Chennai-based communications engineers A.V. Nicholson and A.V. Jenson have developed an eco-friendly prototype of a unique mobile jammer device.
With increasing instances of ATM thefts, exam hall malpractices, and leaks of critical information, affordable devices to check these are not yet available in India. The demand though is high. Currently, India imports cellphone jammer devices from Israel, Germany, Japan and Korea. The indigenously developed device, which could be made in as little as `5,000, can be customised to the area that it functions in, and can bar all devices working on 2G, 3G, Bluetooth and WiFi waves.
“What we have in our Indian market are imported devices that are not only steeply priced, but are only capable of blocking either 2G or 3G signals, and in addition, pose health risks as well,” says Mr Nicholson, who has rich experience in satellite communications technology of two decades following his B.Tech from Visveswaraya Technological University, Bengaluru.
Using a technology called direct digital frequency synthesiser (DDFS), the new jammer is made out of chipsets imported from the USA. The technique, radio frequency fencing, can be customised to “jam” only a required geographical area, and can also be put on intelligent stand-by.
“Most of the current jammers work 24x7, emitting radio waves frequently, putting at risk the health of the people in close contact. Our device is always on stand-by. When you attempt to call, SMS, or connect by any electronic means, the detector auto-switches to jamming mode and prevents any data or voice transfer. Once jamming is successful, it switches off, saving electricity,” said Mr Nicholson.
Already, a few prototypes have been installed in a defence establishment in south India, in health centres, schools, and interestingly, in the Sringeri Mutt in Karnataka. “Devotees refuse to concentrate during meditation, and severely annoy the Mutt officials, who sought our help in installing one,” he said.