Direction finding device operating at very high frequencies requires a loop antenna, mechanical rotation, and large structures. The system is applicable to an unmanned configuration. Direction information is extracted in the form of a direction cosine analog

Graf, E. R.

Neff, H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

September 1969	 1	 Brief 69-10378 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies-are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Improved VHF Direction Finding System 
The innovation described in this Tech Brief is a 
direction finding device operating at very high frequen-
cies. Existing methods require loop antenna, mechan-
ical rotation, and large structures; if an unmanned 
configuration is desired, this innovation should be 
applicable. 
A group of four elements, each consisting of two 
perpendicular dipoles, are arranged in a square. 
Four of thdipoles are vertical and four are horizon-
tal. Direction information is extracted in the form of 
a direction cosine analog. Conventional phase meas-
uring equipment can be used to determine the direc-
tion of the received (incoming) signal. 
To avoid multipath signals (scattering) from ground 
reflections the array should be shielded by a metallic 
ground plane.
Note: 
I. Documentation is available from: 
Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific 
and Technical Information 
Springfield, Virginia 22151 
Price $3.00 
Reference: TSP69- 10378 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: E. R. Graf and Dr. H. Neff of 
Auburn University
under contract to

Marshall Space Flight Center
(MFS-20439) 
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19690000373 2020-03-16T18:14:42+00:00Z


Improved VHF direction finding system

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