User Manual

RT-800
4-Band Precision Direction Finder

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

Edited by:
RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH
Kemmelpark
Dr.-Ingeborg-Haeckel-Str. 2
82418 Murnau
Germany

Tel.:
Fax:

+49 8841 4879 - 0

+49 8841 4879 - 15

Internet:
E-Mail:

www.rhotheta.de
[email protected]

Copyright RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH

All rights reserved
- Issue: 2012/05/21 [Rev 1.03]
- Display Control Unit: Software [Rev 1.93]
- Document-ID: 12-9-1-0003-3-1-61

Note
The manufacturer reserve the right to make modifications at any time and without previous
information of the here described product.

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Content
1

Use and Characteristics .................................................................................................. 9

Short Description........................................................................................................... 10

2.1

Front View (DCU) .................................................................................................................................10

2.2

Front View (Buttons and Display) .........................................................................................................11

2.3

Bearing Display (Main Page) ................................................................................................................13

2.4

Rear View .............................................................................................................................................16

Operation ........................................................................................................................ 17
3.1

Bearing Operation.................................................................................................................................17
3.1.1 Instruction Fields (flags, errors and warnings).........................................................................19
3.1.2 Alarm Function .........................................................................................................................20
3.1.3 Function Repeat ......................................................................................................................20
3.1.4 Function Clear..........................................................................................................................20
3.1.5 Function Channel 16 ................................................................................................................21
3.1.6 Function SAR ...........................................................................................................................21
3.1.7 Function Scan ..........................................................................................................................21

3.2

Monitoring Operation ............................................................................................................................22

3.2.1 Timing of normal Monitoring Operation ...................................................................................23
3.2.2 Timing Monitoring with selected Cospas-Sarsat Main Frequency ..........................................23
3.2.3 Monitoring operation with filtering of Emergency Transmitters: ID-Only .................................23

3.3

Standby-Operation................................................................................................................................24
3.3.1 Standby Mode SAR .................................................................................................................24
3.3.2 Standby Mode PLB ..................................................................................................................24

3.4

Scan-Dialogue ......................................................................................................................................25
3.4.1 Fast Channel Scan ..................................................................................................................25
3.4.2 Fast Marine Scan .....................................................................................................................26

3.5

SAR-Dialogue .......................................................................................................................................28

3.6

Cospas-Sarsat Decoding Data Content ...............................................................................................29

Operating and Adjusting ............................................................................................... 31

4.1

Reset of the DCU..................................................................................................................................32

4.2

Setting Main Bearing Frequency/Channel ............................................................................................33

4.2.1 Adjusting Main Bearing Frequency ..........................................................................................33
4.2.2 Setting a Main Operating Channel...........................................................................................34

4.3

Adjusting the Squelch ...........................................................................................................................35

4.3.1 Hints for Squelch Level Adjustment .........................................................................................35
4.3.2 Manual Adjusting of Squelch Levels ........................................................................................36
4.3.3 Automatic Adjustment of Squelch Levels ................................................................................37
4.3.4 Automatic Squelch ...................................................................................................................38

4.4

Adjusting Monitoring Operation and ID-only Filtering ...........................................................................39

4.5

Activating Standby Operation ...............................................................................................................40

4.6

Setting Brightness (Dimming) ...............................................................................................................41

4.6.1 Automatic Adjustment of Brightness of Display and LEDs ......................................................42
4.6.2 Manual Adjustment of Display and LED Brightness ................................................................42
4.6.3 Adjustment of Key Illumination (legends) ................................................................................42
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4.7

Setting the Volume (Volume) ................................................................................................................43

4.7.1 Muting the Speaker (Mute) ......................................................................................................43
4.7.2 Setting Speaker Volume ..........................................................................................................44
4.7.3 Functional Test of Speaker ......................................................................................................44

4.8

Activating Memory / Band function .......................................................................................................45

4.8.1 Recall Frequency/Channel from Storage List ..........................................................................45
4.8.2 Edit Text (of Frequency/Channel) in Storage List....................................................................46
4.8.3 Move a Frequency/Channel within a Storage List ...................................................................47
4.8.4 Delete a Frequency/Channel in the Storage List .....................................................................47
4.8.5 Store a new Frequency/Channel in a Storage List ..................................................................48

Menu (Setup) .................................................................................................................. 49

5.1

Menu General .......................................................................................................................................50

5.1.1 Audio ........................................................................................................................................50

5.2

Menu Interface ......................................................................................................................................51

5.2.1 NMEA Std Sentence ................................................................................................................51
5.2.2 NMEA Mode.............................................................................................................................51
5.2.3 NMEA baud rate ......................................................................................................................52
5.2.4 Compass Source .....................................................................................................................52

5.3

Menu System ........................................................................................................................................53

5.3.1 Address-ID ...............................................................................................................................53
5.3.2 Antenna Unit ............................................................................................................................53
5.3.3 Audio Line Output ....................................................................................................................53
5.3.4 Antenna Offset .........................................................................................................................53
5.3.5 PS Ram ....................................................................................................................................54
5.3.6 Monitoring ................................................................................................................................54
5.3.7 S/N-Ratio AutoSQL ..................................................................................................................54
5.3.8 AU-Calibration..........................................................................................................................54
5.3.9 BeepTone Decoding ................................................................................................................54

5.4

Menu Service ........................................................................................................................................55

5.4.1 Monitor .....................................................................................................................................55
5.4.2 Password .................................................................................................................................55

5.5

Unlocking Setup Settings .....................................................................................................................56

Interfaces ........................................................................................................................ 57
6.1

Overview ...............................................................................................................................................57

6.2

Device Ports .........................................................................................................................................58

6.2.1 Antenna Unit Port (Connecting Cable DCU
AU).................................................................58
6.2.2 GPS / RS422 Port ....................................................................................................................59
6.2.3 Fuse F3 ....................................................................................................................................59

6.3

Remote Control and IP-Audio Encoder Ports .......................................................................................60

6.4

Power Supply........................................................................................................................................61

6.5

Service & Maintenance Ports ...............................................................................................................62

6.5.1 Power Supply and Optional Connections ................................................................................62
6.5.2 NMEA Bus (RS 232) ................................................................................................................63
6.5.3 Test / Program .........................................................................................................................64

Guideline for optimal DF antenna position.................................................................. 65

Technical Data Sheet..................................................................................................... 66

8.1

Electrical Characteristics ......................................................................................................................66

8.2

Mechanical Characteristics ...................................................................................................................68

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8.2.1
8.2.2
8.2.3
8.2.4
8.2.5
8.2.6

DCU Dimensions (built-in version)...........................................................................................68

DCU Dimensions (tabletop version) ........................................................................................69
DCU Data.................................................................................................................................69
Antenna Unit Dimensions ........................................................................................................70
Antenna Unit Mast Flange .......................................................................................................71
Technical Data Antenna Unit ...................................................................................................71

Appendix ........................................................................................................................ 72
9.1

Error Messages ....................................................................................................................................72

9.2

Warnings ...............................................................................................................................................72

9.3

Frequencies of channels on maritime band .........................................................................................73

9.4

List of abbreviation................................................................................................................................74

9.5

CE Declaration of Conformity ...............................................................................................................75

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List of figures
Fig. 1 Front View DCU ......................................................................................................... 10
Fig. 2 Front View Buttons and Display ................................................................................. 11
Fig. 3 Bearing Display ............................................................................................................ 13
Fig. 4 Rear view...................................................................................................................... 16
Fig. 5 Bearing operation ......................................................................................................... 17
Fig. 6 Digital display of bearing value ..................................................................................... 18
Fig. 7 Last bearing (time, frequency) ...................................................................................... 18
Fig. 8 Instruction fields ............................................................................................................ 19
Fig. 9 Monitoring operation ..................................................................................................... 20
Fig. 10 Example active monitoring frequency ......................................................................... 22
Fig. 11 Monitoring operation ................................................................................................... 22
Fig. 12 Example: Timing normal monitoring ........................................................................... 23
Fig. 13 Example: Timing Cospas-Sarsat ................................................................................ 23
Fig. 14 Example: Timing Standby Mode: SAR........................................................................ 24
Fig. 15 Example: Timing Standby Mode: PLB ........................................................................ 24
Fig. 16 Scan-Dialogue ............................................................................................................ 25
Fig. 17 SAR-Dialogue ............................................................................................................. 28
Fig. 18 Display of Cospas-Sarsat Scanning-Mode ................................................................. 28
Fig. 19 Cospas-Sarsat data decoding .................................................................................... 30
Fig. 20 Operating and adjusting.............................................................................................. 31
Fig. 21 Switch-on system information ..................................................................................... 32
Fig. 22 Input of main bearing frequency ................................................................................. 33
Fig. 23 Input of a main bearing channel ................................................................................. 34
Fig. 24 Adjustment squelch level ............................................................................................ 35
Fig. 25 Dialogue window: Squelch level adjustment ............................................................... 36
Fig. 26 Auto-Squelch Marker .................................................................................................. 38
Fig. 27 Dialogue window Monitoring settings.......................................................................... 39
Fig. 28 Activation of Standby operation .................................................................................. 40
Fig. 29 Dialogue window Dimming ......................................................................................... 41
Fig. 30 Automatic dimming ..................................................................................................... 42
Fig. 31 Manual dimming ......................................................................................................... 42
Fig. 32 Dialogue window Volume ........................................................................................... 43
Fig. 33 Muting the speaker ..................................................................................................... 43
Fig. 34 Speaker volume .......................................................................................................... 44
Fig. 35 Speaker functional test ............................................................................................... 44
Fig. 36 Dialogue window Memory / Band ............................................................................... 45
Fig. 37 Text input window ....................................................................................................... 46
Fig. 38 Operating Menu Setup (example: Interface / Compass Source) ................................ 49
Fig. 39 Menu General, table default settings .......................................................................... 50
Fig. 40 Menu Interface, table default settings ......................................................................... 51
Fig. 41 Menu System, table default settings ........................................................................... 53
Fig. 42 Menu Service table ..................................................................................................... 55
Fig. 43 Overview of Interfaces ................................................................................................ 57
Fig. 44 Connecting cable DCU AU ...................................................................................... 58
Fig. 45 Example for optimal DF antenna position ................................................................... 65
Fig. 46 RT-800, mechanical dimensions (built-in version) ...................................................... 68
Fig. 47 RT-800, mechanical dimensions (tabletop version) .................................................... 69
Fig. 48 Antenna Unit, mechanical dimensions ........................................................................ 70
Fig. 49 Antenna Unit, mast flange (mechanical dimensions) .................................................. 71
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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

