Development of Radio Direction Finder using 6 Log Periodic Dipole Array Antennas

Radio Direction Finder (RDF) system can be used in search and rescue operations. However the existing RDF system is complex, expensive and not suitable for mobile operation such as search and rescue operations. This paper presents the development of a unique low cost Radio Direction Finder (RDF) using 6 Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) antenna. Six unit of log periodic printed circuit board antenna from WA5VJB is used in this project since it is commonly used in UHF licence-free band. A modified amplitude comparison method has been made in order to match the antenna character. The unique physical design, electronics design and software design implemented in the RDF system are described in this paper. Also a test has been conducted and the system performance shows the RSM error of 14°.