Reducing glare with the OGRE: Oscor GReen Extension stand.
One of the most popular spectrum analyzers for TSCM sweep work is the REI Oscor Green or Oscor Blue spectrum analyzer. They have a simple built-in wire stand that tilts the unit to put the screen at a comfortable viewing angle. This is great and works properly much of the time. There is a challenge, though, when there are ceiling lights directly overhead. The angle will often create glare for the operator. This glare can be very difficult to see through and uncomfortable for the operator, causing them to try a variety of awkward ways to cut the glare. Methods I’ve seen range from looking at the Oscor sideways or propping it up on books, to shifting the operator’s head position and even standing up.
Here is a simple, inexpensive extension stand for the Oscor. The OGRE (Oscor GReen Extension) costs all of about $5 and can collapse to fit nicely in your case (note that this will, of course, work with the Oscor Blue as well, but it’s not as cute as an acronym).
Typical glare on the Oscor screen with lights directly overhead.
Oscor with added tilt, reduces glare.
OGRE increases tilt by about three inches, reducing the glare.
The stand is modified from a wire display stand typically available at arts and crafts stores (Michaels) or on Amazon. When looking for these stands, you want to find the 3 wire version. They are designed for displaying pictures, books, or plates, with two legs forming the base and the third “leg” providing upper support for whatever is being displayed. The third leg will provide the extension support for the Oscor stand.
On my trip to the local Michaels Craft Store (www.michaels.com) I found the Studio Décor Folding Wire Easel (https://www.michaels.com/studio-decor-folding-wire-easel/10288344.html) for $4.29.
Michaels only had it in white, so I went to Amazon to look for black. That turned up the Gibson Holders 3A 3-Wire Display Stand, Black, 4-Pack for $8.99. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NEDHN6E)
3-Wire Folding Easel from Michaels Craft Store
Gibson Holders 3A 3-Wire Display Stand
I obtained both styles and found that the Gibson holder from Amazon, while it works fine as the stand extension, the wire is thinner and not as strong as the Studio Décor model. The Amazon order does come in a 4-pack, so you can experiment with other designs if desired.
How to do it:
To create the OGRE, the third leg of the display stand will receive a bend about 1.5 inches from the joints where the legs all come together. Begin by extending the third wire and lay it flat on the edge of a table.
Find a point about 1.5 to 2 inches from the joints on each side. Hold the top of the leg flat on the table with the 2 inch point at the tables edge.
Begin bend at edge of table.
The side of the easel with lip should be facing down. Put pressure on both sides of the leg with the 2 inch point at the edge of the table to start the bend. Be sure both bends are occurring at equal distances from the joint. Once the bending is underway, and you have about a 90 degree angle, you will can turn it over and continue bending by hand. Tip: Put a rod or thin dowel of some kind into the bend elbow. This will help keep the bend from being too tight. If the angle is too close-fitting, it could grab hold of the Oscor’s built-in stand too tightly. You want the Oscor to be able to be removed freely. I used a long screwdriver bit for a rod.
Putting a rod or long screwdriver bit in the elbow will help keep the angle wide enough.
Complete the bend around the rod until the sides are about parallel. The Oscor should be able to slide in and out of the slot freely.
The front leg comes with a small lip that can also be bent out of the way, the lip is not needed and bending it up will allow the unit to fold to a smaller size. To do this, grab each side the lower lip of the front leg and bend them upward. You can probably bend it by hand, or start by hand then lay it flat on a table to make the final bend tight.
Front lip bend.
The angle of the base legs can be adjusted a little for varying height, but you need to be careful that the legs do not slip outward. I countered this problem by using two Velcro type wire wraps. I put one on each leg, front and back, and cut them to fit so they do not extend too far. The Velcro wraps connect to each other at whatever distance I prefer for the legs, and they can be adjusted if necessary.
Velcro straps help keep the legs from extending too far.
OGRE stand folded and ready to be packed in the case
This stand provides excellent support and stability. The Oscor will not wobble and it can still be picked up easily for carrying to investigate signals. The OGRE stand is light and compact, fitting nicely in whatever case you use.
OGRE extension in operation.
If you have comments or ideas for this stand, or other improvements to TSCM gear, let me know in the comments below, or email me at charles@execsecurity.com.
That’s a great tip. The only snag is when the oscor (or talan) original stand doesn’t hold up properly due to the wire making a groove in the instrument case. Then you may as well just take it off and use books to angle it.
Interesting, haven’t had that problem… yet. I’m going to inspect my case more closely. I originally hoped to find stiff wire to just replace the existing stand and make it a bit longer. Coat hanger wire was not strong enough.
Great tip. Thanks Charles
Art