WGS Systems Search and Rescue Locating Cell Phones (SARLOC-DF)

WGS Systems LLC proposes to develop a low-cost small portable radio direction finder (DF) to locate cell phones being used for emergency communications in remote regions.This low-cost product will be used by first responders in support of the search and rescue mission.WGS understands DF technology and develops high performance DF systems for defense applications including systems that DF GSM cell phones.In addition, we understand and support the public safety market and consequently have been developing for low-cost affordable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) products and systems in this market space.We also initiated an internally funded effort to develop low-cost DF concepts.The approach uses single channel DF methods which reduce the cost associated with tuners.It is also using low-cost Software Defined Radios (SDRs) that are reasonably priced and low-cost processing engines.WGS is using this background to develop a unique solution for this cell phone location task.We propose to develop and demonstrate a Search and Rescue Location DF (SARLOC-DF) system used to locate phones in sparse cell phone coverage areas.SARLOC-DF uses latest low-cost COTS technology components and low-cost antenna products for the hardware platform that is in a small rugged portable package.SARLOC-DF uses the cell phone signal to define a line-of-bearing (LOB) to the phone and measures signal amplitude.The bearing and amplitude information are used to locate the phone.Our plan is to commercialize this product for use in the public safety market.