How to Locate Last-Mile Interference
Hunting last-mile interference using manual triangulation
Determining the location of an unknown signal source requires advanced direction-finding (DF) techniques. When locating last-mile interference, manual signal triangulation is an effective DF method. The process focuses on a sequential measurement approach of signal reception, phase difference, angle calculation, line of bearing, and intersection point. Initially, the DF antenna and receiver gauge the signal reception, capturing the signal’s strength as the antenna sweeps manually through various orientations. The strongest signal direction indicates the peak power and helps determine the phase difference. Derive the angle calculation using the antenna’s alignment relative to the signal’s peak power, rotating the antenna and noting the direction of the strongest signal reception. Establish the signal’s azimuth by aligning the peak reception with a known reference point, typically true north.
Measuring the peak power, azimuth, and geographical position for manual signal triangulation requires a robust test system. The test system includes a single high-gain directional antenna, an RF receiver capable of discerning signal strength and phase, and a GPS device to provide precise location data. The operator moves to different locations, recording the azimuth and GPS coordinates at each point. Then the operator programmatically calculates the angle and combines it with the receiver’s geoposition to establish the line of bearing, which represents the projected path of the signal from the receiver back to its source. The intersection point of multiple mapped bearings pinpoints the signal source. This process integrates with a mapping system for a visual representation triangulating the unknown signal interference.
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N9912C FieldFox Handheld RF Analyzer, up to 10 GHz
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