1 Use and Characteristics

The DF-system RT-800 combines a communication direction finder and a SAR (Search and
Rescue) direction finder, thus allowing to bear all coastal and maritime radio stations. EPIRB
(Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) equipped persons or vessels may be found
quickly and safely.
The DF-system RT-800 allows the bearing of radio signals on 4 different frequency bands as
well as traditional emergency frequencies in the VHF and UHF range, the common calling up
channel 16 in the maritime radio band and the widely used Cospas-Sarsat emergency
signals:

Frequency Ranges:

Emergency Frequency:

VHF air band

118.000 MHz ...

121.500 MHz

... 123.975 MHz

VHF marine band

154.000 MHz ...

156.800 MHz

... 162.995 MHz

Maritime channels

Channel 00
(Ship / Coast)

Channel 16

... Channel 88
(Ship / Coast)

UHF air band

240.000 MHz ...

243.000 MHz

... 245.975 MHz

Cospas-Sarsat

400.000 MHz

406.022 406.076 MHz

... 409.975 MHz

Full automatic bearing of emergency signals in the monitoring and standby mode guarantees
additionally a permanent emergency surveillance and the auto alert function.
The DF-system consists of two units, the bearing AU (Antenna Unit) and the operating device
DCU (Display Control Unit).
The bearing antenna is a dipole antenna, its housing contains all bearing electronics. Thus
short bearing signal paths with low loss, but also high insensitiveness to external disturbing
fields are achieved. The DF-system is working with the Doppler principle, and by the high
rotation frequency of 3 kHz and clockwise / counterclockwise rotation of the antenna to
compensate running time errors, highest precision of the system is achieved.
The indicating and operating system (DCU) represents bearing signals and allows operating
and controlling of the bearing antenna. Additionally external devices can be connected
(speaker, audio / line out, PTT push to talk). Also data in- and export is possible by various
interfaces including remote control over IP and IP-based audio transmission.
The DF-system is suitable for stationary surveillance of coastal ship traffic as well as for
mobile use on big vessels. AU is watertight (protection IP 67) and may be used under
extreme and rough conditions. Optionally a lightning protection rod is available for costal VTS
installations.
Caution: The DF-system RT-800 is not licensed for primary navigation. It may support
navigation if necessary, but navigation of a vessel may not be based under any
circumstances on data obtained by the DF-system.

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

2 Short Description
2.1 Front View (DCU)

Fig. 1 Front View DCU

Pos.

Designation

1.

Control Panel

2.

Speaker

3.

Power Switch

Function

See page

Display of bearing data; local control of the direction finder

Audio Speaker for received signal (volume is adjustable with
button

Switches system power On and Off

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11

43

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

2.2 Front View (Buttons and Display)

18

17

16

15

1
2

14

3
13
4
5
6

12

10

11

Fig. 2 Front View Buttons and Display

Pos.

Designation

Function

See page

1.

Reset of the control panel

32

2.

Opens dialogue window for adjustment of brightness of the

TFT-display, of the LEDs and illumination of keys.

41

3.

Opens dialogue window for adjustment of volume and mutefunction

43

4.

Opens dialogue window for adjustment of the squelch level

35

5.

Opens dialogue window for recalling and storing of own

frequencies and channels

45

6.

Opens dialogue window for setting main bearing frequency /

channel.

33

Shows present bearing values during bearing,

data content of Cospas-Sarsat
or corresponding settings dialogues

17
29
31

7.

TFT-Display
(Thin-Film-Transistor)

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Pos.

Designation

Function

See page

8.

Software controlled function keys

31

9.

Closing dialogue or adjusting field without storing changed

parameters

31

Arrow keys enable selection of selection fields

31

10.
Increasing or decreasing of a value for one step

Confirms and stores input or selection

11.

31
Closes dialogue window

12.

(n/a)

13.

Opens setup menu

49

14.

Numeric keys for direct numeric input of frequency/

channels

31

Measures environmental brightness for best automatic

adjustment of brightness of the TFT-display and key
illumination.

41

15.

Sensor of brightness

16.

17.

18.

Opens settings dialogue monitoring / scanning-mode

with selective filtering of emergency transmitters
and standby operation

22, 39

Indicates correct reception of GPS-sentences

xxRMC/xxGGA (additionally indicates input of compass
data)

17, 52

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2.3 Bearing Display (Main Page)

21

20

19

18

17

16

1
15

14

13
4
12
11

10
5

Fig. 3 Bearing Display

Pos. Designation

Meaning

See page

Frequency or
channel display

Display of present main bearing frequency

or
display of present main bearing channel

17

Display of frequency band

Display of frequency band related to present main

bearing frequency/channel

17

Monitoring field

Display of selected frequencies/channels in monitoring

mode

22

Instruction fields (Flags)

Display, additional to present adjustments (PTT, mute,

alarm display)
Warnings
Error messages

19

Clr (Clear)

Clears the bearing value storage

20

SAR

Shows SAR-Dialogue
It is used for direct selection of SAR-Freqencies, to start
Cospas-Sarsat-Scanning and to start the Cospas-Sarsat
Decoding

28

Activation of Marine Scan Mode or Fast Channel Scan

Mode

25

Switch to common maritime emergency channel 16

21

7
8

CH 16

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Pos. Designation
9

Rep (Repeat)

Meaning

See page

Recall last bearing value

20

10

Monitoring/scanning operation will be continued on next

frequency/channel, if currently no signal is received on
current frequency.

22

11

Taking over active scanning frequency as main bearing

frequency (at signal reception only)

22

The squelch level of the main bearing

frequency/channel may be adjusted directly by
keys
(only possible if main frequency active; deactivated
during Cospas-Sarsat-Scan)

12

35

No signal received (signal level < squelch level)

13

Sqelch threshold of
current frequency /
channel

Signal is received and beared (signal level > squelch

level)

35

No signal received (Auto-Squelch active)

Display of signal level of current frequency/channel

14 Bar indicator of signal level

color: cyan
color: red

no reception
signal reception

17

15 Digital signal level indicator

Digital indication of signal level of active bearing

frequency/channel

17

16 Bearing indicator

Graphic display of bearing value relative to longitudinal

axis of antenna

17

17 Spread of bearing

Maximum deviation of unaveraged single bearing values

17

360-display

Without compass data: Display of relative bearing value

in 360-display. (If antenna mounted correctly, the 0value corresponds to North direction)

18 Or
Compass card

If compass information available: graphic display of

relative bearing value within compass card with display
of the four cardinal points.

17

19 Heading Pointer

Is always in 12 oclock position and displays present

course if compass information available (only used for
mobile applications)

17

20 Digital bearing indicator

Display of bearing value as a three-digit number

18

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Pos. Designation

Meaning

See page

Indication of selected reference direction

Relative Brg

21 Direction of reference

Magnetic Brg
True Bearing

bearing relative to longitudinal axis of

antenna
Magnetic North (bearing relative to
magnetic North)
Geographic North (bearing relative to
geographic North)

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2.4 Rear View

Fig. 4 Rear view

Pos. Designation

Meaning

See page

1 Power Supply

Power supply connector with replacable power line

fuse

61

2 IP-Audio Encoder

Configuration terminals for IP-Audio encoder

60

3 Remote Control Channel-1

Ethernet ports for remote control and IP-Audio

60

4 Devices

Connector ports for AU (antenna unit) and optional

GPS-connector; fuse for AU / GPS power supply

58

5 Slave DCU

Ethernet connector for factory use only

---

6 Service & Maintenance

Ports for optional connections, SW-Update and local

NMEA-Output

62

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

3 Operation
3.1 Bearing Operation
The display unit of the DF-system RT-800
during the bearing operation is the
concentrically arranged TFT-display. All
current bearing data, settings and status
reports are displayed here.
Top left in the display the current main
bearing frequency or, if operating in the
sea band, the current main bearing
channel will be displayed. If a duplex
channel is selected, the reference position
"Ship" for a maritime radio station is
indicated additionally, or "Coast" for a
coastal radio station. The frequency band
related to the current main bearing
frequency/channel is indicated too.

Fig. 5 Bearing operation

The level of a received signal on the selected operating frequency/channel is indicated

digitally in the range of 0% to 99% and additionally as bar graph. The scale is not calibrated
and serves as a measure of signal strength in quality.
The bearing electronics will process data only, if their signal level is above the selected
squelch level (= noise suppression). Even without a received signal the DF-system may
display a certain signal level (= noise). In order not to bear these environmental noise signals,
the squelch level shall be set above the noise level. For correct setting of the squelch level,
please pay attention to chapter 4.3.
The DF-system captures about 280 bearing values per second. These bearing values may
vary significantly, depending on signal quality (signal strength and modulation). This range of
spread is the narrower, the better the signals quality is, respectivly wider if the signals quality
is decreasing.
The processing electronics will average the bearing values over a certain time, thus achieving
a rather smoothed display of the bearing value, additionally, this averaging procedure still
produces good bearing results if theres a wide spread of, e.g. 45%. The relative as well as
the digital bearing values will be put out by the DF-system as averaged values.
The relative bearing value is depicted as an arrow and refers to the longitudinal axis of the
antenna. This corresponds, if mounted correctly, to north.

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Digital display of bearing value: 74

Direction of reference
Fig. 6 Digital display of bearing value

The digital bearing display is a 3-digit number with a resolution of 1 degree.

Depending on compass data (only used in mobile applications), the bearing data displayed
digitally with following directions of reference:
Display

Direction of reference

Meaning

Relative Brg.

Relative

Bearing relative to longitudinal axis of

antenna

Magnetic Brg.

Magnetic North

Bearing relative to magnetic North

True Bearing

True North

Bearing relative to geographic North

After end of reception the last bearing value will be displayed flashing for ca. 5 sec. Then the
bearing display will vanish and the field of the digital bearing display will show the passed
time and the frequency of the last received bearing signal "Last Bearing":

time since last bearing

frequency of last bearing
Fig. 7 Last bearing (time, frequency)

After pressing key "Repeat" (see 3.1.3) the last bearing value will be displayed again for three
seconds.

