WD-7200 HF/VHF/UHF Interferometer-based Correlative Radio Direction Finder

The WD-7200 exploits a special technique of phase equalization that is both passive and dynamic, ensuring instantaneous optimum performance at all times.

The WD-7200 DF technique allows DF and exploitation of many of the new digital waveforms, not possible with pseudo doppler and other analog systems. These include DMR/MOTOTRBO, dPMR, NXDN, D-STAR and APCO P25 (phase 1 and phase 2).

Combining modular hardware design with innovative software, the WiNRADiO WD-7200 HF/VHF/UHF direction finding system delivers unprecedented flexibility and performance.

This is the first time an interferometer-based HF/VHF/UHF direction-finding system with such advanced specifications and capabilities has been made available in such an easy-to-use and cost-effective package. Radixon has achieved this by integrating the best of its WiNRADiO range of COTS software-defined receivers, software tools, and specialist antennas. Radixon supplies and supports thousands of government, military and professional customers worldwide.

Hardware

The WiNRADiO WD-7200 DF system breaks new ground with its state-of-the-art capability and components. It uses a specially designed quasi-coherent version of the WR-G39DDC receiver together with an eight-element circular radome antenna.

The receiver system is mounted within a transportable enclosure and can be powered either from AC mains or from automotive DC employing optional converters. This allows for stationary and transportable deployment.

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

The WD-7200 can be deployed and working within a few minutes. The system's versatility and relatively lightweight design means it is ideal for static, vehicle-mounted or dismounted deployment.

Software

At the heart of the WD-7200 system is its sophisticated digital signal processing software. In addition to the standard WR-G3xDDC-style graphical user interface, the system software executes all of the complex mathematical functions and associated processes.

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 displays are established against the North reference. A dynamically adjustable buffer enables the user to average the bearing samples over time, effectively minimizing bearing degradation due to reflections. Histogram and waterfall displays greatly assist the operator. An integrated digital recorder enables instant recording and playback of received IF signal.

Options

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

• AX320D Watson-Watt HF/VHF small general purpose antenna suitable for operation in the frequency range of 2-280 MHz.
• AX350D Watson-Watt HF/VHF antenna optimized to longer range direction-finding operations in frequency range of 20-88 MHz
• Antenna pneumatic mast for optimum reception performance.
• GPS receiver allowing position-stamped result logging.
• Client-Server software for remote control of receiver and DF functions.
• 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.
• DFing and decoding of various digital modes is supported via the optional WiNRADiO Digital Radio Decoder. The supported modes include: DMR/MOTOTRBO, dPMR, NXDN, D-STAR and APCO P25 (phase 1 and phase 2).