It occurs to me that the MW aerial in the radio is directional and could be used for direction finding. I can certainly detect a clear minimum point when I rotate the radio. Is this correct or am I deluding myself!?
Martin,
You are absolutely correct and there is no delusion on your part.
If you had a suitable scaled map, an accurate compass and sufficient time to spare, you could make a start in finding the approximate location of the noise source.
Here's a typical procedural list:
1) When the RFI / REIN is active, tune the radio to approximately 612 kHz ensuring that the noise signal is clear and distinct.
2) From an actual location that can be clearly defined on your map, slowly rotate the radio though 360 degrees. Locate the minimum (or null spot) and make a note of the bearing of the
long length of the radio.
3) Proceed to a sufficiently distant location and repeat the above. If the bearing you then measure is very similar to that measured above, ignore it and return to your starting point. Now go the same approximate distance in a different direction and try again. All being well, you will have a completely different bearing.
4) Repeat step 3) until you have three distinctly different bearings.
5) Assuming the role of the navigator in a WWII
Avro Lancaster heavy bomber
plot those three bearings on your map. It is highly unlikely that they will all intersect at the same point. (If they did, I would be suspicious of the three bearings!) You should now have a relatively small triangle as a target area.
6) Search that defined area systematically with your radio. Depending upon the environment, you may be able to define an even smaller area or, if very lucky, a building, lamp post, etc.
7) Present your findings to your ISP / CP and ask them to pass it on to
OR for further investigation.
Just one other important thing to remember, please keep this thread updated with your progress. And good luck!
[Oops!
Eric's fingers were the faster.]
