Wolfpack – The Radio Direction Finder
/A radio direction finder is a device used for finding the direction of a radio source. The type VII U-boat uses a circular antenna located on the bridge of the U-boat, which can be rotated in order to determine the direction of the radio source. The diameter of the circle is the same as the length of the typical short radio wave. This means that when a radio wave hits the antenna from the side, it picks up the wave just like a normal aerial, but if the antenna is rotated so that it faces the source, both sides of the antenna are hit at the same time, causing phase cancellation and silence.
The direction finder controls are located on the desk next to the enigma machine. Use the band knob to choose which band you want to scan. Use the frequency dial to scan through the band. Adjust the volume using the volume dial. Use the compass plate mounted on the desk in front of the direction finder to rotate the antenna. When the signal becomes silent, the antenna is aligned with the wave. Remember that, since the antenna is symmetrical, the source may be at the 0, or at the 180-degree mark.