RT-600 Series
Advanced Wide-band Radio Direction Finder System for Airborne Applications
Key Facts:
- Modern and advanced wideband direction finding system for airborne applications
- Easy installation, no RF cable connection required
- Extremely compact and robust antenna system
- Short response time due to high antenna rotation frequency
- Auto-scan of all COSPAS-SARSAT channels within 400 ms
- Decoding/display of the COSPAS-SARSAT messages
- Fast scan function of complete marine ship band
Quick Facts
Software Revision
Display Control Unit: 3.31
Antenna Unit: 3.33
Quick Facts
Software Revision
Display Control Unit: 3.15-3.20
Antenna Unit: 3.11-3.24
Quick Facts
Software Revision
Display Control Unit: 2.XX
Antenna Unit: 2.XX
Features for Third Generation : RT-600 Wideband
The RT-600/SAR-DF 517 is an advanced radio direction finder system designed for airborne applications. It offers comprehensive coverage of emergency signals across various frequencies, including VHF, UHF, COSPAS-SARSAT, and maritime channels. With the ability to extend its frequency range up to 470 MHz, it provides exceptional detection and indication capabilities.
The RT-600 is available in two versions: RT-600-A, primarily used in Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, and RT-600-L, designed for Law Enforcement operations. Both versions are compact and self-contained direction finding and location sensors, weighing only 4.4 lbs, making it suitable for a wide range of aircraft, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. They consist of an Antenna Unit (AU) housing the wideband receiver, DF switching, and CPU electronics. The system can be operated using a 3.3-inch display-control unit (DCU) or integrated into the human-machine interface (HMI) of a digital mission system.
The RT-600-A, also known as the "Standard" version, calculates the Line of Bearing (LOB) and provides direction indications for emergency signals. Operating within the frequency range of 118MHz to 470MHz, the RT-600-A is capable of detecting, demodulating, and decoding AM, FM, PM, and CW transmissions. With its fast scanning capability, the RT-600 can scan the entire COSPAS-SARSAT sub-band in less than 400 milliseconds, enabling the detection of a signal within a single COSPAS-SARSAT repetition cycle while automatically stopping when a signal is received.
For law enforcement operations, RHOTHETA has developed the RT-600-L version, specifically tailored to meet the needs of US Law Enforcement. The RT-600-L, designed for Law Enforcement applications, unlocks additional capabilities such as LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery Technology support, providing directional guidance to targets and displaying LoJack reply codes. This version tracks various beacons such as Electronic Tracking System (ETS) beacons, Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), and more. It features sophisticated software that significantly improves tracking capability, reducing search time without relying on external support.
With a track record of success in numerous missions worldwide, RHOTHETA's RT-600 series is known for its reliability and performance in various climatic conditions. Whether used in SAR missions or Law Enforcement operations, the RT-600 offers precise direction finding capabilities, demodulating and decoding various transmission types, including AM, FM, PM, and CW signals.
COSPAS-SARSAT Ready
The RT-600 easily decodes of incoming COSPAS-SARSAT beacons messages. Users can track beacons in VHF by switching to 121.500 MHz while in COSPAS-SARSAT DF Mode, and if no valid signal is received, they can switch back to the last active COSPAS-SARSAT channel at 406 MHz. In COSPAS-SARSAT Scan Mode, the RT-600 scans manually selectable channels and stops at the received frequency, allowing for fast scanning of the complete sub-band and detection of receivable signals within one repetition cycle.
Seamless Integration with Mission Management System
The RT-600 radio direction finder can be integrated with augmented reality mapping systems for airborne law enforcement, search and rescue, and aerial firefighting missions. Real-time direction-finding information is exchanged for the tracking and locating of various transmitters like LoJack, ETS, medical beacons, and cash/asset recovery tags. This integration empowers flight crews with improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and operational efficiency by visualizing and monitoring tracked signals in real time for better target identification and pursuit management.
NVG Option Available
The RT-600 offers an NVG (Night Vision Goggles) option that enhances operational capabilities for pilots in low-light or night-time conditions. With this option, pilots can effectively utilize the display control unit while wearing their night vision goggles. Pilots maintain clear visibility of the display and can easily access and interact with the system's controls and information, enabling safe and efficient operations even in dark environments. The NVG option provides an enhanced user experience and maximizes situational awareness during night flights, contributing to overall mission success and pilot safety.
Flexible Configurations for any Cockpit
Features for Second Generation : RT-600
The second generation of the RT-600 radio direction finder builds upon its predecessor's capabilities, providing enhanced support for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions with an extended frequency range from 118MHz to 406MHz. This updated version also introduces additional frequencies and improves the graphical interface, ensuring ease of use for operators. With its compact size and low power consumption, the RT-600 is suitable for installation in a wide range of aircraft, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
The RT-600-A, also known as the "Standard" version, excels in SAR operations by calculating the Line of Bearing (LOB) and indicating the direction of incoming emergency signals. Operating within the frequency range of 118MHz to 470MHz, the RT-600-A is capable of detecting, demodulating, and decoding AM, FM, PM, and CW transmissions.
