support
Exceptional customer support and need-based training, delivered by experts with unmatched proficiency in DSP, detection decoding, interference cancellation, and geolocation.
3dB Labs Customer Support
Dedicated Field Support
Minimizing Disruption, Maximizing Performance
Our field support team is more than just a service — we’re your trusted operational partner, committed to keeping your mission on track with responsive, knowledgeable, and solutions-driven support.
- On-Site Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Our experienced Field Applications Team is ready to deploy directly to your site, identifying and resolving issues quickly to minimize downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.
- Seamless Hardware and Software Integration: We specialize in integrating Sceptre into your existing systems. From hardware to software, our on-site experts ensure seamless compatibility and optimal performance.
- Preventative Maintenance and System Optimization: Avoid unexpected disruptions with proactive support. Our team conducts regular system health checks, performs preventative maintenance, and fine-tunes your Sceptre system for maximum efficiency.
- Emergency Response and Rapid Deployment: When urgent challenges arise, our rapid-response team is equipped to act swiftly, delivering reliable support when you need it most.
3dB Labs & Sceptre Software FAQs
01 How are Sceptre licenses priced.
Licenses are priced per workstation. The license can be transferred to another machine once deactivated. Please see our end-user license agreement for more information.
02 What is the difference between Sceptre and Monarch?
Sceptre is a customizable, remotable, signal processing suite capable of real-time and offline spectrum and temporal analysis. Sceptre provides the tools necessary to quickly identify and exploit signals of interest.
Monarch systems house Sceptre signal processing software and enable MONitoring and ARCHiving for a variety of applications. Monarch systems are customizable to your needs and currently support a wide variety of receivers and digitizers from over a dozen manufacturers.
03 What are the minimum specifications for running Sceptre?
Sceptre is compatible with a wide range of hardware configurations, with optimal performance achieved on systems featuring an 8-core processor, 16GB ECC RAM, minimum base clock of 2.8 GHz, and at least 1TB SSD/NVME storage
04 What OS do you support?
Sceptre is designed for Linux-based systems, supporting both Debian Linux flavors (Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, 24.04) and Enterprise Linux distributions (Rocky 8/9, Centos 7/8, RHEL, etc.). Sceptre is also available for macOS X 10.15+, Linux Arm64 processors, and Windows 10+ (64-bit). Non-Linux releases are limited in SDR compatibility and capability as not all plugins are fully supported.
05 What radios are compatible with Sceptre?
06 What are the differences between the Sceptre builds?
07 Is there an annual cost to maintain Sceptre? How does it work?
Sceptre is a perpetual license, including a 1-year free software maintenance plan including software updates.
After the initial year, a follow-on maintenance plan can be purchased annually at a cost of 20% of the original license sale price to ensure continued access to the latest Sceptre software upgrades.
Expiration date is determined as 1 year from shipment date plus 30 days for shipping and installation.
Example: A 1G License costs $12,500 for initial purchase, this provides 1 year of maintenance included. Adding an additional 2-years of maintenance will cost $2,500 each year, so $5,000 total. This provides the purchaser a total of 3-years maintenance for $17,500.
08 What does maintenance and support on software and hardware cover?
Sceptre maintenance and support includes access to updates, new features, and bug fixes. Hardware maintenance covers any hardware purchased through 3dB Labs replacing or repairing parts or manufacturing defects.
09 What is Kirby?
Kirby is a self-contained, multi-purpose signal processing solution providing remote & mobile operations of the Sceptre software. Kirby is optimized to provide spectrum monitoring, collection, heat-mapping, and geo-location in a variety of use cases and environments.
10 What is LTMS?
LTMS stands for Laptop Monitoring Station and serves as a self-contained signal processing platform. This platform supports both static and mobile missions with real-time RF monitoring and collections, tethered & un-tethered operations, and rapid employment.
11 What is Citadel?
Sceptre-Based In-Place Monitoring System (IPMS) providing real-time Radio Frequency (RF) monitoring to persistently observe, analyze, and assess the RF Spectrum.
12 What is the format of recorded files within Sceptre?
Sceptre can record in one format (depends on the input and method used to record) and export that file into various formats; 8, 16, 32, and 64-bit Floating Point or Integer based file formats.
