Furuno has packed a highly sensitive, position fixing/homing capability into a compact, easy to install and operate automatic direction finder, the new FD-171, designed with the smaller craft in mind. The FD-171 features digital frequency readouts for easy tuning, and five crystal-controlled spot channels for often-used signals. An operator just selects the desired band, "tunes in the numbers," and gets compass needle bearing data without 180-degree ambiguity. In the event of a crowded frequency or weak signal, the aural null method allows an operator to switch to manual direction finding.
The accuracy of the Furuno FD-171 is better than +5 degrees, and the unit has a power requirement of only 18 watts. The system uses a fixed cross-loop antenna measuring 65 centimeters (2.13 feet) in diameter, built to withstand any commercial use.
For additional information and free literature on the FD-171, Write 45 on Reader Service Card