transmit and
Record functions, plus a Panic mode that overlays an alarm tone on the transmitted audio (not
present on the audio recording) to silently alert monitoring teams to an emergency situation.
The Panic button incorporates 3 Braille dots for location out of the user’s range of vision (e.g. in
a pocket). Feedback indicating operating mode is provided by vibration.

Tibbets
Microphone

7

Button Operation

• To prevent accidental activation, all buttons require at least a 1-second depression.
The Panic-OFF function requires a 3-second press.

• The TRANSMIT, RECORD and PANIC buttons toggle their respective functions ON and
OFF.

• If the unit is OFF, it automatically powers ON when the any of the three buttons are
pressed.

• PANIC (Alarm icon) - This enables/disables a 1kHz pulsed audio tone on the Radio
transmission, and facilitates silent signaling to those monitoring the radio transmission.

• RECORD (Unlock icon) - This activates/deactivates the integrated Audio recorder

• TRANSMIT (Lock icon) - This activates/deactivates the radio transmitter

• The unit is switched OFF by depressing the TRANSMIT and RECORD buttons
simultaneously. You may also turn-OFF each individual function by pressing the
appropriate button.

• Status Indication - The unit has no visible indicators to prevent compromise of the
unit’s covert nature during operations. It contains a small Vibrating Motor that provides
momentary feedback when buttons are depressed to confirm the operating mode
(TRANSMIT ONLY, RECORD ONLY, TRANSMIT & RECORD), or OFF. See page 5.

NOTE: If the unit is transmitting, pressing a button will cause the transmission to
cease during the vibration feedback response period. Transmission is immediately
restored thereafter. Recording is not similarly affected.

OPERATION

Panic ON/OFF

Button

Record ON/OFF

Button

Transmit ON/

OFF Button

8

OPERATION

TRANSMITTING

The FM transmitter operates in the following mode:

• Analog Narrow - 2.5kHz FM deviation

Note that transmitted audio is analog, and is not
scrambled or encrypted.

WARNING: Always make sure the unit is properly turned-OFF before removing the
battery cover. If, while the unit is recording, the end cap is removed, thereby breaking
the battery connection, the audio recording may be irretrievably corrupted. Ensure the
unit is switched OFF using the Transmit and Record buttons (see page 7) with vibrator
feedback confirmation prior to end cap removal.

• Press the Lock (TRANSMIT) button to turn the unit ON and commence transmission.

• Turn ON a radio receiver tuned to the same frequency. Verify reception by hearing the
transmitted live audio.

RECORDING

The unit records uncompressed audio in .wav files that, when downloaded, can be replayed on
Windows Media Player, or other compatible software. The recorded audio is band-limited to
the range 300 – 3000 Hz. Dynamic range is not preserved in AGC mode. In Fixed Gain mode,
the dynamic range is limited to approx 40 dB.

The unit can hold up to 20 hours of recorded audio. A new audio file is created for each
recording session (i.e. whenever Recording is toggled on then off). If the memory becomes
full during a recording, Recording will stop. It is the User’s responsibility to ensure adequate
memory (28.8 MB/hr) is available at the start of the mission.

NOTE: File size is limited to 60 minutes for technical reasons. For continuous
recordings exceeding one hour, a new, seamless file is automatically created every hour.

NOTE: Always make sure you have
fresh batteries installed.

NOTE: The unit does NOT power
up automatically when the battery is
inserted.

NOTE: Behavior when SD card fills up
while recording: If, while recording,
the device runs out of SD storage
space, the device operation will go
to a non-recording state. This will
be the OFF state if RECORD only was
set or TRANSMIT if the TRANSMIT &
RECORD mode was set. No indication
is given during these transitions (to
avoid compromising the user by
unexpected vibration).

NOTE: Behavior when SD card is
already full: If, when trying to activate
the RECORD mode of the Key Fob,
you do not get the expected vibration
feedback from the device (1 vibration
for RECORD only, or 3 vibrations for
TRANSMIT & RECORD) then the SD
card may be full. You would need to
download and/or delete some or all
existing files to make space.

9

OPERATION

All recordings are watermarked to ensure their evidential integrity.

The audio recording feature is enabled and disabled using the Unlock button.

• Press the Unlock (RECORD) button to commence recording.

• If you are just testing, speak into the microphone, allowing the recording to progress for a
few moments.

• Turn OFF the T-2765-KF by pressing the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for at
least one second. The Vibrator motor will indicate OFF mode, and the RF transmission (if
active) will cease.

• Remove the End-Cap, and connect the supplied USB cable from the Key Fob to your PC.
Your PC should recognize the Key Fob as a removable drive.

• Using Windows Explorer, open the T-2765-KF drive and double click on the newly created
.wav file. This should launch your default application for playing audio files.

• Ensure your PC speakers are turned ON and the Volume is set to a comfortable listening
level. The latest recording should play.

Real-Time Clock

The T-2765-KF contains an RTC (Real-Time Clock) that is used to add a time-stamp to each
recording session. The unit contains an internal battery back-up that maintains actual date and
time even when no AAA battery is installed.