13 How do I receive updates?
Create an account in our portal (https://portal.3db-labs.com/) and associate your Sceptre Serial Number with that account. The portal then provides you with the latest releases of our software based on your software maintenance for that Sceptre Serial Number.
14 How do I receive support?
For issues encountered with the Sceptre software; Sceptre user license; 3dB Labs Portal; Monarch hardware; or any 3dB Labs product please contact our dedicated support team through email at support@3db-labs.com
15 Where is 3dB Labs, Inc. registered for Government procurement?
Our company is registered on SAM and JCP. We are working to establish some of our products on a GSA schedule (currently under evaluation). CHESS can be used when we are a subcontractor to a prime.
16 How long before I can expect my product to ship?
We typically quote 2-4 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO) for software and hardware. However it can vary depending on quantity, product, and supply chain.
17 What export controls does Sceptre fall under?
Sceptre software at its core is a commercial product classified as 5D991. Sceptre-based software can be sold and shipped internationally to customers without the need for export licenses so long as the end user is not a denied party or embargoed country. ЗdВ Labs, Inc. offers several plugins to the base Sceptre software that could shift the classification of the software from 5D991 to an ITAR controlled item classified under CAT XI(b). ITAR controlled items require license authorizations from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls under the U.S. Department of State.
18 What source plugins are different between the ITAR and 5D991 version of Sceptre?
Please reference our Compatibility Matrix for source plugins supported across the various versions.
19 What antenna positioners does Sceptre support?
General Dynamics, MOOG, NextMove, RPM, Sky-Watcher, and ViaSat positioners are currently supported for control within Sceptre. To discuss integration of a positioner, please contact support@3db-labs.com.
20 Can Sceptre be used remotely?
Yes, webDVR and SceptreNet allow users to configure and control Sceptre remotely. For full remote native UI control, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) or remote desktop option can be used.
21 What CPU instructions are supported by Sceptre?
Sceptre supports the following CPU instructions:
- sse4.2 – Legacy CPU’s before 2011.
- avx2 – Recommended for most users.
- avx512 – Server class processors from 2016.
- aarch64 – Linux ARM-based systems.
- arm64 – Mac ARM-based systems
22 What file formats does Sceptre ingest?
Midas Platinum Standard and VITA 49.0
23 Does Sceptre have an API?
Yes, Sceptre uses Representational State Transfer API or REST API to set rules that enable communications between systems and applications.
24 Can I create my own plugin within Sceptre?
Sceptre does not have a software development kits (SDK) to allow users to create their own plugins, however, users can leverage our REST API to control or communicate with other systems into Sceptre. For those interested in native plugin development and-or integration, please contact support@3db-labs.com.
3dB Labs Training Opportunities
Customized Training Tailored to Customer Needs
3dB Labs is committed to developing training programs that are focused, adaptable, and tailored to the individual needs of each customer.
Recognized experts in Signals Intelligence, Electronic Warfare Operations and Technical Security Countermeasures, and TEMPEST, our team is highly skilled and recognized as the foremost experts in operating Sceptre. Our instructors are dedicated to imparting their extensive knowledge, embodying the philosophy: “What took us years to master, you will learn in weeks.”
- 3dB Training Sessions Provide:
- Customized Training: Training that adapts to specific use cases, moving beyond basic scenarios. Unlike traditional programs that focus on narrow tasks, our approach ensures flexibility in response to evolving challenges.
- Hands-on, operationally relevant experiences: Practical, real-world training and ongoing support for customer success beyond the training phase.
- Emphasis on Building a Solid Foundation: Core engineering principles, such as RF Theory, Signal Processing, and Spectrum Awareness, are included in the training.
Training Goals:
- Develop Early Expertise: Users gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in dynamic and changing environments.
- Ensure Comprehensive Understanding: Graduates achieve a solid grasp of Sceptre capabilities, as well as core Signal Processing and Analysis fundamentals.
- Foster Self-Sufficiency: Users are trained to work autonomously in collecting, decoding, and triaging the spectrum to support independent tactical decision-making.
To learn more about how our customer support can help
