WD-6200 HF Interferometer DF System


 Frequency range 500 kHz to 40 MHz
 High accuracy medium aperture antenna
 Rapid and simple deployment
 Low visibility antennas
 High sensitivity
 Provides area of target location using SSL
 Typical accuracy better than 2 degrees SD
 Common reference providing phase-coherency
 Utilises direct-sampling DDC based receivers
 Low power consumption
 Portable receiver system

WiNRADiO WD-6200 Direction Finding System
(Click on image to enlarge.)

The WiNRADiO WD-6200 Direction Finding System employs a sophisticated phase-coherent multi-channel interferometer-based method, combined with statistical signal processing, to deliver a cost-effective yet robust and accurate HF DF solution for government, military, and law enforcement applications.

The system is small, lightweight and ruggedized, suited for deployment in stationary and portable situations.

The system offers unparalleled flexibility given its SDR architecture, high accuracy and sensitivity performance, making it capable of filling not only the role of a direction finding system but also that of a highly capable HF COMINT intercept receiving system.

Each WD-6200 system comprises of three main parts: antenna array, phase-coherent receivers and processing computer.

The antennas utilised are specially designed high-gain active monopole antennas. The antenna array size can simply be varied according to the desired frequency range of the system, whereby the antennas are positioned in a "L"-shape configuration, which each leg being typically 5 meters in length for optimum coverage from 3 MHz to 30 MHz, and typically 10 meters for best coverage between 1 MHz to 15 MHz.

The two receivers (G34DDC) are a phase-coherent variant of the well-proven WR-G33DDC SDR, fitted into a rugged portable enclosure.

A high-performance integrated portable host computer is used for interfacing with the system and for processing and analyzing received signals.

In addition to accurate azimuth measurements, the WD-6200 system is also capable of measuring the elevation of an incoming signal. Providing the height of the reflecting ionospheric layer is known, it allows for an estimation of the target's location, without having to revert to a traditional multi-sensor approach for the necessary triangulation.

The entire antenna array can be assembled by two people in less than 30 minutes, while the receivers and the processing computer system can be operated either stationary or setup inside a suitable vehicle.

Combining modular hardware design with innovative software, the WiNRADiO WD-6200 HF Direction Finding System exhibits flexibility and performance which usually is not available in conventional technology systems.


This is the first time an interferometer based MF/HF direction finding system with such advanced specifications and its combination of unique features has been made available in such an easy-to-use and cost effective package.

This has been made possible by combining the highly advanced range of COTS software-defined receivers and antennas developed by WiNRADiO for usage by government, military, security services, surveillance tasks and other demanding industrial applications.

 

Hardware

The WiNRADiO WD-6200 DF system breaks new ground with its state-of-the-art components, by utilizing the phase-coherent WR-G34DDC HF receiver together with specially designed high-gain active antenna monopoles.

WD-6200 hardware

The receiver system is mounted within a portable enclosure and can be powered either from AC mains or from automotive DC with optional converters, allowing for stationary as well as transportable deployment.

When operated stationary or setup inside a suitable vehicle, it is recommended that dual monitors are utilized, allowing DF operations to be performed on one monitor, without compromising the normal receiver control function, as this enhances functionality and efficiency of the system.

Software

At the heart of the WD-6200 system is its sophisticated digital signal processing software. In addition to the standard WR-G3xDDC style graphical user interface, the system software also handles all of the complex mathematical functions and associated processes.

Interferometer

The system is entirely software-defined, which means that additional features and modes can easily be added by means of simple software changes.

The azimuth and elevation displays are established against the North reference, and clearly show the effect of reflections and other effects which degrade the bearing quality. A dynamically adjustable buffer allows the user to average the bearing samples over time. Histogram and waterfall displays also assist the operator.

Software includes an integrated digital recorder, making it possible to instantly record and playback the received signal, both at the IF and audio levels.

The Wideband DF (WBDF) option extends direction finding capabilities to the entire IF bandwidth (up to 2 MHz). The WBDF window shows the signal spectrum, waterfall and corresponding frequency/azimuth graph for every signal above a user-defined threshold.

WiNRADiO WD-6200-WBDF Panel
(Click on image to enlarge.)

Options

The system can be extended to include the following hardware and software options:

  • GPS receiver allowing position-stamped result logging.
  • Client-Server software for remote control of receiver and DF functions.
  • Wideband DF option for calculating direction of multiple signals within a specified bandwidth (up to 2 MHz).
  • The Triangulation/Mapping option requires multiple DF stations linked by a suitable TCP/IP networking infrastructure. Bearing data from the DF stations is used for triangulation. The resulting position is displayed on a map overlay. Map source data is subject to separate licensing arrangements with the respective map provider.
  • Additional monitor for increased screen real-estate if portability is not a major concern.
  • Offline maps for mapping support without an internet connection; which does not require any licensing.

Technical specifications
Receiver type Direct-sampling, digitally down-converting software-defined receiver
DF frequency range 500 kHz to 40 MHz
DF process 3-element classical coherent interferometer
Number of receive channels Three, utilising one receiver permanently connected to reference antenna, and one receiver which is commutated between N and E antenna elements
Sensor elements AX-81SM/DF active monopoles with ground plane
Maximum antenna aperture Half wavelength at highest frequency
DF azimuth accuracy Instrumental accuracy, < 0.5 degree following system calibration. Ground wave accuracy in typical deployment, < 2 degree SD
DF elevation accuracy Instrumental accuracy, < 2 degree following system calibration
DF sensitivity Typically signals greater than 3 dB above noise floor will show azimuth accuracy in accordance with above
DF bandwidth Within DDC2, variable from 1 Hz to 64kHz
Monitoring Full receiver control available during DF operation
Physical size Antenna element: 1.2 m with 5 m ground radial system
Receiver unit: portable enclosure
475 (W) x 375 (H) x 180 (D) mm
18.7 (W) x 14.8 (H) x 7 (D) in.
Power supply 115/230 V AC or automotive 12 V DC with optional converters, 80 W max.
Weight Case/receivers: 13.5 kg (29.8 lb). Antennas/tripod: 17 kg (37.5 lb)
Operating temp. -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
Ordering Codes Description
WD-6200 DF system
WD-6200-GPS GPS option
WD-6200-CSO Client/Server option
WD-6200-WBDF Wideband DF option
WD-6200-TMO Triangulation/Mapping and Client/Server option
WD-6200-MAP Offline maps option

Specifications are subject to change without notice due to continuous product development and improvement.

Interested? Please use our Rapid Response Form to register your interest in this product, or to request more information.