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3.1.1 Instruction Fields (flags, errors and warnings)

When bearing an emergency signal and additional functions are activated or operating
parameters are out of their specified limits, the system will inform you by the means of
instruction fields (flags):
Display

Meaning

See page

Speaker audio output is currently muted

43

Self bearing suppression (SBS) active

62

An emergency signal has been detected. Source, signal

frequency and time since detection will be displayed.
The key Clr will deactivate the warning signal and the alarm relay
output.

20

After that, if receiving no more emergency signal for more than a

minute, the alarm flag will be turned off automatically.

The system will indicate a warning, if the operating parameters

are close to the tolerable limits or if external signals are not
available anymore. The systems basic functions are not affected
yet, but preventive measures are recommended.

An error message will be displayed, if one or more operating

parameters are out of admitted limits or if a malfunction was
recognized. In this case the system is not working.
Key Clr deactivates the acoustic warning signal.

Fig. 8 Instruction fields

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3.1.2 Alarm Function

During signal reception (signal level above squelch level), the signal is analysed in the
background if its a modulated emergency signal. These emergency signals (ELT =
Emergency Locator Transmitter, PLB, EPIRB) are modulated with a typical, repeating and
distinct sweeping tone.
Once recognized as an emergency signal, alert will be activated. A flashing alarm flag
indicates the signals frequency, its type and duration since first reception.

active frequency

bearing of the signal

alarm flag if emergency

signal was recognized
deactivates acoustic warning

Fig. 9 Monitoring operation

At the same time a special internal warning tone informs you about the reception of the
emergency signal. The alert will last (even after end of signal) until confirmation/deactivation
by the flashing function key Clr (warning signal mute).
After that, if no emergency signal is received for more than one minute on the recognized
scanning frequency, the alarm flag will be turned off automatically.
Note: The alarm relay output will be activated simultaneously when recognizing an
emergency signal. Like the internal warning tone the relay output can be deactivated by
pressing key Clr. The alarm relay output may be used for an warning bell or similar.
3.1.3 Function Repeat
The function Repeat will show once again the last valid bearing value. Pressing the function
key F5 Rep will show the last bearing value with its corresponding digital signal level, flashing
for 3 seconds.
(For mobile applications: With an external compass activated (true / magnetic bearing), a
vessels change of heading will be considered automatically for the relative bearing.)
3.1.4 Function Clear
The function Clr clears the internal bearing value averaging buffer. The averaging buffer
enhances bearing accuracy and delivers a useful bearing display even with bad received
signals (e.g. distant transmitter, receiving gaps). The averaging procedure causes a
contouring error, which might influence the bearing value, if changing heading too quickly (in

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case of a vessel installation). In this case the indicated bearing value will be lagging a bit to
the actual bearing value.
Pressing function key F1 Clr after a distinct change of heading, the corrected bearing value
will be displayed immediately.
In connection with an alarm flag or an error message the key Clr deactivates warning tone
and alarm relay output.
3.1.5 Function Channel 16
Pressing function key F4 Ch 16 enables direct switching to maritime emergency channel 16.
Note: Please verify correct squelch adjustment of channel 16. For squelch adjustment see
4.3.
Pressing key F4 Back recalls the previous bearing frequency.
3.1.6 Function SAR
Pressing function key F2 SAR will show the SAR-Dialogue. This dialogue grants access to
following frequencies and functions:

All Cospas-Sarsat frequencies (separated in channels)

Start of Cospas-Sarsat-Scanning-Mode
monitored)

Cospas-Sarsat-Frequency found by last scan

Decoding of Cospas-Sarsat messages

121.500 MHz (Emergency-Frequency)

121.650 MHz (typical Training-Frequency of PLBs)

243.000 MHz (Emergency Fequency)

(all

In the dialogue you could navigate with the arrow-keys

selected frequency is selected as new main frequency.

Cospas-Sarsat-Frequencies

are

. By pressing Ok the

In chapter 3.1.6 the SAR-Dialogue is decribed in detail.

3.1.7 Function Scan
By pressing the function key F3
the scan dialogue is shown where the scan
modes can be activated. The dialogue provides one scan mode to scan eight channels freely
selectable of all bands and a second scan mode to scan all ship frequencies of the lower
marine band in 5 kHz steps.
A detailed description of the scan dialogue can be found in chapter 3.4 on page 25.

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3.2 Monitoring Operation

Activation and adjusting monitoring operation see 4.4.
The DF-system RT-800 is equipped with only one receiver, that means, only one frequency
can be received at a time. Signals on other specified frequencies/channels cannot be beared
at the same time. For simultaneous surveillance of the traditional emergency frequencies and
any other frequencies/channels there is the function monitoring. Thus, the surveillance of up
to four different frequencies (monitoring frequencies) within the specified frequency bands is
possible.
When the monitoring function is activated the DF-system switches alternating from the main
bearing frequency to the selected surveilling scanning frequencies. The actual frequency is
displayed highlighted in white color.
Monitoring Off

Monitoring On

Monitoring On

active frequency:
Main frequency = Channel 02 Ship

active frequency:
Monitoring frequency = 121.500 MHz

Fig. 10 Example active monitoring frequency

If a signal is received during monitoring, the reading of the corresponding frequency is red
colored and the bearing value is indicated. Even after the end of the signal this
frequency/channel will be held for 10 sec (Hold-Time).

Currently active frequency

Monitoring frequencies

Bearing of the signal

Fig. 11 Monitoring operation

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In order to interrupt the actual reception press key Esc (the system is continuing with next
monitoring frequency).
Active reception will be interrupted after 30 sec for a short moment in order to examine the
other monitoring frequencies (safety function). If this feature is not desired, press key Ok .
The active receiving frequency will be overtaken as the main frequency. Thus, interruptions
are shortened considerably, for the main frequency is monitored now with highest priority (see
also 3.2.1).
3.2.1 Timing of normal Monitoring Operation
The main frequency
(here channel 16) is
monitored
with
highest priority. The
Fig. 12 Example: Timing normal monitoring
duration
of
the
monitoring
cycles
may be extended, if receiving signals on the monitoring frequencies (also by misadjustment of
the squelch level).
3.2.2 Timing Monitoring with selected Cospas-Sarsat Main Frequency
The main frequency adjusted
to a Cospas-Sarsat-Fequency,
the timing cycle will be
changed automatically in order
Fig. 13 Example: Timing Cospas-Sarsat
to catch the short pulse
(duration
of
pulse
ca.
400 msec, every 50 sec). Additionally the Cospas-Sarsat-Scanning is activated.
3.2.3 Monitoring operation with filtering of Emergency Transmitters: ID-Only
In order to activate the emergency transmitter filtering function see 4.4.
Signals transmitted by emergency transmitters (PLB/ELT/EPIRB) are modulated with a typical
sweeping tone. When surveilling, in order to exclude false alarms caused by disturbing
signals or by nonauthorized radio communication, the function "emergency transmitter filtering
ID-Only" may be called up. Once activated, all radio signals without the prescribed sweeping
tone for emergency transmitters will be suppressed. Alert will be triggered, if a modulated
emergency signal is recognized.
Caution: For very weak signals recognition of modulation may take a certain time. Releasing
an alarm can be delayed in this case.

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3.3 Standby-Operation
Activating standby operation see 4.5.
During standby operation the DF-system monitors the corresponding emergency frequency,
the display is dimmed and the audio output is switched off.
Once an emergency signal is detected on these frequencies, the system will release alarm
and the display is illuminated. In order to avoid false alarms caused by other signals, the
surveillance is coupled automatically with the emergency transmitter filtering function ID-Only.
In order to end standby operation, press any key.
If an internal system error is recognized, the standby operation will be finished as well.
Note: The standby operation is not available, if theres an error flag or an active alert
(emergency transmitter).

3.3.1 Standby Mode SAR

During this standby operation
the DF-system is surveilling
the traditional emergency
frequency 121.500 MHz and
all
Cospas-Sarsat
frequencies.

Fig. 14 Example: Timing Standby Mode: SAR

These frequencies are preset

in the system.
3.3.2 Standby Mode PLB
During this standby operation the DFsystem is surveilling exclusively the
emergency frequency 121.500 MHz. This
frequency is preset in the system.
Because there is no scanning necessary,
this mode reacts very fast if a distress
signal (from ELT/PLB/EPIRB) on 121.500
MHz is activated.

Fig. 15 Example: Timing Standby Mode: PLB

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3.4 Scan-Dialogue
The Scan-Dialogue provides the activation of two different scan modes. In the first mode it is
possible to scan eight freely selectable channels of all bands which are scanned in less than
two seconds (Fast Channel Scan) In this mode a BeepTone filter could be activated which
issues an alarm if a distinct tone frequency is recognized and ignores all other signals. The
second mode provides a quick scanning of the lower marine band in approximately three
seconds. (Fast Marine Scan)

Channellist for
Fast Channel
Scan

Channel selected
for editing

Frequency range
of Fast Marine
Scan

SNR-Adjustment
for each channel

F1-Function key for

acitvation of Fast
Channel Scan

F5-Function key for

activation of Fast Marine
Scan
F2-Function key for
activation and
deactivation of channels

F3-Function key for

channel selection and SNR
adjustment

F4-Function key for

activation of alarm only
decoding during Fast
Channel Scan

Fig. 16 Scan-Dialogue

3.4.1 Fast Channel Scan

The Fast Channel Scan enables the scanning of eight freely selectable frequencies accross
all supported bands in a very fast manner. The scan process lasts less than two seconds. All
channels are scanned continuously.
If not all channels are enabled, the duration of one scanning cycle is reduced accordingly.
(e.g. if only four channels are enabled, the duration of one scanning cyle is approximately one
second)
Navigation in the dialogue is possible using the arrow keys
.
The currently selected item (channel or SNR-value) is surrounded by a red rectangle. To
choose a channel, select the respective channel and press the key F3 Edit. The frequency
dialogue is shown to enter the new frequency or channel.
In Fast Channel Scan mode the Autosquelch is enabled automatically. The value of the
Autosquelch can be adjusted slightly by the user. The SNR value indicates the count of level
points above the noise level to which the Autosquelch is set to. For example, if the noise level
is at 27% on a specific channel and the SNR-Value is adjusted to 7, then the Autosquelch
level is set to 34%.