The "Law Enforcement" version, designated as the RT-600-L, has been specifically tailored to meet the requirements of US Law Enforcement agencies. With its compact size and low power consumption, it is well-suited for use in law enforcement aircraft, whether they are large or small, fixed-wing or rotary-wing. Similar to the RT-600-A, the RT-600-L operates within the frequency range of 118MHz to 470MHz and offers the capability to detect, demodulate, and decode AM, FM, PM, and CW transmissions. Notably, the RT-600-L unlocks support for tracking LoJack and Electronic Tracking System (ETS) beacons, enhancing its effectiveness in law enforcement operations.
COSPAS-SARSAT Ready
The RT-600 easily decodes of incoming COSPAS-SARSAT beacons messages. Users can track beacons in VHF by switching to 121.500 MHz while in COSPAS-SARSAT DF Mode, and if no valid signal is received, they can switch back to the last active COSPAS-SARSAT channel at 406 MHz. In COSPAS-SARSAT Scan Mode, the RT-600 scans manually selectable channels and stops at the received frequency, allowing for fast scanning of the complete sub-band and detection of receivable signals within one repetition cycle.
Fine-Tune Frequencies with Ease
The frequency selection page is designed to assist pilots in easily choosing frequencies. It features user memory slots for quick access to frequently used frequencies. The frequency scale is organized into different blocks. These blocks include Law Enforcement scanning frequencies (exclusive to the Law Enforcement version), Memory Channels, Fix pre-programmed frequencies, COSPAS-SARSAT frequencies, and COSPAS-SARSAT scanning frequencies. This intuitive interface allows pilots to efficiently select the desired frequencies quickly.
Features for First Generation : RT-500 SAR-DF 517 "BECKER"
The RT-500, sometimes referred to as "BECKER SAR DF-517", Direction Finding System is a state-of-the-art solution that fulfills all current SAR requirements and is designed to meet future demands until 2010. It consistently exceeds customer expectations for acquisition and range capabilities, accurately capturing transmitting SAR beacons over distances of more than 100 km at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The system has been successfully demonstrated using frequencies such as 121.5MHz, 156.8MHz, 243MHz, and 406MHz, complying with international COSPAS-SARSAT regulations and capturing all emergency frequencies and beacons worldwide. The system consists of a hermetically sealed unit that integrates the receiver and antenna, suitable for installation on helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft.
The system's advanced technology, including the patented antenna concept and sophisticated bearing analyzing algorithms, enables excellent bearing results. It is available in two versions: the standard version for traditional emergency frequencies in the UHF and VHF band, as well as maritime distress calling channel 16 and COSPAS/SARSAT signals, and the Law Enforcement version that includes VHF emergency frequency, COSPAS/SARSAT signals, and additional LE-signals such as LoJack, ETS, and Med-track.
The RT-500 can effectively detect the 406MHz pulse generated by an emergency beacon, even though the pulse lasts only 450 milliseconds and occurs every 50 seconds, a challenging task for conventional Direction Finder systems. It automatically scans for other emergency frequencies between the 406MHz pulses and can also be used for training purposes at 406.025MHz. The SAR DF-517 has demonstrated its ability to accurately isolate individual beacon transmissions within a small search area, even when multiple beacons are active, such as in the case of multi-crewed aircraft equipped with Locator beacons. It can integrate with BECKER's integrated or mobile moving map displays, providing visual indication of survivors as targets and guiding SAR crews with the necessary track to reach the indicated position.
The BECKER SAR DF-517 Direction Finding System supports the complete COSPAS/SARSAT Frequency range, including future channels, and offers a fast scanning mode for rapid detection of any possible COSPAS/SARSAT frequency within one pulse period (less than 400 ms). Its reliable performance and advanced features make it an ideal choice for professional SAR and Law Enforcement purposes.
COSPAS-SARSAT Decoding Built-in
The RT-600 COSPAS-SARSAT decoding allows for the decoding of incoming COSPAS-SARSAT data messages. It provides various information such as the COSPAS-SARSAT Country Code, the time since the last message was received, encoded GNSS position data (if available), the range of covered COSPAS-SARSAT channels, the 15-HEX-ID of the beacon, and the data string containing the decoded bits of the data burst.
Training Mode
The SAR DF-517, apart from its primary search and rescue functionalities, offers a versatile training capability. It can be utilized for training purposes, specifically set to operate at the frequency of 406.025MHz. This feature allows organizations and personnel involved in search and rescue operations to simulate and practice emergency scenarios in a controlled environment. By setting the SAR DF-517 to the training frequency, users can familiarize themselves with the system's operation, practice signal detection, direction finding, and range determination techniques, and refine their skills in handling emergency situations. This training capability enhances preparedness and proficiency, enabling SAR teams to effectively respond to real-life emergencies with confidence and expertise.