Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a distributed self-contained communications system (dSCCS). The dSCCS includes primary computing devices (PCDs) and secondary computing devices (SCDs). The PCDs and SCDs are man-portable. Each PCS includes a communications device. Each SCD includes geolocation device and a unique digital identifier. The PCDs form a mesh network. Each PCD communicates with a SCD via a LAN. Each SCD transmits their geospatial data and unique identifier to a PCD. Each PCD transmits the geospatial data and unique identifiers to a command node included in the mesh network. The PCD and/or the command node is configured to map the geospatial data and the unique identifier to Earth coordinates in real-time or at predetermined intervals. Each PCD and SCD includes an antenna element that includes graphene dispersed in a polymer. Each SCD includes a heatsink and thermal dissipation structure.

Abstract: In one general aspect, RF localization methods and systems are disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a node having a communications device and antenna elements; capturing, via the communications device, a relative signal strength indicator (RSSI) value for each antenna element to generate cardinal RSSI values associated with a RF signal; and determining, using the cardinal RSSI values, a position of a RF source of interest (RFSOI) relative to the node. The antenna elements are oriented in each nodal cardinal direction and conductively coupled to the communications device. The RF signal emanates from the RFSOI. Capturing the RSSI value for each antenna element may include causing a RF switch to successively activate the antenna elements in a predetermined order; capturing the RSSI value of each antenna element when activated; and determining at least two cardinal RSSI values that are greater than a predetermined amount thereby determining antenna elements of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a RF localization system that determines the position of a RF source of interest (RFSOI) relative to the RFLS. The RFLS includes man-portable nodes that communicate via a self-organizing WAN. Each node includes a communications device conductively coupled to antenna elements oriented in each nodal cardinal direction and battery each communicatively coupled to a control circuit(s). The control circuit is configured to: establish the WAN; capture RSSI values for each antenna element; determine the position of the RFSOI relative to the node; when not functioning as a primary node, transmit the determined position to a primary node or a computing device that's external to the WAN for processing; and when functioning as a primary node, determine the relative position of the RFSOI relative to the plurality of nodes using the received determined position. The primary node determines the position of the RFSOI relative to the nodes.