radio compass

American  

noun

1. a radio receiver with a directional antenna for determining the bearing of the receiver from a radio transmitter.

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radio compass British  

noun

1. any navigational device that gives a bearing by determining the direction of incoming radio waves transmitted from a particular radio station or beacon See also goniometer

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Etymology

Origin of radio compass

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

But radio compass bearings were relatively new navigational aids at the time and not trusted by veteran mariners.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 6, 2019

In California he worked under Dr. Frederick August Kolster, famed "father of the radio compass," at Federal Telegraph Co.,

From Time Magazine Archive

Lana had scarcely soared out of sight of Guadalcanal when it was discovered that the near-misses at the field had knocked out her radio and radio compass.

From Time Magazine Archive

One of 16 B-29s on the way from California to Great Britain was having trouble with its radio compass.

From Time Magazine Archive

Another development which is being used by the navigators flying the Atlantic is the radio compass.

From Opportunities in Aviation by Sweetser, Arthur