SAR Radio Detection Finder Technology

X•SAR’s “Radio Direction Finder” technology combines advanced signal direction finding with intelligent attribute detection.

Empowering operators to locate missing individuals via signal detection,
while also identifying the devices in use through unique device identifiers.

X•SAR’s “Radio Direction Finder” technology combines advanced signal direction finding with intelligent attribute detection.

By integrating signal tracking with device attribute recognition, X•SAR systems can operate effectively over both long and short ranges. This enables the system to not only locate signals but, in many cases, also identify the specific wireless devices carried by a missing individual.

X•SAR — Radio Detection Finder

Available for both:

The X•SAR Radio Detection Finder is a cutting-edge solution designed for flexibility across ground, mobile, and aerial search and rescue (SAR) missions. Whether handheld, portable, or drone-mounted, X•SAR systems offer unmatched versatility in the field.

Unlike traditional camera-based systems, Radio Detection Finding enables non-line-of-sight detection, allowing rescuers to locate missing persons even when they are obscured by obstacles such as dense forests, hills, buildings, or debris.

This capability is critical in today’s environment, where most individuals carry at least one active signal-emitting device — whether it’s a smartphone, smartwatch, walkie-talkie, or RF emergency beacon.

X•SAR’s modular Radio Detection Finder system supports multiple deployment options:

Handheld Radio Detection Finder for ground operators
Portable units for ‘on the move’ mobile SAR teams
Drone-compatible modules for aerial scanning

Whether you’re searching across rugged terrain or urban environments, X•SAR’s advanced Radio Detection Finder delivers precision, speed, and life-saving performance when it matters most.

Radio Detection Finder for Cellular, P-T-T and Emergency Trackers and Beacons

Not all lost individuals carry smartphones, or have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In many remote or rural areas, people rely on Emergency Trackers, Beacons, cell phones, or e-Calling systems.

This is where the strength of X•SAR’s Radio Detection Finder technology becomes essential. Built for maximum versatility in real-world search and rescue scenarios, X•SAR equipment can detect a broad range of wireless signals — including those emitted by low-tech or legacy devices.

Thanks to its modular architecture, the system comes equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth detection by default, and can be extended with an optional Cellular Detection Module. This powerful add-on passively scans across pre-set, selected, or all available frequency bands used by regional emergency trackers, distress beacons, and optionally other cellular devices. It captures brief signal bursts and spikes across multiple frequency sets — often in under a second.

When predefined signal thresholds are exceeded, automated alerts are triggered, ensuring no signal goes unnoticed, even in complex or low-signal environments.

Whether deployed on foot, mounted on a vehicle, or integrated with drone platforms, this flexible and user-friendly SAR solution provides rescuers with a decisive edge — regardless of terrain or frequency in use.

X•SAR BLE ─ Radio Direction Finder

For close-range or proximity-based detection, X•SAR systems always include BLE / Bluetooth Detection and Identification capabilities.

That’s where the Bluetooth Detection capabilities of the X•SAR Equipment shine. This SAR Equipment supports all generations of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), from the earliest 1.X versions to the most modern 5.X protocols. Using continuous frequency hopping, the system scans for Bluetooth signals across all channels and identifies devices that are connected, scanning, and passively listening.

In addition to signal detection, the BLE / Bluetooth modules in X•SAR systems provide valuable intelligence, including the MAC address, optional device name, and other identifiable device attributes.

This detailed data enables Search and Rescue teams to perform close-proximity localization — often pinpointing a lost individual within a range of 150 meters or less.

X•SAR Wi-Fi ─ Radio Direction Finder

WIFI Detection is one of the core features of the X•SAR Equipment, and it’s easy to see why. Most people carry smartphones or wearable devices that regularly emit Wi-Fi signals. Whether connected to a network or not, these devices often broadcast their presence.

The X•SAR’s Wi-Fi module scans both 2.4 GHz and 5.X GHz bands, switching channels every 0.2 seconds. This level of speed and precision allows the SAR Equipment to detect nearby devices in real time.

Furthermore, each sensor system can be configured remotely, giving teams total control over frequency bands and scanning parameters.

By interpreting signal strength and other device identifiable data, rescue operators can narrow down a missing person’s location quickly. In situations where time is of the essence, this WIFI Detection capability proves to be a lifesaving asset.