Rhotheta RT-800 User manual

User Manual
RT-800

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800
Page 2 of 192
Edited by:
RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH
Kemmelpark
Dr.-Ingeborg-Haeckel-Str. 2
82418 Murnau
Germany
Tel.: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone] - 15
Internet: www.rhotheta.de
E-Mail: [email protected]
Copyright © RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH
All rights reserved
- Issue: 2022/07/12 [Rev 3.01.b]
- Document-ID: 12-9-1-0003-3-1-61
- Valid for RT-800 systems with revision [Rev 3.00] or higher
Note
The manufacturer reserves the right to make modifications to the product described here at
any time and without previous information.

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800
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Content
1Legend of Signal Words ................................................................................................ 10
2Safety .............................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 General Safety Information ................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Basic Safety Instructions ...................................................................................................................... 11
3Legal Information ........................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Declaration of Conformity (EU) ............................................................................................................. 11
3.2 Legal Limitations of Use within the EU ................................................................................................. 12
3.3 FCC Information (USA)......................................................................................................................... 12
3.4 ISED Information (Canada) .................................................................................................................. 12
4General Description ....................................................................................................... 13
5Overrview ....................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Front View (DCU) ................................................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Front View (Control Panel) ................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Rear View ............................................................................................................................................. 18
6Operation ........................................................................................................................ 20
6.1 Bearing Page ........................................................................................................................................ 21
6.1.1 Bearing Indication .................................................................................................................... 21
6.1.2 Bearing Operation .................................................................................................................... 26
6.1.3 Function Channel 16 ................................................................................................................ 41
6.1.4 Function Repeat ...................................................................................................................... 41
6.1.5 Function Clear.......................................................................................................................... 42
6.1.6 Function Autoset Squelch ........................................................................................................ 42
6.2 Scan Page ............................................................................................................................................ 44
6.2.1 COSPAS-SARSAT Scan ......................................................................................................... 46
6.2.2 Monitoring ................................................................................................................................ 48
6.2.3 Fast Channel Scan .................................................................................................................. 54
6.2.4 Marine Scan ............................................................................................................................. 59
6.2.5 SAR Scan ................................................................................................................................ 63
6.2.6 Scan List .................................................................................................................................. 69
6.3 Decode Page ........................................................................................................................................ 74
6.3.1 Selecting a COSPAS-SARSAT frequency .............................................................................. 76
6.3.2 COSPAS-SARSAT List View ................................................................................................... 76
6.3.3 COSPAS-SARSAT Bearing View ............................................................................................ 77
6.3.4 COSPAS-SARSAT Bearing and List ....................................................................................... 79
6.3.5 Export to Bearing Page ............................................................................................................ 79
6.4 Setup Page ........................................................................................................................................... 81
6.4.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 81
6.4.2 Display ..................................................................................................................................... 92
6.4.3 System ................................................................................................................................... 110
6.4.4 Interface ................................................................................................................................. 131
6.4.5 Service ................................................................................................................................... 150
6.5 Other Operational Functions .............................................................................................................. 153