Whenever the unit is connected via USB to a PC/Laptop, the user is prompted to update the
unit’s Real-Time Clock to that of the computer.

The internal battery has an expected life of at least four years. If the unit no longer retains its
RTC clock settings, it is likely the internal battery needs replacing. The unit should be returned
to the factory for this operation.

NOTE: It is important to always use a fresh AAA Lithium 1.5V battery at the start of
each mission.

NOTE: If the T-2765-KF suddenly
loses power during recording it is
possible that the internal memory can
become corrupted. Care has been
taken to make the file storage on the
T2500 as reliable as possible; however
as with all PC type storage media
if power is lost during critical write
processes data can be corrupted. In
extreme cases of corruption data
may be permanently lost. The unit
should therefore always be powered
down by simultaneous pushing
down and holding the LOCK and
UNLOCK buttons for 1 second (until
the Vibrator Motor indicates power
down), NOT by removing the end cap
thereby disconnecting the battery.

NOTE: This device creates audio
recordings compatible with
Microsoft’s WAV format. However,
not all digital audio devices (MP3
players etc.) or audio programs are
completely compatible with the
Microsoft standard. We recommend
using Windows Media Player when
working with the digital recordings
from this device.

10

OPERATION

OPERATING TIPS

General Tips: The microphone’s sensitivity is largely omnidirectional.

Presence of keys may affect the broadcast range and cause some irregularity in range with the
Key Fob’s orientation depending on where the keys fall. Ideally keys should point away from the
unit. It is recommended to keep metal objects other than attached keys away from the unit.

If buttons are pressed, the Vibrator Motor feedback will appear as momentary noise in
recordings.

The Key Fob is tuned at the factory to the customer’s specified frequency. The user can change
that frequency via the programming software but it is not recommended that it be changed
beyond ±1MHz of the factory-programmed frequency.

Fixed (audio) Gain mode, set in unit configuration, is recommended for scenarios where
environmental noise conditions are not optimal for AGC.

Handheld use Tips: Do not cover the microphone with your fingers or thumb. Hold in such a
way as to prevent keys from jangling.

Concealment in clothing: If the T-2765-KF is concealed in clothing the user is wearing, it
will be susceptible to clothing noise, and reduction in audio sensitivity. If keys are attached,
these may likewise generate noise in the recorded and/or transmitted audio if moved. The area
of clothing where the Keyfob is located should be kept as still as possible

TIP: Cold batteries shorten the operating life of the unit. A 3 hour life (Transmitting
& Recording) at room temperature may be shortened to just minutes at the extreme
lower temperature of -30°C.

Additional Operational Notes: The T-2765-KF operates on one AAA 1.5V Lithium battery.
A fresh battery will operate the unit (transmitting & recording), at room temperature, for 3
hours.

NOTE: Always turn the unit OFF and
remove used batteries when not in
use. It is imperative to discard partially
used batteries, as their remaining
life is not predictable. Always start
an operation with a fresh Lithium
battery.

TIP: Attach (only) one car key onto
Key Fob to minimize jingling noise
and metal-RF antenna interference.

NOTE: Regardless of the operating
mode, after a significant shock event
it is recommended that the user push
the Transmit button and confirm
the current operating mode from
the vibrator feedback. If necessary,
re-set the mode as required using the
buttons (page 5).

11

PROGRAMMING

INTRODUCTION

Cobham has built flexibility via programming options you have on the T-2765-KF. Cobham
factory programs your main frequency at time of order at no additional charge to you.

Software and programming cable are included with the kit, enabling you to change your
frequencies and other associated features.

Unit configuration is managed with Cobham’s Universal Programming Software. This software
is included with your transmitter and allows you to do all of the following:

• Set the operating frequency.

• Set internal clock.

• Set microphone gain mode (Automatic Gain Control or Fixed Gain).

• Read the unit serial number.

12

PROGRAMMING

Installing Universal Programming Software on your PC

NOTE: Uninstall any previous versions by going to Add/Remove Programs, clicking on

Universal Programmer, and clicking on uninstall.

Place the Universal Programming Software CD into your CD drive and complete the following
steps:

1. Locate the file install.exe and double-click to start software installation.

2. Follow the instructions on screen.

Your programming software is installed. You do not need to restart your computer.

TIP: Make sure that you program
your devices to match frequencies
and test the components as a system
prior to going into the field!

13

PROGRAMMING

Launching Cobham Universal Programming Software

1. Remove the Keyfob’s End-Cap.

2. Install one end of the USB programming cable to the USB connector on the Keyfob.

3. Connect the other end of the USB programming cable to an available USB port on your
computer.

4. Launch the Universal Programmer application. The Connect Device dialog box displays. (It
will automatically close when the new device is recognized.)

Windows should automatically detect the new device with removable drive after several
seconds. Windows Explorer should display the new removable drive icon.

USB Cable

Key Fob
bottom view
with end cap
removed

14

OPEN and SAVE

By selecting FILE > SAVE, it is possible
to save a particular suite of channel
settings to a file for future recall.
Similarly, FILE > OPEN can be used to
recall a suite of saved channel settings
that can then be programmed into
the TX.