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Because the channels may be set to frequencies of different bands with different noise levels,
the SNR-Value can be adjusted for every channel seperately.
To activate the Fast Channel Scan press the key F1 Off. The label of the soft key changes
to ON and shows that the Fast Channel Scan was activated. If the Fast Marine Scan was
already activated, it is deactivated because only one scan mode could be active at a time.
By pressing Ok all changes in the channel list are stored and the respective scan mode is
activated or stopped.

Alarm Only Decoding / BeepTone

If the scan mode Fast Channel Scan was invoked, an additional filter for the decoding of
audio signals could be activiated by pressing the key F4 Decode. The Fast Channel Scan
then reacts only to signals with a distinct (preconfigured) audio frequency and issues an alarm
immediately if such a signal was recognized.
This can be used to search NOVATECH Radio Beacons which transmit a two second signal
with 800Hz audio tone every six seconds.
The parameters of the audio signal (upper and lower audio frequency as well as minimum
required duration of the signal) can be configured in the System Menu (see chapter 5.3.9).
If a signal was found during Fast Channel Scan with activated BeepTone-Decoding, the scan
process is stopped and the signal analysed. Only if a valid audio signal (BeepTone) is
decoded, an alarm signal is started. If the signal stops or no valid audio signal was decoded
the scanning procedure starts over again after five seconds.
Remark: Alarm is always started if a signal with an ELT-Modulation was recognised!
3.4.2 Fast Marine Scan
By pressing the function key F5 Off a fast scan mode for the lower marine band is activated.
The label of the key changes to ON and indicates that the Fast Marine Scan is to be started.
If the Fast Channel Scan was already activated, it is deactivated because only one scan
mode could be active at a time.
The frequency range of Fast Marine Scan is fixed from 156.050 MHz (Channel 01) to 157.425
MHz (Channel 88) and is scanned with 5 kHz frequency step without gap. The duration of one
scanning cycle is approx. 3 seconds. The small frequency spacing of 5 kHz is used to detect
stations which use frequencies between two maritime channels!

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General Information on Fast-Channel-Scan and Fast-Marine-Scan:

If a signal is found during the scan (signal-level above squelch-level) the scan is interrupted
and the bearing of the signal is started as long as the signal is present. One second after the
signal was lost, the scanning process starts again at the next frequency / channel.
In case that an unwanted signal is found, the scanning process can be proceeded
immediately by pressing the Esc button!
If an interesting signal is found and the direction finder should bear this frequency
permanently, the scanning process can be cancelled in the Scan-Dialogue by deactivating the
scan mode.
CAUTION:

In case that Monitoring is active before starting the scan, Monitoring is interrupted
while the scan is active!

If a scan mode is not supported by the connected AU, the respective scan mode can
not be selected in the dialog.

If a signal was found during scanning process which lasts longer than 30 seconds, the
scan process is continued after 30 seconds with the next channel/frequency. This is
done to ensure that other signals are found as well.

Remark: If there are interferences on the frequency band which are above the squelch level,
scanning stops as well at these interferences (They are interpreted as signals). This may be
and
buttons in Fast Marine
avoided by adjusting the squelch level manually using the
Scan mode or adjusting the SNR value in Fast Channel Scan mode. Because of this, it may
be possible that weak signals are not received any more! (For correct squelch adjustment
read also chapter 4.3 on page 35!)

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3.5 SAR-Dialogue
The SAR-Dialogue allows direct access to several emergency frequencies as well as the
possibility to scan all Cospas-Sarsat frequencies. Furthermore you can start the decoding of
Cospas-Sarsat signals.

Current selection

Fast Scan of all

Cospas-Sarsat
Frequencies
Frequency found at
last Cospas-SarsatScan

Cospas-Sarsat
Channel-Groups

Emergency
frequencies for direct
access

Function-Keys for
direct access

Function-Key to display
the Cospas-SarsatDecoding dialogue
Fig. 17 SAR-Dialogue

If one of the dialogues frequencies is already selected as main frequency, it is marked at

dialogue startup.
While the dialogue is active, the selection can be made with the arrow keys

If the Ok key is pressed, the selected frequency becomes the new main frequency and the
dialogue is closed.
Function Scan CP/SS:
By selecting this function a fast Scan-Mode is started. It scans all Cospas-Sarsat channels for
signals. The Scan-Mode is displayed in the main window:

Fig. 18 Display of Cospas-Sarsat Scanning-Mode

Function DECODE CP/SS:

By pressing the function key F5 DECODE CP/SS the decoding dialogue for Cospas-Sarsat
signals is shown. The selected Cospas-Sarsat frequency is transferred to the DecodingDialogue.
A detailled description of the Decoding-Dialogue is in chapter 3.6.

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3.6 Cospas-Sarsat Decoding Data Content

In order to receive a Cospas-Sarsat data pulse and to decode its content, the main frequency
has to be adjusted to a Cospas-Sarsat frequency first. This can be achieved manually or,
faster, by selecting the frequency directly in the SAR-Dialogue.
For decoding, you have to press function key F2 SAR in the main screen, choose the
frequency and then press F5 DECODE CP/SS to start the decoding of Cospas-Sarsat
signals.
In this mode the bearing operation and also the monitoring function will be interrupted. In
order not to suppress other emergency signals, the selected decoding mode is limited to 75
sec (visible on progress bar). After that, the system is returning to the previous operating
mode.
A Cospas-Sarsat pulse will be broadcasted every 50 sec ( 5 sec). While the waiting period a
pulse will be received if the transmitter is not out of range.
Once received a valid pulse, the function key F1 Confirm starts flashing and an acoustic
warning tone is put out. By pressing key F1 the acousitc signal is muted.
The last received Cospas-Sarsat message can be displayed again by pressing function key
F4 Recall .
The data content of a received Cospas-Sarsat message can be stored to an internal memory
with the function key Save, and displayed again with functon key Restore.
During the decoding of Cospas-Sarsat signal the squelch level could not be adjusted because
the Auto-Squelch is activated automatically!

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Bar of progress of remaining waiting period

Time span since last

received pulse

Signal level and squelch

level
(Auto-Squelch activated)

Data content

Fig. 19 Cospas-Sarsat data decoding

Data Content:

Frame
Sync. Ok (normal Cospas-Sarsat Signal) or SelfTest (Cospas-Sarsat Signal in self test mode). The 24
synchronizing bits have been received correctly.

Protocol
Used protocol: User (Test), Standard (Test) or National (Test)

Complete Hex Message

Complete data signal, coded in hexadecimal notation (Bit 25 to 112) and, if available (Bit 113 to 144)

Country
country identification (numeric code)

Beacon Identification 15 Hex / MSSI Identification

Transmitter identification of a registered transmitter (Fifteen Hexadecimal Character Beacon
Identification), if signal contains a MSSI-ID, it is displayed here.

GPS Position
GPS-Position (latitude and longitude) if contained in data signal of transmitter. Precision depending on
protocol, between 15 min of arc and 4 sec of arc.

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4 Operating and Adjusting

Common operating functions of the RT-800 are done with help of the keys placed around the
display.
In normal bearing mode the functions will be called up directly by the keys, opening the
corresponding dialogue window.

Fig. 20 Operating and adjusting

Rarely used adjustments or adjustments which are only done once during installation, will be
done in the menu-setup (see chapter 5).
Parameter setting is done generally by using the arrow keys, the number keys or the software
controlled function keys F1 to F5.

New, changed parameters will be accepted with key Ok and be stored permanently in the
system for further operation (even after switching off and on of the device).
Key Esc will close the dialogue window without storing the changed parameters.
If no adjustments are made in an opened dialogue window for more than 10 minutes, the
system will close the window automatically and return into the bearing display mode.
While adjusting the bearing operation is still running in the background. If receiving an alarm
signal, a warning tone will sound and the last bearing value can be called up with function
Repeat.
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4.1 Reset of the DCU

Press key

in order to restart the DCU. (The system stores the last settings.)

Key illumination and the green operating light are activated. The display is still dark and the
system is booting the operating software. The starting page turns up, serial numbers and
software version of the DF-system are indicated.

Display Control Unit:

Software version
Serial number

Antenna Unit:
AU-Variant
Software version
Serial number

Fig. 21 Switch-on system information

After a period of 10 sec the bearing display will appear. The system is working with the
previously selected adjustments.

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4.2 Setting Main Bearing Frequency/Channel

Selection of the main bearing frequency in the VHF and UHF air band and the Cospas-Sarsat
band is usually done by direct input of the desired frequency. In the maritime radio band the
input of the channel number (with related frequency) is usual. Both types of input are to your
disposal. The system will accept only inputs within the permitted frequency ranges.
4.2.1 Adjusting Main Bearing Frequency
Frequency step width depends on the selected frequency band. The last digits will be
rounded by the system.

Open dialogue window, using key Channel / Freq.

Select with F1 or F2 Frequency
The frequency input field is activated. Additionally the display shows a list of the permissible frequency
ranges.

Permissible frequency ranges of the system

Frequency input field

Fig. 22 Input of main bearing frequency

Put in desired frequency by the means of the keyboard or directly using the arrow keys:
inreases frequency by 5 kHz / 8,33 kHz / 25 kHz
decreases frequency by 5 kHz / 8,33 kHz / 25 kHz
moves cursor to the left for one digit in order to overwrite previous input

Store adjustment using key Ok

Device returns into bearing mode, working with adjusted frequency.

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4.2.2 Setting a Main Operating Channel

56 Channels are available in the VHF marine band. (Channel 0 to 28 and channel 60 to 88).

Open dialogue window using key Channel / Freq.

Select with F3 or F4 Channel
The channel input field is activated. Additionally the display shows a list of all permissible channels.

Permissible channels of the system

Channel input field
Selection of point of reference for duplex channels
Fig. 23 Input of a main bearing channel

Put in desired channel directly by the means of the keyboard or by using the arrow keys:
Increases channel for one step
Decreases channel for one step
Moves cursor to the left for one digit in order to overwrite previous input

If a duplex channel is to be adjusted, the point of reference Ship for the maritime radio
station (lower band) or Coast for the coastal radio station (upper band) can be selected by
pressing key F5.