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6.5.1 Standby Mode ........................................................................................................................ 153
6.5.2 Adjusting the Volume ............................................................................................................. 153
6.5.3 Adjusting of the Squelch ........................................................................................................ 154
6.5.4 Dimming and Day/Night Mode ............................................................................................... 155
7Interfaces and Installation........................................................................................... 158
7.1 Power & I/O ........................................................................................................................................ 158
7.2 Antenna Unit (Connecting Cable DCU  AU) ................................................................................... 159
7.2.1 Pinning Antenna Unit Connector ........................................................................................... 159
7.2.2 Connecting Cable DCU  AU............................................................................................... 160
7.3 NMEA COM-Interfaces ....................................................................................................................... 160
7.4 LAN Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 161
7.5 Remote Control and IP-Audio Encoder Ports ..................................................................................... 162
7.6 Power Supply ...................................................................................................................................... 163
8Installation and Configuration .................................................................................... 164
8.1 General Information ............................................................................................................................ 164
8.2 Installation Recommendation ............................................................................................................. 164
8.3 Line of Sight and Fresnel Zone .......................................................................................................... 165
8.4 Reduced Bearing Accuracy Caused by Reflections ........................................................................... 166
8.5 Overview of favorable and unfavorable Installation Locations ........................................................... 166
8.6 Lightning Protection ............................................................................................................................ 167
8.7 Antenna Alignment ............................................................................................................................. 167
8.8 Antenna Connection ........................................................................................................................... 168
8.9 DCU Configuration .............................................................................................................................. 168
8.9.1 Interface Configuration .......................................................................................................... 168
8.9.2 Audio Line Output Configuration............................................................................................ 168
8.9.3 Antenna Unit Configuration .................................................................................................... 169
8.10 Configuration of Remote Control over IP ........................................................................................... 169
8.10.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 169
8.10.2 IP Network Settings & Web Console Connection using MOXA ........................................... 170
8.11 Configuration of Audio over IP (streaming into LAN) ......................................................................... 172
8.11.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 172
8.11.2 IP Network settings & Web Console Connection ................................................................. 173
8.12 Configuration of Audio Exstreamer (streaming from LAN) ................................................................. 175
8.12.1 Configuration of Extreamer at Remote Site .......................................................................... 176
8.13 Example of complete Network Scenario............................................................................................. 177
9Technical Data ............................................................................................................. 178
9.1 Electrical Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 178
9.2 Mechanical Characteristics ................................................................................................................. 180
9.2.1 DCU Dimensions (built-in version)......................................................................................... 180
9.2.2 DCU Dimensions (tabletop version) ...................................................................................... 181
9.2.3 DCU Mechanical Characteristics ........................................................................................... 181
9.2.4 Antenna Unit Dimensions ...................................................................................................... 182
9.2.5 Antenna Unit Mast Flange ..................................................................................................... 183
9.2.6 Antenna Unit Mechanical Characteristics .............................................................................. 183

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10 Disposal within the European Union ......................................................................... 184
11 Disposal outside the European Union ....................................................................... 184
12 Maintenance and Cleaning.......................................................................................... 184
12.1 Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 184
12.2 Cleaning .............................................................................................................................................. 184
13 Appendix ...................................................................................................................... 185
13.1 Error Messages .................................................................................................................................. 185
13.2 Warnings ............................................................................................................................................. 185
13.3 Setup Tree View (Settings) ................................................................................................................. 186
13.4 Default / User System Configuration Table ........................................................................................ 187
13.5 Scan Page Tree View (Settings) ........................................................................................................ 189
13.6 Frequencies of channels on maritime band ....................................................................................... 190
13.7 Channel Spacing UHF / VHF Air Band ............................................................................................... 191
13.8 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... 192

