AM MODES
Base for all AM +DetexLine +China
Sensormatic Smart v.2012
Sensormatic UltraExit v.2018
CrossPoint v.2021
Sensormatic UltraExit v.2020
Synergy 1
Synergy 2
Synergy 3
Synergy 4
Dexilon + Synergy (added late 2021)
EVOLUTION OF AM SUPPRESSION
The first jammers operated on the basic principle of full frequency jamming at 58kHz. This became Mode #1 in our AM device, but with several of our CRITICAL enhancements.
This mode allows jamming most legacy AM pedestals and some newer models whose developers did not invest heavily in advanced protection or noise-filtering systems. (Based on extensive testing as of 2021, it remains highly effective for most Sensormatic UltraExit systems with standard settings and DetexLine Magnum systems).
Why were other modes developed?
- This method caused issues with certain models that would "freeze" with a loud alarm tone under such impact.
- In an attempt to adapt to jammer noise, some pedestals triggered unwanted audible reactions.
- Pedestals could crash so severely that nothing but a hard power reset would restore them.
These incidents raised red flags during frequent visits to the same stores. Such cases were rare, and we tolerated this issue until 2012. Eventually, Mode #2 was born.
At that time, we called it SMART, as it mathematically handled nuances like freezes and unnecessary reactions from Sensormatic models—from legacy systems to UltraExit units with integrated metal detectors.
Around 2014, an updated UltraExit model appeared (featuring a metal pedestal base) equipped with new features and options. Our existing mode lost its effectiveness against them. Consequently, Mode #3 was developed.
However, this even more precise mode proved "too weak" for older systems, sometimes failing to jam them at all... A dilemma emerged. Reminder:
Back then, jammers were simple boxes with a single switch. Multi-mode functionality wasn't required until then. Mode #1 was simply replaced by Mode #2 in the black box.
Suddenly, we needed AT LEAST TWO MODES SIMULTANEOUSLY.
We began experimenting, leading to a 2-mode version by 2015 and an 8-mode version by early 2016 for research purposes.
I won't detail the 8-mode version; it was a transitional experimental phase that allowed for massive testing by our trusted users (friends, colleagues, and enthusiasts).
One of those 8 modes eventually became Mode #4, as that period marked our victory over CrossPoint AM technology. Launched in 2014, CrossPoint had protection that was previously considered impenetrable for jammers.
We ended up with 4 essential modes. WHAT COULD WE DO? Understand this: we had no other choice but to document it all... As you can see, in the current version, the modes are arranged in chronological order of the PROBLEMS they solved.
2018 brought deeper technical insights. We solved a significant issue with Russian Magnum pedestals by DetexLine using non-standard settings (rarely encountered). Simultaneously, this mode resolved issues with a small percentage of UltraExit units that still reacted to Modes 1, 2, and 3. We decided not to remove the previous Mode #3 but kept it in place, as it remains perfectly applicable in other regions.
In that same year, 2018, we began tackling the newest AM systems from Sensormatic: the Synergy model. Mode #6 was created as a partial solution—not yet perfect, but it reduced operational limitations. By late summer 2020, we developed three specialized modes specifically for Synergy: #7, 8, and 9.
Why three at once? Sensormatic did their homework. These pedestals are highly technological. I won't go into specifics, but they were initially marketed as "jammer-proof."
After global field tests, #7 showed the best results as we anticipated, though 8 and 9 often help when Mode 7 triggers remote reactions.
Why 4 modes specifically for Synergy?
First, realize that the original Mode #6 didn't provide a total victory; it only partially solved the problem Sensormatic aggravated with their 2018 firmware. In some locations, Mode #6 was significantly more effective than Modes 1-5, but not everywhere.
Ultimately, by accumulating knowledge and data on these systems and the new firmware—which constantly changes signal analysis algorithms (it changes very fast: imagine a full computer inside the pedestal that alters behavior at any suspicious event)—we arrived in Moscow, where these systems were most prevalent, and started defeating them from scratch.
This resulted in about 5 different methods that didn't initially yield a universal result on all Synergy systems. We added the 3 best to the list: 7, 8, and 9. Statistics show Mode 7 works in the majority of locations, while 8 and 9 assist elsewhere. Mode #6 was kept for users already accustomed to it in specific effective areas.
If you encounter a Synergy system:
Activate Mode #1 and walk near the entrance (Yes, it works where no special settings are applied). If the system triggers a remote reaction:
Activate Mode #7 and walk nearby again. If there is no sound, enter the store with AM security tags.
If reactions persist, test modes 9, 10, 8, or 6.
We ask for your understanding. Sensormatic created a near-perfect system; defeating it even partially was an incredible task. Perhaps one day we will find a single-mode solution, but we make no promises.
Addressing a frequent question:
"Can I use modes designed for modern pedestals on older models?"
— Yes, absolutely. It is often effective.
BUT!!! decide for yourself based on this fact: a precision electronic screwdriver (Modes 6-9) cannot always replace the primitive club that Modes 1 and 2 represent.
For most legacy Sensormatic models, Mode #3 works, but Modes #1 and #2 remain statistically more effective.
Some older models may cause issues due to their high power output, which was reduced in newer pedestals in favor of precision and lower energy consumption (resulting in better user specs: less power, more options, stable interference adaptation via software filtering).
ALL OF THIS ALLOWS US TO MAINTAIN JAMMING EFFECTIVENESS AT LEVELS FROM 15 YEARS AGO.
It may be hard to grasp now, but the world has become incredibly complex. Without the years of work by my team, you would be in danger using only Mode #1 at 6x lower power and without the minor modifications we integrated into that base mode during hundreds of insane experiments.
Without this massive effort, no one would believe AM jamming technology still works.
The "WALL OF TEXT" above exists so you understand: you will fail unless you learn to distinguish an old Opel from a brand-new BMW.