Technological Artifacts Collection from the Cold War

Surveillance Artifacts

Vehicle tracking devices (transmitter(s) and receiving unit)

This device was used by surveillance teams to follow a target vehicle, particularly in those situations where close coverage would be suspect, such as in rural areas where traffic was minimal. At other times it was a useful tool to locate a target vehicle that had eluded surveillance. To use this tool, the transmitter had to be attached to the underside of the target vehicle using the magnetic clips, in an area that would allow the antenna to broadcast the signal, but not be easily seen. The transmitter was powered by its own battery. However, given the relatively short lifespan of these batteries, it was often advisable to connect the transmitter directly to the vehicle's 12-volt power supply, if possible. At termination, the transmitter would have to be retrieved. The signal emitted by the transmitter was picked up by the receiving unit in one of the surveillance vehicles.

Two antennae were attached to either side of the vehicle roof, had wire connectors coming through the side windows and were attached to the receiving unit. The signal received indicated the relative proximity of the target vehicle and whether it had turned left or right up ahead. This allowed surveillance teams to follow the vehicle without being seen.

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