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800
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List of figures
Fig. 1 Front View – DCU ......................................................................................................... 14
Fig. 2 Front View – Buttons and Display ................................................................................. 15
Fig. 3 Rear view ...................................................................................................................... 18
Fig. 4 Basic structure of pages ............................................................................................... 20
Fig. 5 Bearing display ............................................................................................................. 21
Fig. 6 Digital bearing display (active signal reception) ............................................................ 27
Fig. 7 Digital bearing display (signal reception ended 2 seconds ago) ................................... 28
Fig. 8 Input of a new frequency .............................................................................................. 32
Fig. 9 Swap frequencies ......................................................................................................... 33
Fig. 10 Input of a new channel ................................................................................................ 35
Fig. 11 Changing from "Channel" to "Frequency" when channel input is complete ................ 35
Fig. 12 Switching to "Channel" when "Standby" frequency = 121.500 MHz .......................... 36
Fig. 13 Channel input with non-marine active frequency ........................................................ 36
Fig. 14 Input of a new COSPAS-SARSAT frequency ............................................................. 37
Fig. 15 Memory Dialog. Top level ........................................................................................... 38
Fig. 16 Editing the frequency name ........................................................................................ 40
Fig. 17 Repeat indication ........................................................................................................ 41
Fig. 18 Scan page. General view ............................................................................................ 44
Fig. 19 Cospas-Sarsat scan mode with the last result indication ............................................ 46
Fig. 20 "Exclude List" use indication ....................................................................................... 46
Fig. 21 Cospas-Sarsat Scan indication on the "Bearing" page ............................................... 47
Fig. 22 "Cospas-Sarsat Scan" mode has been activated ....................................................... 47
Fig. 23 Confirming of leaving the scan mode .......................................................................... 48
Fig. 24 “Monitoring” mode. Indication of frequencies .............................................................. 49
Fig. 25 “Monitoring” mode. Example views of the “Bearing” page .......................................... 49
Fig. 26 “Monitoring CP-SS” mode. Example views of the “Bearing” page .............................. 50
Fig. 27 Example: Timing normal monitoring ........................................................................... 51
Fig. 28 Example: Timing Cospas-Sarsat monitoring ............................................................... 51
Fig. 29 "Monitoring" has been activated ................................................................................. 52
Fig. 30 Confirming of leaving the scan mode .......................................................................... 52
Fig. 31 Monitoring mode settings ............................................................................................ 53
Fig. 32 Editing the current frequency ...................................................................................... 53
Fig. 33 Hold time setting ......................................................................................................... 54
Fig. 34 Fast channel scan indication on the "Bearing" page ................................................... 56
Fig. 35 Activating the “Fast Channel Scan” ............................................................................ 57
Fig. 36 Confirming of leaving the scan mode .......................................................................... 57
Fig. 37 Fast channel scan settings ......................................................................................... 58
Fig. 38 Input of a new frequency to be scanned ..................................................................... 58
Fig. 39 Marine scan. Indication of frequencies ....................................................................... 59
Fig. 40 Marine scan indication on the "Bearing" page ............................................................ 60
Fig. 41 Marine scan is activated ............................................................................................. 61
Fig. 42 Marine scan settings ................................................................................................... 61
Fig. 43 „Exclude List“ configuration ........................................................................................ 62
Fig. 44 SAR scan. Indication of frequencies ........................................................................... 64
Fig. 45 “SAR scan” mode. Example views of the “Bearing” page ........................................... 65
Fig. 46 Example: Timing SAR scan, if no frequency is detected ............................................ 65
Fig. 47 Example: Timing SAR scan, if only COSPAS-SARSAT frequency is detected .......... 66
Fig. 48 Example: Timing SAR scan, if no CP-SS pulse but a signal on an emergency
frequency is detected ............................................................................................................. 66
Fig. 49 Selecting SAR scan .................................................................................................... 67