User Comments are NOT saved when

the channel setting information
is saved to a file. User Comments
are NOT overwritten if the TX is
programmed from a file that was
recalled.

PROGRAMMING

A downloading message displays momentarily then the Universal Programmer Main

Screen displays (below).

Uploads new channel
information to the TX. Click
this button when all of the
necessary configuration
changes are complete.

Click this button to establish
communication between the
TX and the PC. Follow the
on-screen instructions.

Denotes band of operation.

Global
transmit
options.

Individual
channel
information
See below.

Model Number

Firmware
Version

Unit Serial
Number

15

PROGRAMMING

Click on the channel of interest, then
click this button to edit individual
channel settings.

Not applicable for this device.

Enter the frequency in MHz.

Click OK.

In the TX Channels tab, select the

channel. Press the Edit button.

The Edit Channel Settings dialog box displays.

16

PROGRAMMING

The TX Options dialog box displays.

Select AGC (Automatic Gain Control) enabled or disabled.

Click Update to reset Device Clock to connected PC’s system time.

17

PROGRAMMING

Flash Updates

Select File > Flash.

18

PROGRAMMING

The Open dialog box displays.

Select the designated TXT file provided for the Flash Update.

Click Open.

19

PROGRAMMING

The Flash Device message box displays.

The Flash Update process takes a few minutes.

Do NOT interrupt the process.

When the progress bar reads 100% complete, you can proceed to use the KeyFob.

20

WAVE CHECKER

The digital watermark is a specially encoded header, which is added to the (.wav) file. The
audio data itself is not changed, and it in no way affects the audio playback.

Wave Checker is a handy utility that can be used to authenticate the audio wave (.wav) files
created with the MMD1 by examining the watermark. The application installation is described
on page 11.

To use the Wave Checker utility, complete the following steps:

1. Double-click the Wave Checker.exe file. The Wave Checker dialog box

(Fig. 1.) displays.

2. Click the Check File button. A Windows Open dialog box (Fig.2.) displays.

Fig. 1. The Wave Checker dialog box.

Fig. 2. The Windows Open dialog box.

Digital Watermark

21

WAVE CHECKER

Fig. 5. Result: Wave file audio has

been modified.

3. Navigate to the (.wav) file that you want to authenticate and select the file. Click the

Open button (Fig. 2.). One of three results will display: Unmodified (Fig. 3.), Unmodified but
date/time not correct (Fig. 4.), or Audio data modified (Fig. 5.).

The result shown in Figure 3 indicates that the file is trustworthy.

In the example in Figure 4, the audio was not modified, but the time and/or date information
contained inside the .wav file does not agree with the file’s date/time stamp, indicating that it
may have been tampered with.

In the Figure 5 example, the wave file audio has itself been modified and cannot be trusted.

Fig. 3. Result: Unmodified wave file. Fig. 4. Result: Unmodified wave file but

time/date not correct.

22

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications

ITEM SPECIFICATION

RF

Power (RF) 100 mW
Antenna Integrated
Frequency Stability Within +/- 3.5 ppm over -30° C to +65° C
Frequency Range 150 – 174 MHz
Minimum Tuning Step – 250 Hz Transmitter can be programmed to any
frequency within specied frequency band.
Deviation 2.5 kHz
Spurious and Harmonics 40dBc max

AUDIO/RECORDING

Microphone Tibbets Electret-FET (internal)
Recording Capacity 20 hours

POWER

Power Sources 1x AAA Lithium 1.5V battery
Battery Life Transmit and Record 3 hrs minimum
Transmit only 4 hrs minimum
Record only 14 hrs minimum

MISC

Unit controls and indicators 3 Push Buttons, Vibrator Motor
Connectors USB (programming, le access/transfer)
Dimensions 2.5”W x 1.35”H x 0.7”D
Weight Approx 1.1 oz. w/o Batteries or keychain
Operating Temp Range -30° C to + 70° C

NOTE: All specications at 25° C unless otherwise stated.

23

CONTACT USCONTACT US

Contact Information

Customer Service is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST at:

(T) 603-880-4411

A complete listing of Contact Individuals can be located on our website at: www.cobham.com/surveillance

Toll-Free 1 800 233 8639

North America Sales/ Training
Headquarters

2303 Dulles Station, suite 200
Herndon VA 20171

T: [phone]

Canadian Offices

120 Eileen Stubbs Avenue, Suite 200
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1Y1

T: [phone]
Toll free: 1 800 665 4648
F: [phone]

West Coast Offices

1916 Palomar Oaks Way, #100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
United States

T: [phone]
Toll-free: 1 888 880 9339
F: [phone]

East Coast Offices

486 Amherst St.
Nashua, NH 03063
United States

T: [phone]
Toll-Free: 1 800 233 8639
F: [phone]

486 Amherst Street • Nashua, New Hampshire 03063 • 603-880- 4411 www.cobham.com/surveillance

Cobham Tactical Communications & Surveillance