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AID
At its core, the device has the same synthesized transmitter as the
PST-1000, which means that the same FCC approval is
applicable [3]. An unusual feature of this device is that it
combines the antenna with the microphone cable [2].
In addition, the device has
an integrated digital audio recorder, that allows conversations to
be recorded in its internal flash memory, independently from the
transmitter. Users can select the transmitter, the recorder or both.
Nevertheless, it is smaller than the PST-1000
due to the fact that it has space for just one 9V battery block.
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The device is suitable for body-worn applications, such as in covert
law enforcement or intelligence operations.
Its small dimensions (62 × 57 × 20 mm), low weight (68 grams) and rounded
corners, makes it easy to hide under the clothing.
Judging from the date codes on the various parts, plus the fact that
the CODEC [b] and the flash memory [c] of the digital audio
recorder became available in 2003-2004, we assume that the device was
developed in or after 2005.
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The exact year of development is unknown, but from the
Freescale Semiconductor CODEC chip
on the audio recorder board, it is clear
that it was produced after week 24 of 2005. The Samsung flash memory
chip became available in August 2003.
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The image below provides a quick overview of the features of the 7178.
The device is shown here with the battery cover (the lower case shell)
removed. It has only one external connection, which is located at the front.
Unlike other LEA/AID body transmitters – which have a jack socket for the
microphone and a mini-BNC or SMA socket for the antenna – the 7178 has
a 4-pin Hirose socket for the combined use of microphone and antenna.
The device is powered by a single 9V battery.
Note that the length of the microphone cable should not be altered, since it
also functions as the antenna, and the transmitter's output circuit is
tuned to match it. The digital audio recorder is completely independent
from the transmitter, and has its own controls and indicators. The only
part that is shared with the transmitter is the microphone. Its output
is available at a jack socket.
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In this video, Reed Ashley shows and demonstrates
several covert surveillance transmitters, including the
PST-1000 featured on this page.
Many thanks to Reed for her kind donation [1].
Source
YouTube:ReversingForFun
Date
24 July 2026
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The enclosure of the 7178 consists of two halfs. The top half holds
the transmitter/recorder, whilst the bottom half houses the
9V battery. The interior can be access by removing 4 miniature recessed
screws — two from the top and one from either side panel – after which
the upper case shell can be removed. This reveals the interior as shown
in the image below. The upper printed circuit board (PCB)
holds the digital audio recorder. It has its own controls (2 push buttons),
two LED indicators, and a direct audio output (jack socket). The recorder
gets its input directly from the microphone socket, via the black and
white wires that are visible in the image.
A ferrite clamp is present to ensure that the transmitter's RF output
does not reach the input of the recorder.
The top of the recorder PCB holds an MC145483
13-bit linear PCM CODEC/Filter (the small chip) and a
Samsung 1Gb (128MB) flash memory in which the sound
files are stored (the large chip). At the bottom side of this PCB are a
microcontroller and the circuits for analog input and output.
The transmitter is located at the bottom, and is barely visible in the
image above. It is the same PCB as the one that is used in the
body-wearable PST-1000 transmitter. Please refer to
that page for further information and for photographs of the
PCB. Interestingly, the FCC ID number that is printed on the
device's label (B348PRPST1000) is identical to the one printed on the
PST-1000 transmitter. This means that it uses the same
transmitter PCB, and that the 7178 was not separately submitted
to the FCC for approval. This is remarkable, since the antenna circuit
has been altered to allow it to be matched to the combined
antenna/microphone wiring.
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When we received this device in August 2026, we did an initial
test to check whether it worked. After installing a regular 9V
battery and turning the device on, it immediately produced a
clear audio signal at the frequency listed on its tag.
At present, no repair or restoration is necessary.
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Device Body-wearable surveillance transmitter/recorder Purpose Covert overhearing and recording of conversations Model 7178 Catalog 97178 Manufacturer LEA-AID Year 2005 ~ Country USA Frequency 150-174 MHz 1 Channels 1 2 Waveform Narrowband FM Oscillator Synthesizer Output 1000 mW (1 W) Microphone Electret (external) Antenna Integrated with microphone cable Programming Via 4-pin connector Spacing 2.5 kHz (9601 possible channels) Stability ± 2 ppm Harmonics > 47 dBc Recorder Yes, digital PCM Approval FCC ID: B348PRPST1000 (1999-08-06) 3 [3][4] Power 9 V/DC (2 × wired in parallel) Dimensions HWD: 62 × 57 × 20 mm Weight 68 g (without battery) Price USD 2,895 (2019) [2]
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On special order: 130-150 MHz or 216-200 MHz.
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The device featured here, is programmed for (A) 152.275 MHz.
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The transmitter board was developed in 1995. The recorder is from a
later date (probably 2005).
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Price taken from the 2019 catalog [2].
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Tuesday 01 September 2026. Last changed: Wednesday, 02 September 2026 - 07:48 CET.
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