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Fig. 50 Confirming of leaving the scan mode .......................................................................... 67
Fig. 51 SAR scan. Edit scan settings ...................................................................................... 68
Fig. 52 Alternating hotkeys ..................................................................................................... 68
Fig. 53 Scan List. Indication of frequencies ............................................................................ 69
Fig. 54 "Scan List" is activated ............................................................................................... 70
Fig. 55 Result List Settings ..................................................................................................... 71
Fig. 56 "Search List" settings .................................................................................................. 71
Fig. 57 "Scan List Conditions" dialog ...................................................................................... 73
Fig. 58 Decode Page. General view ....................................................................................... 74
Fig. 59 Confirming a new COSPAS-SARSAT message ......................................................... 76
Fig. 60 Decode Page. COSPAS-SARSAT List View .............................................................. 76
Fig. 61 Decode Page: Bearing View ....................................................................................... 78
Fig. 62 Dialog for confirming of deleting all CP-SS messages................................................ 78
Fig. 63 "Decode” page. "Bearing and List" view ..................................................................... 79
Fig. 64 Indication of the GPS based bearing on the Bearing page ......................................... 80
Fig. 65 Setup page. General settings (administrator view) ..................................................... 82
Fig. 66 Setup page, General settings appearance for the access level “Operator” ................ 84
Fig. 67 Setup page, General settings appearance for the access level “Administrator” ......... 84
Fig. 68 Accessing the administrator level ............................................................................... 85
Fig. 69 Changing password .................................................................................................... 86
Fig. 70 Changing the administrator password ........................................................................ 86
Fig. 71 Edit value dialog for access level ................................................................................ 87
Fig. 72 Editing the access level to "Operator" ......................................................................... 87
Fig. 73 Editing the value for the audio beeper ........................................................................ 88
Fig. 74 Edit value of the audio line output level ...................................................................... 88
Fig. 75 Edit value for the speaker ........................................................................................... 89
Fig. 76 Frequency information dialog ..................................................................................... 89
Fig. 77 Locked frequencies. Operator view ............................................................................ 90
Fig. 78 Locked frequencies. Administrator view ..................................................................... 90
Fig. 79 "System Info" dialog .................................................................................................... 91
Fig. 80 Setup page. Display settings ...................................................................................... 92
Fig. 81 Editing the bearing indication hold time ...................................................................... 94
Fig. 82 Bearing reference direction dialog .............................................................................. 95
Fig. 83 Bearing scale offset editing dialog .............................................................................. 96
Fig. 84 Bearing scale orientation editing dialog ...................................................................... 96
Fig. 85 Types of the frequency/channel indication .................................................................. 97
Fig. 86 "Channel Indication" dialog ......................................................................................... 97
Fig. 87 Changing the distance unit ......................................................................................... 98
Fig. 88 Changing the level unit ............................................................................................... 99
Fig. 89 Light sensor settings ................................................................................................... 99
Fig. 90 Changing the minimum range value of the light sensor ............................................ 100
Fig. 91 Changing the maximum range value of the light sensor ........................................... 100
Fig. 92 Changing the time delay value for the light sensor ................................................... 101
Fig. 93 Standby mode settings dialog ................................................................................... 101
Fig. 94 Adjusting the standby brightness .............................................................................. 102
Fig. 95 Changing the standby key illumination setting .......................................................... 103
Fig. 96 Changing the standby deactivation setting ............................................................... 104
Fig. 97 Dark mode activation warning .................................................................................. 104
Fig. 98 Manual deactivation of the standby mode is turned on ............................................. 105
Fig. 99 Activation of the dark mode with disabled illumination .............................................. 105
Fig. 100 Dark mode indication on the "Display" page ........................................................... 106

