User's Manual

Direction Finder RHOTHETA RT-400
RHOTHETA Page 9 of 18 User Manual
4 General Description
The RHOTHETA direction finder system RT-400 is designed to receive and locate emergency
signals and special application signals on the international distress and application specific
frequencies in the VHF / UHF frequency range.
The system consists of an RT-400 Antenna Unit (AU), which is designed light and robust for
typical portable use, a RT-400 Carrying Frame, a RT-400 Power Pack, and the control
software RT-400 DF Scout. The Power Pack can be charged using the RT-400 Battery
Charger.
The Antenna Unit can be installed on the optionally available RT-400 Car Mounting Kit.
Besides the standard RT-400 Carrying Frame, the RT-400 Carrying Frame with lift can be
used in cases where an easy reconfiguration from transport position to operational position is
desired.
The control software RT-400 DF Scout operates under Android operating systems on a tablet
computer, which is connected to the Antenna Unit through a Wi-Fi connection.
The RT-400 DF Scout is described in a separate User Manual.
The RT-400 is a modern precision direction finder intended for professional SAR (search and
rescue) purposes.
It receives and locates signals on all international VHF-UHF emergency frequencies,
including marine channel 16 and all COSPAS-SARSAT channels.
The excellent performance of the RT-400 is possible due to our revolutionary patented wide
band antenna and its sophisticated bearing analyzing algorithms, which deliver quick and
steady information.
Note
In general, the RT-400 system is optimized for mobile and portable operation, where the
heading of the control tablet computer and the antenna are identical. If the antenna is to be
used in a fixed installation, make sure that the direction / north marking (marking on the
Antenna Unit) points towards north. Refer to the DF Scout manual for setting up the software
to operate without GPS and compass correction of the bearing rose.
5 Back Pack Operation without lift option
5.1 Installation in Transport Position
For easy back pack transportation, the Antenna Unit may be installed upside-down on the
carrying frame. The antenna is fixed using two quick clamps, with the antenna casing itself
being resting on the padded platform.
This carrying position, due to its low center of gravity, allows easier back-packed
transportation of the system.
The Power Pack is to be installed on the carrying frame.
5.2 Installation in Operating Position
Place the Antenna Unit in Top-Up position. Make sure the direction marking (marking on the
Antenna Unit) points into forward direction. The Antenna Unit should be placed as high as
possible, or at least as high as needed so that the bottom part of the antenna cylinder is
higher than the head of the person carrying the system.