Store the input using key Ok

The device returns into bearing mode and is operating on the selected channel.

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4.3 Adjusting the Squelch

Our surrounding atmosphere contains always a certain electric field strength, designated as
"noise". The received noise voltage is varying with frequency and location of the receiver.
Signals can only be interpreted reasonably, if their level is above the surrounding noise level.
The squelch electronics make it possible to adjust a threshold, below which incoming signals
will not be processed. The DF-system will work only, if there is an incoming signal with a level
above the squelch level. If the signal level is below the squelch level, reception will be
switched off.
4.3.1 Hints for Squelch Level Adjustment
The squelch level of the corresponding frequency/channel is to be adjusted only when
receiving no bearing signal.
The squelch level is to be adjusted as close as possible above the noise level. If the
squelch level is adjusted too low, it is within the noise level and the DF-system is affected
in its whole performance. If the squelch level is adjusted too high, very weak bearing
signals will be suppressed by the squelch function:
Correct

Too low

Too high

Channel to be adjusted,
here: Ch. 02

Squelch level for Ch. 02

Noise level on Ch. 02

Fig. 24 Adjustment squelch level

Industrial areas (e.g. near harbours) may be featuring higher noise levels than offshore
areas. Therefore it is important, to verify regularily the adjustment of the squelch level of all
active frequencies (main frequency, emergency frequencies and monitoring frequencies)
and, if necessary, to readjust in order to achieve full sensitivity of the DF-system.
When bearing emergency transmitters with very weak signals, it may be useful to
deactivate the squelch function on the corresponding frequency (see Off in the squelch
diaglogue) in order to take full advantage of the DF-systems sensitivity. In this case check
permanently if bearing the transmitter and not bearing disturbing signals. When verifying, a
change of heading should cause a change of the bearing value.

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Adjusting window for main bearing frequency (here Ch. 02)

Adjusting window for emergency frequencies
Adjusting window for additional monitoring frequencies

Squelch level of corresponding frequency

(here 121.650 MHz)

Noise level of corresponding frequency

(here 121.650 MHz)

Automatic adjustment of all active

frequencies
Deactivation of squelch level of selected frequency (here CH. 02)
Activation of Auto-Squelch-Function of selected frequency (here CH. 02)
Automatic squelch level adjustment of selected frequency (here CH. 02)
Fig. 25 Dialogue window: Squelch level adjustment

4.3.2 Manual Adjusting of Squelch Levels

Please notice hints described in chapter 4.3.1 when adjusting the squelch level.
The squelch levels of the adjusted surveilling frequencies (main frequency, emergency
frequencies, monitoring frequencies) are to be adjusted individually:
The system is scanning the displayed frequencies in the background and is showing on the
display their noise levels as well as their squelch levels. Scanning and displaying of the
corresponding frequencies takes a certain time. As soon as signal level and frequency are
apearing on the screen, the squelch level for this frequency can be adjusted.

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Open dialogue window using key Squelch

When opening the dialogue window the system is scanning the signal levels of the surveilling frequencies/
channels and is showing the presently received signal levels and the previously selected squelch levels on
the screen of the display.
As soon as the noise level of a frequency is getting visible on the display, the squelch level of this frequency
may be adjusted.

Select frequency/channel to be adjusted using arrow keys

The selected frequency/channel is displayed now brighter and framed red.

Change squelch level of selected frequency:

Increases squelch level
Decreases squelch level

F1 Auto Adjust

Adapts automatically squelch level to noise level once

F2 AutoSQL

Activates the Auto-Squelch-Function (not available at monitoring

frequencies 121.500 and 243.000 MHz)

F3 Off

Switches off squelch level of selected frequency

Store adjustment using key Ok and return to bearing display.

4.3.3 Automatic Adjustment of Squelch Levels

Please notice hints described in previous chapter when adjusting squelch level (see 4.3.1).

Open dialogue window using key Squelch

When opening dialogue window the system is scanning the signal levels of the selected surveilling
frequencies / channels and is showing the presently received signal levels and the previously selected
squelch levels on the display screen.

Function keys F4 or F5 All AutoAdjust are now activating the automatic squelch level
adjustment of all active frequencies
The squelch levels are now being optimized automatically for all active frequencies (main bearing
frequency, emergency frequencies, monitoring frequencies). A manual readjustment might be necessary
(see 4.3.2).

Store adjustment using key Ok and return to bearing display

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4.3.4 Automatic Squelch

For bearing very short signals the correct adjustment of the squelch level is very important.
Because noise level varies by time and location, the squelch level must be adjusted
continuosly.
The Auto-Squelch function ensures that the squelch level is always adjusted to a value a little
bit above the noise level. If noise level is rising, the squelch level is rising also. As soon as the
noise level drops the squelch level is adjusted accordingly.
Caution: Because the DF-system can not determine between noise and countinous signals,
the Auto-Squelch will rise the squelch level slowly until the squelch level is above the signal
level. The result is that the signal is lost.
So, if you are bearing countinous signals, you have to deactivate the Auto-Squelch!
This is done by changing the squelch level using the Up/Down Keys
at the main
window or at the squelch dialogue. The squelch marker then changes its appearance and
displays the current squelch value.
Activation:
To activate the Auto-Squelch press the function key F2 AutoSQL in the squelch dialogue
having selected the desired frequency.
In frequency bands with short signals (eg.
Cospas-Sarsat-Band) the Auto-Squelch is
activated automatically.
If the Auto-Squelch is activated the squelch
marker turns into green and instead of the
squelch level an A is displayed.

Sqelch-Marker with
Auto-Squelch
activated

Fig. 26 Auto-Squelch Marker

Notice:

During Cospas-Sarsat-Scanning the Auto-Squelch function can not be deactivated!

The Auto-Squelch function can not be activated for the emergency frequecies of the
monitoring mode because this signals are mostly continuous signals!

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4.4 Adjusting Monitoring Operation and ID-only Filtering

For monitoring operation the emergency frequency 121.500 MHz is stored permanently in the
system. For additional surveillance three more frequencies/channels can be stored in the
specified frequency ranges. Each monitoring frequency can be combined with the selective
emergency transmitter filtering function ID-only (selective squelch).

Programmed, permanent emergency frequency

Independently selctable surveiling frequencies

Selected field

Switching on/off of selected frequency resp. ELT/PLB function

Opening dialogue window for adjusting new monitoring frequency
Switching monitoring operation On and Off
Fig. 27 Dialogue window Monitoring settings

Open dialogue window, using key Monitor / Stdby.

Select frequency field or selecting field for emergency transmitter filtering ( ID-only /
selective squelch) by using keys
The selected field is displayed with a red frame

Change monitoring parameter with following functions:

F1 On/Off

Switching ON monitoring operation

Monitoring operation is indicated by illumination of the monitoring LED. At the same time the
selected monitoring frequencies are displayed on the left side of the bearing display.

Switching OFF monitoring operation

Top left the monitoring display is displaying "Monitoring Off"
If the monitoring operation shall stay actived permanently, switching off by mistake can be
avoided (see 5.3.6)

F2 Edit

Opening dialogue window for setting new monitoring frequency/channel

(Setting new Frequency/Channel see 4.2)

F3 On/Off

Switching on/off selected monitoring frequency and emergency transmitter

filtering ELT/PLB

Confirm selection using key Ok and return to bearing mode

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Note: Please verify correctly adjusted squelch level for set monitoring (see 4.3), for possible
noise signals might release alert, thus delaying further monitoring operation.

4.5 Activating Standby Operation

Open dialogue window using key Monitor / Stdby.

Key F4 PLB will activate PLB standby operation
The display gets dark and the emergency frequency 121.500 MHz is further on
controlled in the background.
The standby operation is indicated by the fast flashing monitoring LED.
Additionally, the ID-only ON/OFF LED is blinking.
Because there is no scanning necessary, this mode is useful for a fast reaction
for PLB/ELT alarms transmitting on 121.500 MHz.

Key F5 SAR will activate SAR standby operation

The display gets dark and the emergency frequency 121.500 MHz and CospasSarsat frequencies are further on controlled in the background.
The standby operation is indicated by the monitoring LED. This LED slowly
flashes 3 times with a short break afterwards. Additionally, the ID-only ON/OFF
LED is blinking.

Fig. 28 Activation of Standby operation

Deactivating Standby operation

Press any key for re-activating the display.
If an alarm is recognized during standby operation, the system will activate the display
automatically. The alarm flag will indicate frequency and duration since release of alarm.
If an operating error is recognized during standby operation, the display will be activated.
An error message will be put out.

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4.6 Setting Brightness (Dimming)

The brightness of the display elements and key illumination may be adapted to surrounding
lighting conditions (TFT-displays, LEDs).
An integrated photometer is monitoring surrounding brightness and adapts automatically
illumination of display and operating elements to ligthing conditions (= Automatic-Mode).

Light sensor display (photometer)

Input field brightness

Mode selection for key illumination

Maximum brightness
Medium brightness
Minimum brightness
Mode selection
Fig. 29 Dialogue window Dimming

In order to enhance lifetime of the luminous foils and the TFT display we recommend to run
the DF-system in its basic setting Automatic Mode (see chapter. 4.6.1).
In case of insufficient automatically set illumination of the display elements (e.g. more
dimming desired during night operation), the illumination setting may be adjusted manually
(see chapter 4.6.2). The photometer is deactivated.
Note: In order to avoid complete darkening of the display, the brightness setting is limited to a
minimum value of 10%.

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4.6.1 Automatic Adjustment of Brightness of Display and LEDs

Open dialogue window using key Dimming

Press left key Mode and select option
Automatic.

If necessary, readjust automatically set brightness

using keys

and function keys F2, F3 and F4

Store setting using key Ok

Fig. 30 Automatic dimming

4.6.2 Manual Adjustment of Display and LED Brightness

Open dialogue window using key Dimming .

Press left key Mode and select option

Set brightness using arrow keys

Store setting using key Ok

Manual.

Fig. 31 Manual dimming

4.6.3 Adjustment of Key Illumination (legends)

Note: In order to enhance lifetime of the luminous foils and the TFT display we recommend to
operate the key illumination in mode Automatic.

