that receives radio signals and determines the direction of the signals relative to the aircraft. Signals are from radio stations operating in the frequency range of 190 to 1750 kHz. • The Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) loosely known in the past as the radio compass. • Basic Principle:- Radio waves have directional characteristics, this is the basis of the automatic direction finder (ADF). Principle of operation The null point is easier to determine than the maximum signal strength.