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Fig. 101 Selecting the night mode settings ........................................................................... 106
Fig. 102 "Night Mode Settings" dialog .................................................................................. 107
Fig. 103 Turning on/off the automatic activation of night mode ............................................ 107
Fig. 104 Selecting the „Activation Threshold“ for editing the value ....................................... 108
Fig. 105 Changing the value for the night mode activation threshold ................................... 109
Fig. 106 Setup page. System settings .................................................................................. 110
Fig. 107 Alarm pulse settings ............................................................................................... 112
Fig. 108 Active direction dialog ............................................................................................. 112
Fig. 109 Alarm mode dialog .................................................................................................. 113
Fig. 110 Time off Dialog ....................................................................................................... 114
Fig. 111 Time on Dialog ....................................................................................................... 114
Fig. 112 Antenna unit (mounting position) dialog .................................................................. 115
Fig. 113 Antenna mechanical correction dialog .................................................................... 115
Fig. 114 Antenna installation dialog ...................................................................................... 116
Fig. 115 AU calibration dialog ............................................................................................... 117
Fig. 116 Beep tone decoding settings .................................................................................. 117
Fig. 117 Dialog for the upper frequency (Beep Tone Decoding) ........................................... 118
Fig. 118 Dialog for the lower frequency (Beep Tone Decoding) ........................................... 118
Fig. 119 Decoding time dialog .............................................................................................. 119
Fig. 120 Frequency input hold time dialog ............................................................................ 119
Fig. 121 Locked frequencies list. Administrator view ............................................................ 120
Fig. 122 Input of the magnetic variation value ...................................................................... 121
Fig. 123 Monitoring handling settings ................................................................................... 121
Fig. 124 Own GPS position dialog ........................................................................................ 122
Fig. 125 Own position in DD format ...................................................................................... 123
Fig. 126 Editing the own GPS coordinates ........................................................................... 123
Fig. 127 PS Ram compensation dialog ................................................................................ 124
Fig. 128 S/N Ratio for auto squelch function ........................................................................ 125
Fig. 129 Scan page settings dialog ....................................................................................... 125
Fig. 130 Selecting the time settings ...................................................................................... 126
Fig. 131 Time settings dialog ................................................................................................ 126
Fig. 132 Changing the UTC time .......................................................................................... 127
Fig. 133 Selecting time zone setting ..................................................................................... 128
Fig. 134 "Select Timezone" dialog ........................................................................................ 128
Fig. 135 Selecting the "Display Time" setting ....................................................................... 129
Fig. 136 Changing the "Display Time" setting ....................................................................... 129
Fig. 137 Selecting summer time setting ................................................................................ 130
Fig. 138 Changing summer time setting ............................................................................... 130
Fig. 139 Setup page. Interface settings ................................................................................ 131
Fig. 140 COM monitoring dialog ........................................................................................... 133
Fig. 141 NMEA DF remote control configuration .................................................................. 134
Fig. 142 Remote communication port configuration ............................................................. 135
Fig. 143 Remote control baud rate configuration .................................................................. 136
Fig. 144 Remote control address ID configuration ................................................................ 136
Fig. 145 LAN configuration menu ......................................................................................... 137
Fig. 146 Changing the mode of the IP address assignment ................................................. 138
Fig. 147 Setting the new IP address ..................................................................................... 139
Fig. 148 Changing the netmask value .................................................................................. 139
Fig. 149 Changing the gateway value .................................................................................. 140
Fig. 150 Restart dialog ......................................................................................................... 140
Fig. 151 Changing the TCP port ........................................................................................... 141

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Fig. 152 Compass configuration settings .............................................................................. 141
Fig. 153 Compass connector setting .................................................................................... 142
Fig. 154 Compass baud rate setting ..................................................................................... 143
Fig. 155 Compass header setting ......................................................................................... 144
Fig. 156 NMEA GPS configuration settings .......................................................................... 145
Fig. 157 NMEA GPS communication port settings ............................................................... 146
Fig. 158 Changing the NMEA GPS baud rate setting ........................................................... 147
Fig. 159 Dialog for setting the GPIOs ................................................................................... 147
Fig. 160 Assigning a function to the input pin ....................................................................... 148
Fig. 161 Assigning a function to the output pin ..................................................................... 149
Fig. 162 Setup page. Service menu ..................................................................................... 150
Fig. 163 Input license dialog ................................................................................................. 151
Fig. 164 Input of a new license ............................................................................................. 152
Fig. 165 New license adopted .............................................................................................. 152
Fig. 166 "Adjust External Speaker Volume” dialog ............................................................... 154
Fig. 167 Squelch dialog ........................................................................................................ 155
Fig. 168 "Adjust Brightness” dialog ....................................................................................... 156
Fig. 169 "Adjust Brightness” dialog in night color scheme .................................................... 156
Fig. 170 Example of optimal antenna position ...................................................................... 165
Fig. 171 Line of Sight and Fresnel Zone ............................................................................... 165
Fig. 172 Reflections at fixed locations .................................................................................. 166
Fig. 173 Illustration of adverse topographical effects ............................................................ 166
Fig. 174 Illustration of adverse effects in the landscape ....................................................... 167
Fig. 175 North / 0° marking of Antenna Unit ......................................................................... 168
Fig. 176 Remote Control LAN connector .............................................................................. 169
Fig. 177 Audio streaming to LAN connector ......................................................................... 172
Fig. 178 Example of complete Network scenario .................................................................. 177
Fig. 179 RT-800, mechanical dimensions (built-in version) .................................................. 180
Fig. 180 RT-800, mechanical dimensions (tabletop version) ................................................ 181
Fig. 181 Antenna Unit, mechanical dimensions .................................................................... 182
Fig. 182 Antenna Unit, mast flange (mechanical dimensions) .............................................. 183