Open dialogue window using key Dimming .

Select mode of key illumination by multiple pressing of the key Mode
On
Permanent key illumination
Off
Key illumination off
Automatic
Key illumination corresponding to surrounding lighting

Store setting using key Ok

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4.7 Setting the Volume (Volume)

With this dialogue the volume of the speaker is controlled. The muting function (Mute) will
switch off the speaker. An additional testing routine can test the speakers function.

Adjusting fields volume

Activating test function

Maximum volume
Medium volume
Minimum volume
Activation of mute function
Fig. 32 Dialogue window Volume

4.7.1 Muting the Speaker (Mute)

An emergency signal received, the speaker will give a permanent alarm signal. This signal or
the received radiotelephony can be muted, if disturbing.
Note: The period of the muting function is limited to a certain time if the setting Monitoring /
Off Blocked is active in the system menu (See chapter 5.3.6 ). After that span the acoustic
signal is switched on again automatically.

Open dialoge window using key Volume

Press F1 Mute and activate muting function of the speaker

Store setting using key Ok and return to bearing display

The speaker switched mute, the bearing display will show the flag "Mute" as a reminder. The
basic setting of the DF-system is the option Normal .

Fig. 33 Muting the speaker

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4.7.2 Setting Speaker Volume

The volume of the speaker can be set infinetely variable. In order to avoid switching off the
speaker by mistake, the minimum volume is limited to a value of 10%.
Note: In order to observe acoustically the setting of the speakers volume when receiving no
signal, we recommend to activate the functional test of the speaker at first (see chapter. 4.7.3)
and to use the received noise signal as a setting reference.

Open dialogue window using key Volume

Set volume using arrow keys

Quick change of volume can be achieved by function keys F2 (Min),
F3 (-I-) and F4 (Max).
The volume is set to 10% (low), 50% (medium) and 100% (maximum
volume).

Key Ok will store the setting

Fig. 34 Speaker volume

4.7.3 Functional Test of Speaker

In order test volume setting and function of the speaker, the test function can be activated.
When activating the test function the squelch is deactivated and the received noise signal
becomes audible.

Open dialogue window by using key Volume

Activate test function using key Test
On
The noise signal kann now be heared if the speaker is working.

In order to switch off the test function again, use key Test and select
option
Off

Close dialogue window using key Ok and return to the bearing display

Fig. 35 Speaker functional test

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4.8 Activating Memory / Band function

In order to call up quickly frequently used frequencies/channels, training frequencies etc., the
DF-system can store and document these frequencies.
For each of the four frequency bands an individual list may be provided. Stored
frequencies/channels may be provided with own designations and comments, their sequence
and position may be changed within the list, and they can be deleted, if neccessary.
International valid emergency frequencies are already stored in the corresponding frequency
band. They are on first position within the frequency band lists and cannot be moved or
cancelled.

Calling up frequency/channel of list

Editing frequency/channel of list
Moving frequency/channel in list
Deleteing frequency/channel from list
Storing of a new frequency/channel in list

Emergency frequency in frequency band

(here VHF marine band)
Highlighted channel for editing

Marker leaps to position 1 (emergency frequency)

in selected frequency band
Active frequency band
Fig. 36 Dialogue window Memory / Band

4.8.1 Recall Frequency/Channel from Storage List

Open dialogue window using key Memory / Band

Select option Recall using arrow key
This option is already preselected when opening the dialogue window.

Select corresponding frequency band using function keys F1 to F4.

The display will show your list.

Select desired frequency/channel using arrow keys

The selected frequency/channel is marked with a green bar..

Key Ok will confirm your selection

The device returns to bearing mode and work on the set frequencies / channels.

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4.8.2 Edit Text (of Frequency/Channel) in Storage List

Open dialogue window using key Memory / Band

Select option Edit using arrow keys

Select desired frequency band using function keys F1 to F4
The selected list is shown on the display.

Select desired frequency/channel using arrow keys

The selected frequency/channel is marked with a green bar.

Key Ok will confirm the selection

The text input window is opening (see Fig. ). The frequency/channel can now be provided with a name or
comment. The text is limited to 35 digits.

Frequency/channel to be edited
Text input field

Confirming end of input

Backspacing one position, cancelling previous digit

Inserting space
Selected letter to be edited
Fig. 37 Text input window

Put in desired text by the means of the text input window

o Select desired letter using the four arrow keys. The selected letter/digit is marked with
a yellow frame
o
o
o
o

Pressing key Ok overtakes the marked letter/digit.

Numbers can be put in directly using the numeric keys.
In order to insert a space mark, select field Space.
In order to cancel a letter/digit, select field

In order to close the text input, select field End of Input and confirm using key Ok

The text input window will be closed and the text is stored in the list.

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4.8.3 Move a Frequency/Channel within a Storage List

By the means of the function "Move", frequencies/channels can be sorted within a list.
Note: International valid emergency frequencies on position 1 cannot be moved.

Open dialogue window using key Memory / Band

Use arrow keys

for option Move
Use function keys F1 to F4 to select corresponding frequency band
your list will be shown on the display.

Use arow keys

to mark frequency/channel to be moved and confirm selection

using key Ok
The selected frequency/channel is marked with a green flashing bar

Shove marked frequency channel using arrow keys

to the desired position and

confirm using key Ok

4.8.4 Delete a Frequency/Channel in the Storage List

Note: International valid emergency frequencies, stored on first postion in each frequency
band, cannot be deleted.

Open dialogue window using key Memory / Band

Select option Delete using the arrow keys

Select desired frequency band using function keys F1 to F4
The list will be shown in the display.

Mark frequency/channel to be deleted using arrow keys

and confirm with key Ok

The selected frequency/channel is marked with a green flashing bar.

The DF-system now requires a confirmation of the deleting process. Confirm using key
Ok

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4.8.5 Store a new Frequency/Channel in a Storage List

Open dialogue window using key Memory / Band

Select option New using arrow keys

Function keys F1 to F4 select desired frequency band
The up to now provided list will be shown in the display.

Open dialogue window using key Ok in order to put in the frequency/channel. Proceed as
described in 4.2.1 (frequency) or in 4.2.2 (channel).
The new frequency/channel will be taken over in the corresponding list and will be
displayed.
Option "Edit" allows adding of text to the new frequency/channel. Select option "Recall", if the
frequency/channel is to be used as present operating frequency/channel.

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5 Menu (Setup)
All system settings, exceeding common operation of the DF-system (interface settings, offset
setting) will be made in the "Menu Setup.
Caution: Incorrect settings in the Menu setup may lead to considerable malfunctions of the
DF-system RT-800. Therefore, sensitive parameters concerning the bearing operation are
password protected against non authorized alterations. Alterations of settings which require
password release are to be made only by instructed persons.

Information on software revision and serial

number of AU and DCU
Selected option

Setup Menu unlocked

entsperrt
Unlocking menu items
Setup Menu Service, password protected
Setup Menu System, password protected
Setup Menu Interface, password protected
Setup Menu General (free admission for uncritical settings)
Fig. 38 Operating Menu Setup (example: Interface / Compass Source)

Open dialogue window Menu Setup using key Menu .

Select corresponding Setup Menu using function keys F1 to F5
Function keys will open a list of further submenu items.

Select submenu to be adjusted by using arrow keys

Selected field is highlighted in bright green.

Select option from listing of possible settings using the arrow keys
the selection using key Ok
= option not active / = option active

Or: put in desired value by using the numeric keys and confirm Ok

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confirm

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

5.1 Menu General

Editable freely, uncritical settings
Menu - Setup
General

Audio

Beeper Key Pressing

Fig. 39 Menu General, table default settings

5.1.1 Audio
As a standard, there is a short beep when pressing a key. If the beep is to be suppressed,
deactivate setting "Beeper Key Pressing.

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5.2 Menu Interface

Settings, concerning data interfaces and functions, can be made in menu "Interface"
(password protected)

Menu - Setup
NMEA Std Sentence

NMEA mode

Interface

NMEA baud rate

Compass source

$PRHO,DFSTD
$PRHO,DFVTS
$DFBRG
Only On Request
Autotalk 2 sec
Autotalk 1 sec
Autotalk 500 ms
Autotalk 250 ms
1200 Baud
4800 Baud
9600 Baud
19200 Baud
38400 Baud
57600 Baud
115200 Baud
No ext. Compass (Off)
NMEA: $HCHDT
NMEA: $HEHDT
NMEA: $xxHDT
NMEA: $HCHDG
NMEA: $HEHDG
NMEA: $xxHDG

Fig. 40 Menu Interface, table default settings

5.2.1 NMEA Std Sentence

NMEA Std Sentence controls which standard sentence is sent when Autotalk is activated.

$PRHO,DFSTD

The RHOTHETA standard bearing sentence $PRHO,DFSTD is sent

$PRHO,DFVTS

The VTS-Standard sentence $PRHO,DFVTS of RHOTHETA is sent

$DFBRG

$DFBRG standard sentence is sent

5.2.2 NMEA Mode

In NMEA mode, the NMEA data output of the DF-system is selected.

Only on Request

Data output on request only

Autotalk ... sec/ms

Continuous data output of standard DF data in fixed intervals

For further information refer to RT-500-M & RT-800 NMEA-Protocol Description.

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5.2.3 NMEA baud rate

NMEA baud rate will set velocity of data transmission of serial NMEA interface (input and
output).
For further information refer to RT-500-M & RT-800 NMEA-Protocol Description.
5.2.4 Compass Source
An external compass may be connected to the systems NMEA interface. Set here data format
of connected compass.
No external compass connected, select menu item
No ext. Compass (Off).
Select corresponding data format of external compass here.
For further information refer to RT-500-M & RT-800 NMEA-Protocol Description.

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5.3 Menu System

Internal system settings (password protected)
Caution: Faulty settings may lead to misfunctions of the system.

