Walking sinusoidal as you follow a RF Standing Wave?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of using RF Locator equipment to track a target by homing in on its frequency. The friend describes his experience of walking in a sinusoidal path due to the wavelength of the frequency used. The possibility of a standing wave and its characteristics is also brought up, with clarification that it does not actually propagate in space but rather causes stationary oscillations. The conversation ends with a question about the location of the standing wave and its fixed nodes.
  • #1
jmatejka
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1
A friend who was in Civil Air Patrol once told me he was using some RF Locator equipment and was "homing in" on a target.

His walking path to the target was sinusoidal because of the wavelength of the frequency used. He said he was literally walking the wave....

Standing wave, I assume?

Or was his imagination getting the better of him?

Is this possible with the right frequency?
 
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  • #2
EM waves travel in straight line (unless they are continuously being reflected/refracted/scattered) and not sinusoidal. If you want to follow an EM wave you have to travel in straight line with the speed of light. The sinusoidal shape you see in a graphical representation of wave is representing the amplitudes of the electric and/or magnetic field at the various points in space, it is not how the EM wave travels in space.
 
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  • #3
A standing wave is not propagating...It's a stationary oscillation of the object (of the magnetic and electric field in case of EM waves).
Then what Delta2 said
 
  • #4
ChrisVer said:
A standing wave is not propagating...It's a stationary oscillation of the object (of the magnetic and electric field in case of EM waves).
Then what Delta2 said

That standing wave is between 2 points? Could it be between a transmitter and a mountain, water tower, etc, etc?

The nodes are/or can be fixed in that stationary oscillation?
 

What is a walking sinusoidal?

A walking sinusoidal is a type of wave pattern that occurs when a wave travels through a medium and the amplitude, or height, of the wave changes over time. This creates a wave that appears to "walk" or move in a specific direction.

What is a RF standing wave?

A RF standing wave is a type of electromagnetic wave that has a stationary pattern of electric and magnetic fields. This occurs when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other, creating areas of high and low energy.

How does a walking sinusoidal follow a RF standing wave?

A walking sinusoidal follows a RF standing wave by moving along the wave pattern, maintaining a constant phase relationship with the standing wave. This means that the walking sinusoidal will have the same frequency and wavelength as the RF standing wave, but will appear to be moving in a specific direction.

What is the significance of a walking sinusoidal following a RF standing wave?

The significance of a walking sinusoidal following a RF standing wave is that it allows for the transfer of energy through a medium. The walking sinusoidal can carry information or power along with it, making it an important concept in fields such as telecommunications and engineering.

How is a walking sinusoidal following a RF standing wave used in practical applications?

A walking sinusoidal following a RF standing wave is used in a variety of practical applications, such as radio and television transmission, radar systems, and medical imaging devices. It is also used in manufacturing processes, such as laser cutting and welding, to deliver precise amounts of energy to specific areas.

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