radio compass
Definition
Noun: A radio compass is a navigational instrument that determines the direction or bearing to a radio transmitter. It functions by detecting the direction from which incoming radio signals arrive, providing a relative bearing that can be used for navigation, typically in aviation or maritime contexts.
Usage
The term "radio compass" is used to describe the specific instrument or system itself. It is a technical term. - The pilot used the radio compass to navigate toward the beacon. - Early aircraft were equipped with a radio compass for long-distance flights.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The term is often associated with early to mid-20th century navigation technology, such as Automatic Direction Finders (ADF), which are a type of radio compass.
- The museum's vintage aircraft still has its original radio compass.
Variants and Related Words
- Automatic Direction Finder (ADF): A specific, common type of radio compass that automatically indicates the bearing to a non-directional beacon (NDB).
- Direction Finder (DF): A broader category of equipment for determining the direction of a radio signal, which includes radio compasses.
Synonyms
- Direction finder (in the context of aerial/maritime navigation using radio signals)
Noun
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a direction finder that gives a bearing by determining the direction of incoming radio signals
