Active Adcock Direction

Finding Array
1 – 30 MHz
VERSION: 4.5 Product Code: DF-A0015 and
DF-A0076
SPECIFICATIONS:

Product code:
DF-A0015 1 – 30 MHz Adcock array
DF-A0076 0.5 – 30 MHz array, two rings

Electrical: DF-A0015 DF-A0076

Active/passive monopole-
Antenna type
based direction finding array
Number of elements 9 17
Polarisation Vertical
VSWR < 2:1 to 50 Ω
Gain and sensitivity See graphs attached
RF outputs 3 5
Connectors (RF) N-type female
Connector (power) MIL 38999-09-98
Supply voltage 10 – 20 V DC
Supply current < 500 mA <1A

Mechanical: DF-A0015 DF-A0076

Antenna weight 44.5 kg 88 kg
Assembled diameter (max) 16 m 50 m
Packed weight of DF
125 kg 220 kg
including wooden containers
Packaging length 1.550 m
Assembled height 2.8 m
Shipping container dimensions 1550 mm x 600 mm x 500 mm

Environmental: designed to meet the following specifications

Maximum wind speed
Temperature range
Water resistance
120 km/h (free-standing)
160 km/h (bolted down)
-40 °C to +85 °C
IP66

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
DF-A0015 implements an 8-element active Adcock array with a
centrally located ninth element for omni-directional sensing. This
direction finding antenna array covers a frequency range of 1 to 30
MHz.
For improved performance at low frequencies, the DF-A0076 can be
installed instead. As well as the 9 elements of the original DF-A0015,
ELECTRICAL FEATURES: this array features a second array at approximately 4 times the
 HF active DF diameter, giving superior DF sensitivity in the 0.5 to 7 MHz band.
 Unique aperture shaping provides excellent
accuracy over wideband with Watson Watt method The arrays are intended for use in conjunction with the Watson Watt
(WW) DF estimation method. Corrected WW may also be used to
 Passive bypass mode
enhance accuracy in the 25 to 30 MHz region.
MECHANICAL FEATURES: The array features a passive mode where the active matching circuitry
 Robust construction is bypassed and powered down. All antenna elements are connected
 Waterproof to the central combiner system for beam forming.
 Quick assembly on any surface
Shipped in compact storage and transport boxes, the antenna can be
 Temporary or permanent installation
assembled by one person in 60 minutes, without special tools or civils.
Adjustable feet on each element accommodate uneven surfaces. The
. array is designed for long-term outdoor deployment and is weather
resistant.

Updated 2016-09-26 sales@alaris.co.za

www.alarisantennas.com
PAGE 1 of 4 Alaris Antennas has a policy of continuous improvement and
hence specifications may change without notice
Active Adcock Direction Finding Array
1 – 30 MHz
Product Code: DF-A0015 and DF-A0076 VERSION: 4.5
ANTENNA DIMENSIONS:
Schematic of DF-A0015 array when deployed, showing ground radials

Schematic of DF-A0076 array, deployed

Dimensions of central
element and combiner
Dimensions of monopole elements

Updated 2016-09-26 sales@alaris.co.za

www.alarisantennas.com
PAGE 2 of 4 Alaris Antennas has a policy of continuous improvement and
hence specifications may change without notice
Active Adcock Direction Finding Array
1 – 30 MHz
Product Code: DF-A0015 and DF-A0076 VERSION: 4.5

ACCURACY:
The large-signal DF accuracy of the DF-A0015 and DF-A0076 is shown below.

RMS error of AOA estimatation using WW and corrected WW

0.6

Corrected Watson-Watt
0.5
Standard Watson-Watt (DF-A0076 large array)
Standard Watson-Watt (DF-A0015 and DF-A0076 small array)

0.4
RMS Error [ o]

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Frequency [MHz]

ANTENNA GAIN:
The figure below shows the gain of the elements used in DF-A0015 and/or DF-A0076.
The combined gain of the DF outputs (NS or EW) is also shown. This is lower than the omni gain due to the subtraction.
We show both the active (solid) and passive (dotted) modes of each antenna

Gains of DF-A0076
20

-20
Gain [dBi]

-40

NS Active 40m array

-60 NS Active 10m array
OMNI Active
NS Passive 40m array
NS Passive 10m array
OMNI Passive
-80

-100
0.5 0.7 1 2 3 5 7 10 15 20 30
Frequency [MHz]

Updated 2016-09-26 sales@alaris.co.za

www.alarisantennas.com
PAGE 3 of 4 Alaris Antennas has a policy of continuous improvement and
hence specifications may change without notice
Active Adcock Direction Finding Array
1 – 30 MHz
Product Code: DF-A0015 and DF-A0076 VERSION: 4.5
RECEIVE SENSITIVITY:
The graph below shows the sensitivity of the DF-A0015 and A0076 antennas. It is presented as the field strength required at each
frequency, to achieve a 0 dB SNR in 1 Hz bandwidth, into a receiver of NF 11 dB. When installed the sensitivity will be reduced
by atmospheric noise, no atmospheric noise is considered here.
We show both the active (solid) and passive (dotted) modes of the antenna. Sensitivity for the DF channel NS is given at the peak
of the pattern, north or south. EW has the same sensitivity.

Sensitivity of DF-A0015 and DF-A0076: Required E-field for 0dB SNR in 1 Hz after receiver NF=11dB
40

30 NS Active 40m array

NS Active 10m array
OMNI Active
20
NS Passive 40m array
NS Passive 10m array
10 OMNI Passive

0
E-field [dBV/m]

-10

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70
0.5 0.7 1 2 3 5 7 10 15 20 30
Frequency [MHz]

DF SENSITIVITY:
Sensitivity including effects of external and receiver noise (assumes corrected Watson Watt, based on measured gain and noise
in an urban environment commensurate with ITU-R curves A and E).

Required E-field for RMS error of 2.5o with RX NF=12 dB, BW = 1.25kHz, with array located in a semi-urban environment
90
High band Active
High band Passive
80
Low band Active (DF-A0076 only)
Low band Passive (DF-A0076 only)
70

60

50
dBVm-1

40

30

20

10

-10
0.5 1 10 30
Frequency [MHz]

Updated 2016-09-26 sales@alaris.co.za

www.alarisantennas.com
PAGE 4 of 4 Alaris Antennas has a policy of continuous improvement and
hence specifications may change without notice