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1 Legend of Signal Words
Note
This symbol designates tips or additional notes that must be paid attention to and make
work easier.
Caution
Means that ignoring the instructions may lead to property damage or loss of data.
Warning
Means that ignoring the instructions, there may be a danger to health or life.
2 Safety
2.1 General Safety Information
RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH is constantly trying to keep the safety standard of their
products up to date and to offer their customers the highest possible level of safety.
RHOTHETA products are designed and tested in accordance with the valid safety
regulations. The compliance with these standards is continuously monitored by our quality
assurance system.
This product is tested and left the factory in perfect technical and safety-relevant condition. To
maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must pay attention to all
instructions and warnings given. For any questions regarding these safety instructions,
RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH can be contacted at any time.
The observance of the safety instructions will help to prevent personal injury or damage
caused by all kinds of dangers. This requires that the following safety instructions must be
read carefully and understood before using the product, as well as observed while using the
product. Other additional safety instructions, such as for protecting persons, appear in
relevant parts of the product documentation and must also be paid attention to.
In addition, it is the responsibility of the user to use the product appropriately. The product
RT-800, a professional direction finder system, shall not be used in any way that results in
personal injury or property damage.
The use of this product for other than its designated purpose or in disregard of the instructions
of the manufacturer is the responsibility of the user. The manufacturer takes no responsibility
for the misuse of the product.
The manufacturer is not liable beyond the scope of legal rules!
This guide is part of the product RT-800 and must be kept with the product throughout its
lifetime.

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2.2 Basic Safety Instructions
Caution / Warning
Read and observe the following instructions, warnings and safety guidelines from the
manufacturer!
.
• At all times, the local or national safety and accident prevention regulations must be
observed.
• When installing or operating with the product, always follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
• Only place the product on appropriate locations.
• Do not expose the product to environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wind load
etc.) that exceed the specified conditions in the manuals.
• Use only the manufacturer’s prescribed components and/or use only recommended
materials and do not change them. Any other use or unauthorized modifications to
the product will void the authorization to operate it.
• Connect only approved accessories kits or additional equipment.
• Ensure that the connections with information technology equipment, e.g. industrial
computers, comply with the IEC 62368-1/EN 62368-1 standards that applies in
each case.
• This product may only be opened by authorized personnel. The connector must
always be disconnected before opening.
3 Legal Information
3.1 Declaration of Conformity (EU)
Hereby RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH declares that the product RT-800 complies with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of:
• Directive 2014/53/EU relating to radio equipment (relevant for RT-800 AU)
• Directive 2014/30/EU relating to electromagnetic compatibility (relevant for RT-800
DCU)
• Directive 2014/35/EU relating to the making available on the market of electrical
equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (relevant for RT-800 DCU)
• Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment (relevant for RT-800 and RT-800 DCU)
The full text of the Declaration of Conformity can be found at:
http://www.rhotheta.com/products/rt_800

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800
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3.2 Legal Limitations of Use within the EU
Due to its conformance to “Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and
repealing Directive 1999/5/EC”, declared in the EU declaration of conformity, the equipment
may be used within the European Union without limitations regarding the use of frequencies
in those countries.
Please also consider national limitations or requirements for special operational permissions
in your country.
3.3 FCC Information (USA)
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
(RHOTHETA) could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note
RT-800 AU has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
3.4 ISED Information (Canada)
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s) / receiver(s) that comply with Innovation,
Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux
CNR d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence.
L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
(2) L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
A radio license must be obtained prior to possession and use of this scanner receiver.
Une licence radio doit être obtenue avant la possession et l’utilisation de ce récepteur de
scanner.

