RHOTHETA Elektronik specializes in professional radio direction finders, also known as RDF systems or direction finding systems. These systems are used for marine communication, Search and Rescue, coast surveillance, vessel traffic services, aviation and professional safety organizations.
The German company builds on more than 35 years of experience in designing, developing and manufacturing high-quality direction finders for ATC, VTS and SAR applications. In SAR technology, RHOTHETA focuses especially on professional search and rescue organizations operating at sea and on land.
For marine applications, RHOTHETA supplies compact and rugged systems designed to withstand demanding conditions such as salt water, high humidity, vibration, mechanical stress and UV exposure. The equipment is built for reliable operation at sea, on board vessels and in coastal installations.
Well-known RHOTHETA products include the RT-300 Dual-Band Direction Finder, RT-500-M Wide-Band Radio Direction Finder and RT-800 Wide-Band VTS Radio Direction Finder. These systems are used for bearing radio signals, distress signals, VHF marine communication and Cospas-Sarsat beacons, depending on model and application.
The RT-300 is a versatile dual-band direction finding system for marine applications. It receives distress signals on 121.5 MHz and voice communication on the marine band, making it suitable as a SAR and communication direction finder and as a navigation aid for mobile use at sea or on land.
The RT-500-M was developed for professional maritime SAR organizations, coast guard and law enforcement users. This wide-band system operates from 118 to 470 MHz, including Cospas-Sarsat and international V-/UHF distress frequencies. It can decode Cospas-Sarsat data and display beacon ID, position, bearing and distance information.
For fixed coastal and VTS applications, RHOTHETA offers the RT-800. This system is designed for stationary coast surveillance and identification of ships transmitting on the VHF marine band. Bearing information can be correlated with radar targets and AIS position data in a VTS centre.
Why choose RHOTHETA?
Professional radio direction finders for marine applications
More than 35 years of experience with ATC, VTS and SAR systems
Solutions for Search and Rescue, coast guard, VTS and vessel installations
Bearing of VHF, UHF, marine radio and distress frequencies depending on model
Support for 121.5 MHz, 243 MHz and Cospas-Sarsat frequencies with suitable systems
Compact and rugged equipment for demanding marine environments
Integration with AIS, radar, ECDIS, NMEA and network interfaces depending on system
Suitable for rescue organizations, authorities, ports and marine service companies
Product categories and types
Marine radio direction finders
RHOTHETA RT-300 Dual-Band Direction Finder System
Versatile dual-band direction finding system for marine applications. The RT-300 was developed for bearing 121.5 MHz distress signals and communication on the VHF marine band. Suitable for SAR, communication bearing, MOB functionality and mobile use at sea or on land.
RHOTHETA RT-500-M Wide-Band Radio Direction Finder
Professional wide-band direction finder for SAR, coast guard and law enforcement organizations. It operates between 118 and 470 MHz and supports VHF air band, extended VHF marine band, UHF air band, UHF FM and Cospas-Sarsat distress frequencies. Suitable for rescue missions, marine search operations and professional safety services.
RHOTHETA RT-800 Wide-Band VTS Radio Direction Finder
VTS radio direction finder for stationary coast surveillance and vessel traffic services. Designed to identify and locate vessels transmitting on the VHF marine band. Can be used in VTS environments with radar and AIS correlation.
SAR and distress signal direction finding
RHOTHETA SAR Direction Finder Systems
Direction finding systems for rescue operations at sea and on land. Suitable for professional Search and Rescue organizations that need to locate distress signals quickly.
RHOTHETA Cospas-Sarsat Direction Finding
Depending on the model, RHOTHETA systems can detect, bear and decode Cospas-Sarsat signals on 406 MHz. The RT-500-M decodes Cospas-Sarsat data and can display beacon ID, position, bearing and distance.
RHOTHETA 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency Bearing
Bearing functionality for the classic 121.5 MHz emergency frequency used in EPIRB, ELT, PLB and SAR applications, depending on equipment and configuration.
RHOTHETA MOB Direction Finding
MOB functionality for crew safety. The RT-500-M lists MOB functionality as a standard feature; the RT-300 was developed as a modern direction finder with MOB functionality.
VTS, coast surveillance and professional applications
RHOTHETA VTS Direction Finder Systems
Direction finding systems for Vessel Traffic Services, ports, coastal stations and traffic monitoring. The RT-800 can correlate bearing information with radar and AIS position data in a VTS centre.
RHOTHETA Coast Surveillance Systems
Systems for coast surveillance and identification of radio transmissions on marine frequencies.
RHOTHETA Maritime Communication Bearing
Direction finders for determining the direction of VHF radio traffic at sea, for example during calls, emergencies or traffic management.
Airborne, ATC and other RHOTHETA systems
RHOTHETA Airborne Direction Finders
Direction finding systems for helicopters and aircraft. RHOTHETA lists airborne applications as a dedicated application area for flexible mission support.
RHOTHETA ATC Direction Finders
Direction finders for air traffic control and ATC applications.
RHOTHETA RT-1000 / remote antenna concept
Direction finder system with a remote antenna concept, mentioned by RHOTHETA within its product history and application areas.
Accessories, antennas and integration
RHOTHETA DF antennas
Compact and rugged direction finding antennas for installation on vessels, coastal stations or vehicles.
RHOTHETA display units
Control and display units for bearing information, signal data and system status.
RHOTHETA interface solutions
Depending on the system, serial, NMEA and Ethernet interfaces are available for integration with ECDIS, VTS, radar or AIS systems. The RT-500-M lists standard serial, NMEA and Ethernet interfaces.
RHOTHETA service and calibration
For professional direction finding systems, correct installation, calibration and periodic maintenance are important to maintain accurate bearing information.
Applications
RHOTHETA for Search and Rescue
For SAR organizations that need to quickly locate distress signals, MOB beacons, EPIRBs, PLBs or other transmitters.
RHOTHETA for coast guard and authorities
For coast guards, navy, police, customs, ports and safety organizations that need to identify and locate radio signals.
RHOTHETA for VTS and ports
For vessel traffic services, coastal stations and ports where VHF bearing information can be linked with radar and AIS data.
RHOTHETA for marine communication
For determining the direction of VHF radio traffic, distress calls and operational communication at sea.
RHOTHETA for professional vessel installations
For workboats, rescue vessels, patrol boats and offshore applications where rugged direction finding equipment is required.