Menu - Setup
Address ID

[00]

Antenna Unit

System

Mounted Upside Down

Audio Line Output

[50]%

Antenna Offset

[000]Deg

PS RAM

Compass Compens. Off

Monitoring

Off Blocked

S/N-Ration AutoSQL
AU Calibration

[Default] (Default-Value = 6)
Calibration Off

BeepTone Decoding
Frequency High

875 Hz

Frequency Low

725 Hz

Decoding Time

500 ms

Fig. 41 Menu System, table default settings

5.3.1 Address-ID
In menu item "Address ID" the internal device addressing can be set. Addresses from 0 to 99
are possible.
5.3.2 Antenna Unit
The systems dipole antenna can only be mounted in vertical alignment. The mounting flange
is pointing to the ground for standard mounting. For hanging mounting (flange on the top)
select menu item Mounted Upside Down for correct signal processing. This is strictly not
recommended for VTS/fixed installations!
5.3.3 Audio Line Output
Adjust level of Audio Line Output signal. The level is adjustable from 10% to 99%. The Audio
Line output has a determined output level and is independent of the volume adjustment). This
is the input signal of the IP-Audio encoder.
5.3.4 Antenna Offset
The bearing antenna has to be mounted "North orientated", the "North" resp. 0 marker has to
point exactly to north. If the antenna cannot be mounted (for differnet reasons) pointing
exactly to north, the deviation correction can be put in here. The offset is adjustable from 0 to
359 (e.g. -15 = 345).

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5.3.5 PS Ram
An external compass connected, the bearing value determination is done by a special,
improved compensating procedure. For a compass of minor quality (e.g. heavy and quick
variations) it may be necessary, to switch off the compass compensation. Select Compass
Compens. Off.
5.3.6 Monitoring
In the default setting " Off Blocked it is not possible to deactivate the monitoring operation
(see 4.4). Thus, surveillance of the emergency frequencies cannot be switched off by
mistake. If the monitoring operation is to be switched off manually, the setting " Off Blocked"
has to be deactivated.
The DF-systems monitoring/scanning function can now be switched on/off in the
corresponding dialogue window (see 4.4).
5.3.7 S/N-Ratio AutoSQL
This value controls the Auto-Squelch. It determines how many level-points the squelch
marker is set above the noise level. If the value is 6 for example, the squelch marker is
adjusted always 6 level-points above the noise level. Default value is 6.
5.3.8 AU-Calibration
This setting can disable the internal calibration values of the AU. Change this setting only in
special cases or if you are told by RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH.
5.3.9 BeepTone Decoding
This parameters control the behaviour of the Alarm Only Decoding / BeepTone option of
Fast Channel Scan.
5.3.9.1 Frequency High / Frequency Low
With Frequency High / Frequency Low you specify the range of the audio-frequency which
triggers an alarm. That means if a signal should trigger an alarm, the audio frequency of the
signal must be greater than Frequency Low and less than Frequency High.
5.3.9.2 Decoding Time
Decoding Time determines the minimum duration of an audio signal (within the specified
frequency range) that should trigger an alarm.
For example given the parameters Decoding Time = 800ms, Frequ. High = 875 Hz, Frequ.
Low = 725 Hz, the signal must remain at least 800 milliseconds continuously with its
frequency between 725 Hz and 875 Hz to start an alarm.

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5.4 Menu Service

Internal settings and service dialogues (password protected)

Menu - Setup
Monitor

Antenna Unit

Password Change
Fig. 42 Menu Service table

5.4.1 Monitor
The Setup Menu item "Service-Monitor" is to be opened only for service and maintenance
operation. Changes of settings are reserved to the firm RHOTHETA or instructed persons.
5.4.2 Password
If the system has been unlocked by the default password during first installation (see 5.5)
create and change your personal password now. Only one password can be stored.

Press function key F4 and select option Passwort Change

A data input field will open

Put in now your password by the means of the numeric keys or the editing fields.
The input is limited to 8 digits. The password may consist of any numbers and signs, as well as special
marks and space marks. A space mark at the beginning of the password is not possible.

Confirm your input using key Ok .

The password is stored for further operation.

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5.5 Unlocking Setup Settings

Caution: Wrong or faulty settings in setup menus as "Interface", "System" and "Service" may
lead to dysfunctions. These settings are password protected.
Before starting to change these settings, password protection has to be released. If the
setting procedure is interrupted by pressing key Esc , password protection is automatically
enabled again.

The blocked menu setting is indicated by a closed grey padlock.

The menu setting deblocked and opened, green padlock is visible. In this
constellation all parameters may be changed .
In order to unlock the setup menu press function key F5 Enter Password
An input field for entering the password is opened.
Enter password by the means of the numeric keys or the editing fields
(operating editing fields see 4.8.2)
Prior to first putting into operation the DF-system is protected by a preset password.
The preset password is: 123

Confirm input by using key Ok

Menu items as Interface, System, Service can be edited now and changed if desired.

After unlocking the system as described in 5.4.2 you may create and change your personal
password.

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6 Interfaces
6.1 Overview

Fig. 43 Overview of Interfaces

Pos. Designation

Meaning

See page

1 Power Supply

Power supply connector with replacable power line

fuse

61

2 IP-Audio Encoder

Configuration terminals for IP-Audio encoder

60

3 Remote Control Channel-1

Ethernet ports for remote control and IP-Audio

60

4 Devices

Connector ports for AU (antenna unit) and optional

GPS-connector; fuse for AU / GPS power supply

58

5 Slave DCU

Ethernet connector for factory use only

---

6 Service & Maintenance

Ports for optional connections, SW-Update and

local NMEA-Output

62

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6.2 Device Ports

6.2.1 Antenna Unit Port (Connecting Cable DCU

Contact
/ Pin

AU)

Signal

3
+24 V DC
8
Output power supply to Antenna Unit

5
GND
9
1

RS485 A

RS485 B

NF

Connecting cable DCU

Connection
Antenna Unit
Connector type:
Amphenol T3105-001

Serial data connection DCU

AU
(9600 Baud / semi-duplex / receive and transmit)
Input audio signal resp. analog Test/Service

AU

connecting cable 6-poled with shield

length 1 to 50 m:
2
6 x 0.38 mm

cross section of conductor min.

length 50 to100 m: cross section of conductor min.

2
6 x 0.50 mm
Fig. 44 Connecting cable DCU

Page 58 of 75

AU

Connection
Display Control Unit
Connector type:
SubD 9-poled male

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

6.2.2 GPS / RS422 Port

This optional (Build-To-Order Option) input is used to connect an external GPS-device to set
the internal system clock. This is required for syncronisation of the bearing values if several
direction finders are connected together by a command and control center.

Contact
/ Pin

Signal

RS422 Rx / A

RS422 Rx / B

GND

+24V DC

Input of serial GPS data with RS422 level

Output power supply for external GPS

6.2.3 Fuse F3

This protection fuse covers the power supply of antenna unit as well as external GPS.

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6.3 Remote Control and IP-Audio Encoder Ports

Item

Marking

Config RS-232

Unused configuration port for IP Audio Encoder

Status LED (red)

Blinks during boot process of IP Audio Encoder

Status LED (green)

Head phones

After switching on the DCU, the current IP-address of the IP Audio

Encoder is output to connected headphones. (This is only used during
configuration process!)

Audio / Ethernet

Ethernet connection of IP Audio Encoder, must be connected to LAN!

NMEA / Ethernet

Ethernet connection of NMEA remote control, must be connected to LAN!

Blinking:
On:

IP Audio Encoder is sending

IP Audio Encoder is not sending

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6.4 Power Supply

Item /
Pin
1

Marking
N
(Neutral)

PE
(protective earth)

L
(Line)

Built-In Fuse
(replacable)

IEC 60320 / C14 inlet for use of power cords with IEC 60320
/ C13 plugs.
85 264 Volts / 1.3 0.4 Ampere / 47 63 Hz

Embedded replaceable Fuse of type IEC 60127 / T5A / 250V / 5x20mm /

slow

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6.5 Service & Maintenance Ports

6.5.1 Power Supply and Optional Connections

Contact
/ Pin

Signal

15

+12 V to +30 VDC

No connections required (internally connected)!

GND (Ground)

Permanent
Operation

14

PTT / SBS

GND

12

Squelch Out

GND

1
Alarm Relay
9
3

Speaker +

11

Speaker -

13

Audio Line Out

GND

No connections required (internally connected)!

Optional input in order to suppress self bearing. When connecting input
PTT/SBS (Self Bearing Suspression) to Ground, self bearing is
suppressed
Optional output for audio connection. When receiving a signal this pin is
connected to ground by the means of an Open Collector output.

Optional alarm contact (mechanical relay as NOC, Normal Open Contact)

max. 1 A at 30 VDC resp. max. 0.3 A at 125 VAC

No Connection required, because this ports are

connected to the internal speaker!

Connection not recommended, because this port is

connected to the IP Audio Encoder!
Audio output (connected to ground with fixed level.
Adjustable in menu, from 200 mVSS at 10% to max. 2 VSS at 99%

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6.5.2 NMEA Bus (RS 232)

This is an additional NMEA interface of the DCU. It is recommended to use it only for local
tests, because commands sent to the DCU may be interfere with commands sent through
NMEA - Ethernet interface!

Contact
/ Pin

Signal

RS232 Tx

Output of serial data with RS232 level

RS232 Rx

Input of serial data with RS232 level

GND

GND level for RS232 connection

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6.5.3 Test / Program

Port for service or test operation (Software and new firmware upload).

Contact
/ Pin

Signal

RS232 Tx

Output serial data with RS232 level

RS232 Rx

Input serial data with RS232 level

GND

GND level for RS232 connection

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

7 Guideline for optimal DF antenna position

The quality of the bearing results depends largely on the position of the antenna. So, an
antenna position has to be found, where the transmitters wavefield can reach the bearing
antenna as undisturbed as possible.
If high bearing accuracy is demanded, no metallic resp. RF-conducting obstacles shall be
around the antenna unit (in an angle of 45 towards the horizontal).
Objects being in the restricted area will disturb the arriving wave field. Reflections will arise
which might disturb bearing accuracy and so on decrease the bearing accuracy. This physical
effect generally is valid for all bearing systems. In practice, often a compromise has to be
found between bearing and other interests.
Important: For more information on this topic please refer to RT-800 Installation and
Configuration Manual!