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4 General Description
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 5 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. Optionally the whole frequency range 118,000 MHz – 470,000MHz could be
unlocked.
RT-800 Frequency Range
Standard Range
Optional Extended Range
VHF emergency band
VHF marine band1
UHF emergency band
COSPAS - SARSAT
UHF FM band
118.000 … 124.000 MHz
154.000 … 163.000 MHz
240.000 … 246.000 MHz
400.000 … 406.092 MHz
406.100 … 410.000 MHz
F1: VHF air band
F2: extended VHF marine band
F3: UHF air band
-
F4: additional UHF FM band
118.000 … 136.992 MHz
137.000 … 224.995 MHz
225.000 … 399.975 MHz
-
406.100 … 470.000 MHz
Table 1. RT-800 frequency ranges
Fully 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. External devices (speaker, audio / line out, compass
etc.) can be connected to the RT-800 DCU. 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. The 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.
Warning
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 on data
obtained by the DF-system.
1 Inclusive all maritime channels (ship / coast): channels 00 … 88 (156,000 … 162,025 MHz)

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5 Overrview
5.1 Front View (DCU)
Fig. 1 Front View – DCU
Front Control Elements
Pos.
Element
Function Description
Control Panel
Display of bearing data; local control of the direction finder
Speaker
Audio speaker for received signal (volume is adjustable with
button ).
Power Switch
Switches system power on and off
Table 2 Front elements

RHOTHETA User Manual RT-800
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5.2 Front View (Control Panel)
Fig. 2 Front View – Buttons and Display
Front Control Elements
Pos.
Element
Function Description
Switches the control panel on/off.
When the control panel is turned on, the key is highlighted in
green.
In the case of an error the key will blink red.
Provides the standby operation to save energy.
By pressing this button, the standby is activated, and the button is
highlighted in orange.
While in standby, the brightness of the display’s backlight is
driven down to a defined value (configurable in the “Setup” page,
s. 6.4.2.8), but the system continues monitoring the
corresponding (emergency) frequency. The display will be turned
on again if an event occurs (e.g., signal level rises above squelch
level, alarm occurs, scan algorithm finds an active frequency).
Pressing any button will return the system from standby to normal
operation mode (the function of the pressed button will not be
executed).
The volume adjustment button contains two keys (+ and -).
Pressing any of the two keys opens a dialog for adjusting the
internal and external speakers (s. 6.5.2).
Switches the volume off/on (mute function).

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The mute-status is indicated by the orange highlight of the button.
The volume can be turned on by pressing the same button again.
While the mute function is activated, it is still possible to increase
or decrease the volume without producing any sound (using the
button for volume adjustment, s. ).
The brightness adjustment button contains two keys (+ and -).
Pressing any of the two keys opens the dialog window for
brightness adjustment of the TFT-display backlight, status keys
(labeled “Keys” in the “Adjust Brightness” dialog) (colored
highlighting of buttons , and ) and the white
illumination of buttons / legends (s. 6.5.4).
The squelch adjustment button contains two keys (+ and -).
Pressing any of the two keys opens the dialog window for
adjusting of the squelch level (s. 6.5.3).
Key without specific function.
5“ TFT full-color
display
Shows the corresponding data content of the current page or
dialog.
Hotkeys for activating variable functions.
The assignment of the keys differs depending on the page or
dialog.
Sensor of
brightness
Measures the ambient brightness to automatically adjust the
brightness of the TFT display, status keys (labeled “Keys” in the
Adjust Brightness” dialog) and buttons/legends.
Returns one step back in a menu or leaves a dialogue or an
adjusting field without storing changed parameters.
Confirms an input or selection.
Leaves a dialogue or an adjusting field and stores changed
parameters.
By pressing this button, the system returns to the bearing page
from any other page or dialog, without storing changed
parameters.
The arrow keys provide the navigation and selection within the
menu or selection field.
Furthermore, they allow increasing or decreasing of some values
(e.g. squelch level).

