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Thunderbolt ATAN115MN Fixed-Location Audio Transmitter
The MAXSUR Thunderbolt is an ultra-thin analog wireless audio transmitter designed for authorized long-duration, fixed-location monitoring. Installed inline with a compatible 110-volt AC source by qualified personnel, it can remain powered while mains electricity is available—eliminating routine transmitter battery replacement.
Mission Advantages
Thunderbolt trades the mobility of a body-worn transmitter for a continuous power source, a slim installation profile and long-duration availability in an authorized fixed environment.
Direct connection to a compatible 110VAC, 60Hz source allows the transmitter to remain available while the circuit is energized, making Thunderbolt well suited to extended deployments.
The transmitter measures approximately 0.5 x 2.3 x 0.21 inches without its leads, supporting placement within appropriate mains-powered fixtures, enclosures and equipment.
A high-gain Knowles-brand microphone is designed to capture intelligible speech within the surrounding room when the transmitter is positioned appropriately.
Crystal-controlled operation helps hold the agency-configured channel consistently for compatible monitoring receivers.
The published 15 mW RF output supports short- to moderate-distance monitoring configurations while limiting transmitter power and physical size.
Where structure or distance limits direct reception, compatible and legally authorized retransmission architecture may be considered as part of the complete monitoring design.
Continuous AC Power
Battery-powered listening devices eventually require recovery, replacement or recharging. Thunderbolt is intended for a different mission profile: persistent monitoring at a fixed site with a compatible AC circuit already present.
When properly installed, the device draws a published 20 mA from 110VAC at 60Hz. Operating duration is therefore tied to the availability of compatible mains power rather than the capacity of a body-worn battery.
Authorized Applications
Thunderbolt can support appropriately authorized fixed-location missions such as:
Fixed-Site Analog Architecture
Thunderbolt is not a conventional body-worn system. Its value comes from combining a very thin 7-gram transmitter, built-in room microphone and continuous compatible mains power in a fixed installation. The agency pairs it with a receiver and antenna matched to the assigned frequency and operating environment.
Receiver and Coverage Planning
The specification sheet does not publish a universal range figure. It correctly notes that wireless performance depends on structural materials. Concrete, metal, utilities, equipment, transmitter orientation, receiver placement and local interference can all change direct reception.
MAXSUR can help the agency evaluate compatible receiver and antenna options and, where lawful and technically appropriate, a retransmission strategy for the intended site. Any repeater or cellular backhaul component should be treated as a separate system element and confirmed in the official quotation.
Technical Overview
The specifications below are based on the supplied Thunderbolt documentation. MAXSUR will confirm current electrical compatibility, operating frequency, receiver requirements, included equipment and warranty in the official quotation.
| Specification | Published Detail |
|---|---|
| System model | Thunderbolt ATAN115MN |
| Primary function | Fixed-location, mains-powered wireless audio transmitter |
| Standard frequency range | 416.5 to 423.5 MHz |
| Frequency control | Agency-specific, crystal-controlled configuration |
| Modulation | Wideband FM (WFM) |
| RF output power | 15 mW |
| Microphone | Built-in high-gain Knowles-brand microphone |
| Power requirement | 110VAC at 60Hz, subject to confirmation for the intended installation |
| Current consumption | 20 mA |
| Published operating duration | Designed for ongoing operation while compatible mains power remains available |
| Transmitter dimensions | 0.5 x 2.3 x 0.21 in. (15 x 60 x 7 mm), without leads |
| Transmitter weight | Approximately 0.24 oz. (7 g), without leads |
| Compliance statement | Published as NTIA compliant |
| Published warranty | Source sheet contains conflicting one-year and two-year references; confirm current term in the official quotation |
Specifications are subject to change. Wireless range is installation dependent. Frequency, electrical compatibility, receiver equipment, warranty, legal eligibility and included items should be confirmed in the official MAXSUR quotation.
Included Equipment
Buyer Questions
Thunderbolt is a fixed-location audio transmitter powered by a compatible 110VAC circuit. It is designed for persistent room-level monitoring without the periodic battery changes required by portable transmitters. A conventional body wire, by comparison, is a mobile device worn or carried by an undercover officer, confidential source or other authorized operator.
In practical terms, Thunderbolt can continue operating as long as compatible mains power remains available and the transmitter remains serviceable. This makes it an excellent option for long-duration deployments where recovering a device to replace batteries would be difficult. Power outages, circuit changes, site conditions and normal equipment life can still affect availability.
Yes. Thunderbolt is designed for standard U.S. mains-power applications, with a published electrical specification of 110VAC at 60Hz. MAXSUR will confirm the current unit configuration and its suitability for the intended installation before shipment.
Ideally, Thunderbolt should be installed by a licensed electrician or by appropriately qualified personnel specifically authorized under agency policy. Because the transmitter interfaces with mains voltage, installation, servicing and removal must follow applicable electrical codes, safety procedures and legal authorization.
No receiver is inlcuded as many agencies already have capability to receive and monitor with existing communications systems. However, MAXSUR does have wide band receivers available, and for reception of this analog device and digital, please see the Hornet Receiver
Range can vary considerably based on the construction materials the signal must penetrate, transmitter placement, receiver location, antenna selection and local RF conditions. With a properly planned receiving setup, approximately one-half mile to one mile may be possible under favorable conditions. The operational objective is often to transmit far enough to reach a discreet recording, monitoring or repeater location. MAXSUR can help plan and configure that RF path for the intended site.
No. Thunderbolt uses analog wideband FM transmission and does not encrypt the audio signal. Analog does offer useful operational tradeoffs: unlike many digital links, reception is not always an all-or-nothing event. If distance, obstruction or interference weakens the signal, the monitoring team may still receive usable audio rather than lose the link completely. The decline in everyday use of consumer scanners and traditional two-way radios has also reduced casual, incidental interception compared with earlier decades. Even so, analog audio should not be treated as secure; agencies requiring encrypted transmission should consider a digital system such as Hornet or Phantom.
Thunderbolt does not include onboard recording. Audio can be recorded at the monitoring location using a compatible and legally authorized recording system. Contact the MAXSUR team for a custom recording configuration, or consider the Hornet Digital Body Wire, which provides onboard recording and may be adapted for fixed 120-volt-powered applications.
Yes. MAXSUR can design and build a repeater or backhaul configuration that carries Thunderbolt audio to another authorized monitoring location. If your agency communications team already has equipment capable of receiving the applicable frequency range, it may also be able to assist with retransmission. MAXSUR can work with your technical personnel to confirm receiver compatibility, frequency planning, licensing, backhaul and recording requirements.
Thunderbolt is intended for authorized law-enforcement, government and qualified public-safety customers. MAXSUR will confirm purchaser eligibility, mission requirements, operating frequency and final system configuration before sale.
Agency Pricing and Configuration
Tell the MAXSUR team about your agency, intended operating environment, available power, required monitoring position, existing receiver equipment and desired deployment duration. We will help confirm electrical and RF compatibility, define the complete monitoring configuration and provide an official quotation.