Fig. 45 Example for optimal DF antenna position

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

8 Technical Data Sheet

8.1 Electrical Characteristics
Method of bearing:

Doppler-principle (3 kHz rotational frequency, right / left rotation,

CW/CCW)

Bearing indication:

Relative bearing and true bearing related to North (if external

heading data available)

Bearing accuracy1:

2 RMS

Internal resolution:

Sensitivity:

HF-voltage at receiver input (50 ):

VHF, UHF <100 nV; Cospas-Sarsat 406.000 MHz <150 nV

Stability of
frequency:

2.0 ppm (f/f = 2 x 10-6) [in temperature range -30 C to +80 C]

Receiving bands:

4 (VHF-air band; VHF-marine band, UHF-air band; Cospas-Sarsat)

Receiving
frequencies
(frequency ranges)

VHF air band:

VHF marine band:
UHF air band:
Cospas-Sarsat :

Marine channels

Channel 0 .. 28 / 60 .. 88 (ship station + coast station in each case)

Channel pattern

25 kHz / 8,33 kHz / 5 kHz (depending on frequency band)

Monitoring /
Scanning modes:

Monitoring:
Four additional frequencies (emergency frequency 121.500 MHz
and three free selectable frequencies) are monitored during normal
operation.
Standby:
The Cospas-Sarsat and 121.500 MHz emergency frequency is
monitored at all times in standby mode.
Fast Marine Ship Band Scan (within approx. 3 sec):
Fast scan (without gap) within the range of ship channels[01..88] =
[156,050157,425 MHz]. Detection of each signal (also between
the channel grid).
Fast Channel Scan (within max. 2 sec):
Fast scan of up to eight freely selectable frequencies/channels.

Signal filtering:

Optional: all emergency frequencies can be filtered for ELTmodulation (false alarms disabled).

118.000 .. 121.500 .. 123.975 MHz

154.000 .. 156.800 .. 162.995 MHz
240.000 .. 243.000 .. 245.975 MHz
400.000 .. 406.022-076 .. 409.975 MHz

Undisturbed wave field and sufficient field strength supposed. Measuring by changing the angle of incidence,
the bearing antenna rotates on a revolving table in order to eliminate influences of environment to the bearing
result.
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Cospas-Sarsat
analysis:

Bearable
modulation:

Reception and analysis of Cospas-Sarsat data signal

(112 or 144 bit, 400 baud, biphase L-phase modulated, with BoseChaudhuri-Hocquenghem error test, specified according CospasSarsat C/S T.001 October 1999)
Indication of data content (mode, country, GPS-coordinates)
A3E, F3E, A2X (PLB-modulation); bearing largely independent of
modulation.

Polarisation:

Vertical

Polarisation error

5 at 60 field vektor rotation

Garbling cone:

approx. 30 to vertical

Response time:

50 ms (with sufficient reception field strength)

Foil on the front with integrated keyboard matrix and EL background
illumination
320 x 240 pixel with max. brightness of approx. 450 cd/m2,
continuously adjustable or automatic control.

Keyboard
TFT Graphic
Display
Operating voltage:
Current
consumption:

85 264 Volts / / 47 63 Hz
1.3 0.4 A

Power consumption

Nominal 30W @ 230V

Audio out:

Internal speaker 4 W
Line out (adjustable from 100 mV pp to 2000 mV pp)

Interfaces

Ethernet Interface for NMEA remote control (TCP)

Ethernet Interface for IP Audio output (e.g. Internet Radio, RTP,
RawUDP, RawTCP, SIP, Icecast, Shoutcast)
External GPS (RS422, optional)
Headphone (only used for setup of IP Audio)
NMEA In/Output (RS232, only for local test purposes)
Testport (RS232) optional customer specific
Alarm relay output (1.0 A, 30 V DC / 0.3 A, 125 V AC)
PTT input for self-bearing suppression
Squelch output for external audio control

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

8.2 Mechanical Characteristics

8.2.1 DCU Dimensions (built-in version)
Measuring units: [mm] millimeters

Fig. 46 RT-800, mechanical dimensions (built-in version)

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

8.2.2 DCU Dimensions (tabletop version)

Measuring units: [mm] millimeters

Fig. 47 RT-800, mechanical dimensions (tabletop version)

8.2.3 DCU Data

Weight

Approx. 5900 g

Permitted operating temperature

-20 C to +60 C

Permitted storage temperature

-30 C to +80 C

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

8.2.4 Antenna Unit Dimensions

Measuring units: [mm] millimeters

ca.475

ca.810

397

333

201
157

Fig. 48 Antenna Unit, mechanical dimensions

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8.2.5 Antenna Unit Mast Flange

Measuring units: [mm] millimeters
120
105
50
40.7

6.3

10

65

90

Fig. 49 Antenna Unit, mast flange (mechanical dimensions)

8.2.6 Technical Data Antenna Unit

Weight

Approx. 5200 g

Permitted operating temperature

-40 C2 to +60 C

Permitted storing temperature

-55 C to +80 C

Ingress protection

IP 67

Temperatures below 10C resp. 14F may require a warming up time of up to 15 minutes!
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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

9 Appendix
9.1 Error Messages
Error message

Error location

Cause

Error 01
AU No Receiver
Error 04
AU Rec. No PLL
Error 05
DCU>AU No Data
Error 06
DCU>AU BadData
Error 07
AU Low Voltage
Error 08
AU>DCU BadData

Antenna Unit:
Receiver

defective receiver circuit board in AU

Antenna

Error in receiver synthesizer oszillator in AU

Error 09
No AntennaUnit

Connection
Antenna Display

Connection
Display Antenna
Connection
Display Antenna

No serial data from DCU to AU

Incompatible resp. bad data connection between DCU
and AU

Main voltage supply

Voltage supply below 10 V

Connection
Antenna Display

Incompatible resp. bad data connection between AU

and DCU
No serial data (RS485) from AU. Missing or damaged
cable connection between AU and DCU resp.
defective AU

9.2 Warnings
Warning message

Error location

Cause

Warning 01
AU low Voltage
Warning 02
NoCompassFound
Warning 10
NMEA DataRange
Warning 11
NMEA Bad Data
Warning 12
NMEA CheckSumm
Warning 13
NMEA Bad Frame
Warning 20
AU DataRange

Main voltage supply

Low voltage supply of AU

External device

Compass data not available

(see page 52)

External device

Incorrect NMEA data: Value out of allowed range

External device

Defective data recognized on NMEA interface

Warning 21
AU Decode Err
Warning 22
Send Freq.OfsWarning 23
Send Freq.Ofs+
Warning 30
FLASH Config
Warning 39
Simulation
Warning 40
No Master DCU

Defective data recognized on NMEA interface:

Check Sum
Defective data recognized on NMEA interface: Bad
Frame

External device
External device
Connection
Display Antenna
Radio distance
transmitter direction
finder

Bad data of DCU, mismatch of telegram length

Data error in Cospas-Sarsat data block, data could
not be decoded

Received transmitter

Frequency of transmitter too low

Received transmitter

Frequency of transmitter too high

DCU Flash memory

The stored settings cannot be read. (Device is

operating with default settings)

Simulation Mode

The AU simulation mode is active

DCU

A Slave DCU dont find its corresponding master

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RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

9.3 Frequencies of channels on maritime band

Channel
No.

frequency (ship - station)

Frequency (coast - station)

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88

156,000 MHz
156,050 MHz
156,100 MHz
156,150 MHz
156,200 MHz
156,250 MHz
156,300 MHz
156,350 MHz

160,600 MHz
160,650 MHz
160,700 MHz
160,750 MHz
160,800 MHz
160,850 MHz
160,900 MHz
160,950 MHz
156,400 MHz
156,450 MHz
156,500 MHz
156,550 MHz
156,600 MHz
156,650 MHz
156,700 MHz
156,750 MHz
156,800 MHz
156,850 MHz

156,900 MHz
156,950 MHz
157,000 MHz
157,050 MHz
157,100 MHz
157,150 MHz
157,200 MHz
157,250 MHz
157,300 MHz
157,350 MHz
157,400 MHz
156,025 MHz
156,075 MHz
156,125 MHz
156,175 MHz
156,225 MHz
156,275 MHz
156,325 MHz

161,500 MHz
161,550 MHz
161,600 MHz
161,650 MHz
161,700 MHz
161,750 MHz
161,800 MHz
161,850 MHz
161,900 MHz
161,950 MHz
162,000 MHz
160,625 MHz
160,675 MHz
160,725 MHz
160,775 MHz
160,825 MHz
160,875 MHz
160,925 MHz
156,375 MHz
156,425 MHz
156,475 MHz
156,525 MHz
156,575 MHz
156,625 MHz
156,675 MHz
156,725 MHz
156,775 MHz
156,825 MHz
156,875 MHz

156,925 MHz
156,975 MHz
157,025 MHz
157,075 MHz
157,125 MHz
157,175 MHz
157,225 MHz
157,275 MHz
157,325 MHz
157,375 MHz
157,425 MHz

161,525 MHz
161,575 MHz
161,625 MHz
161,675 MHz
161,725 MHz
161,775 MHz
161,825 MHz
161,875 MHz
161,925 MHz
161,975 MHz
162,025 MHz

Page 73 of 75

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

9.4 List of abbreviation

Abbreviation
AU
CP/SS
DCU
DF
Deg
ELT
GND
GPS
ID
IP
LAN
LCD
LED
MOB
MSSI
NF
NMEA (0183)
PLB
PS RAM
PTT/SBS
RAM
Rx
S/N
SAR
SNR
SQL
TFT
Tx
V
VDC
VTS

Meaning
Antenna Unit
Cospas-Sarsat
Display & Control Unit
Direction finder
Degree ( = 60' )
Emergency Locator Transmitter
Ground
Global Positoning System
Identification
Ingress Protection rating
Local Area Network
Liquid Crystal Display
Light-Emitting Diode
Man-Over-Board
Maritime Mobile Service Identity
Audio Frequency
National Marine Electronics Association
Personal Locator Beacon
Averaging Random Access Memory
Push-To-Talk/ Self Bearing Suppression
Random Access Memory
Receiver
Signal to Noise
Search And Rescue
Signal to Noise-Ratio
Squelch
Thin Film Transistor (see also LCD)
Transmitter
VTS Version
Volts of Direct Current
Vessel Traffic Service

Page 74 of 75

Remarks

IP67

Ship's Ident. No.

Interface- and data telegram standard

AU-Variant V

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800

9.5 CE Declaration of Conformity

Page 75 of 75