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Numeric keys for direct numeric input.
Navigation keys for switching between the pages.
Within the “Setup” page, the navigation keys have different
functions due to the large number of possible settings.
Table 3 Buttons and display

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5.3 Rear View
Fig. 3 Rear view
Rear Elements
Pos.
Element
Function Description
Power Supply
Power supply connector with replaceable fuse
IP-Audio
Encoder
(Channel-1)
Audio Output for DF and encoder configuration
Remote Control
Channel-1
(MOXA)
Ethernet ports for remote control (NMEA / Ethernet) and IP-Audio
(AUDIO / Ethernet) using MOXA device (for more information s.
chapter 8).
Using the remote control via MOXA allows changing of IP data
remotely and offers the possibility of setup the SNMP monitoring
for RT-800 if needed.
Note
It is possible to use the MOXA or LAN DCU (s. ) for remote
control. If used simultaneously, use different network IP settings.
For MOXA configuration (s. chapter 8).
For LAN DCU configuration s. 6.4.4.2 and 6.4.4.3.
Fuse F3
Fuse for AU and COM ports
(IEC 60127, T315mA / 250V, slow)
Antenna Unit
Connector port for antenna unit (AU)
Connection between DCU and AU via cable
For more information s. chapter 7.2.
Note
The RT-500-M antenna unit is not compatible with the RT-800
direction finder and vice versa.

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COM 1
Communication port NMEA 0183 Bus (RS422 / RS232):
• Connection for input of external data, such as compass,
GPS, remote control, etc.
• Connection for output of bearing data, e.g., for map plotter,
PC etc.
When connecting to input use either RS232 Rx or RS422 Rx (not
both)!
For more information s. chapter 7.3.
LAN
LAN connector for network communication
Also, please s. .
For more information s. chapter 7.4 (available over DCU
Settings).
COM 2
Communication port NMEA 0183 Bus (RS422 / RS232), functions
same as COM 1 (s. ).
COM 3
Communication port NMEA 0183 Bus (RS422 / RS232).
This communication port is internally connected to MOXA for
remote control purposes.
Note
Please do not use this port for other purposes or disconnect
MOXA, if MOXA is used for remote control.
Power + I/O
Source connector:
• Connection for power supply
• Connection for external speaker
• Connection for self-bearing suppression (SBS / PTT)
• Connection for audio line out
• Contacts for alarm relay
• Contacts for squelch out
For more information s. chapter 7.1.
Remote Control
Channel-2
Option: “2nd Channel Remote Control”
Ethernet ports for remote control (NMEA / Ethernet) and IP-Audio
(AUDIO / Ethernet)
Note
Please do not use LAN, if 2nd channel is used. LAN DCU is then
not connected internally.
IP-Audio
Encoder
(Channel 2)
Option: “2nd Channel Remote Control”
Audio Output for DF and encoder configuration
Table 4 Rear elements

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6 Operation
The RT-800 is operated from the control panel (display unit) using the keys placed around the
display.
In normal bearing mode, the keys call up common functions directly, opening the
corresponding dialog window.
The basic structure of a page is as follows:
Fig. 4 Basic structure of pages
The different pages are listed on the top line of the screen and the active page is highlighted
in light blue. Switching between pages is done via the corresponding navigation keys, which
are located directly above the page names (s. field “A”, Fig. 4).
The top line of the screen is the same for all pages except the “Setup” page, which contains
all the necessary system setup options.
The hotkeys differ from page to page to provide page-specific functions or settings. Activate
the hotkey function or setting by pressing the corresponding hotkey (s. field “B”, Fig. 4).