Fingerprinting Software
Hello Frootydog,
There are several options and techniques to identify a specific transmitter, and to locate as well.
In direct response to your request, there is one program that was shareware which I have and would be glad to email you, however getting it up and running can be a challenge some. To properly identify a specific transmitter several things need to occur, #1) you need to have a database of "stored" radios, this is so that the identification system has a reference to check the offending signal against, #2) you need to be able to hear offending transmitter direct, in other words you need to be able to hear the offender on the input, #3) The signal being received needs to be above the noise, typically -90dbm is a usable signal strength.
A transmitter is identified by the very first few milliseconds of the transmission, this is where the individual transmitter key up and rise time, and transmitter stabilization occurs. The free software takes a sample of this area and preforms a crude identification of a signal based on audio from the discriminator of the monitoring radio, so it is not 100% accurate, and is not admissible in a court.
Motron Electronics makes a Transmitter Identification plug in board with software for a computer, this is a better solution.
In my opinion utilizing Direction Finding equipment is a much better way to locate the offender. There are many products on the market which can assist in the location of an offending transmitter. Doppler System , Winradio, Picodopp, and Ramsey which is the cheapest and it works ok.
I have several fixed DF sites as well a several mobile resources to locate offending transmitters.
Using Direction Finding equipment is not as simple as just installing the unit into the car and driving to the location of the offender. In order to be successful in locating an offending transmitter you must obtain a "fix" or location in which three or more readings from the df unit(s) have determined, Readings should be taken from several different locations which will provide a heading in degrees which determines the direction of the offending transmitter is located. This is it in a nut shell.
Depending on your budget you can spend as much as $40,000 for a very sophisticated DF unit. I have invested quite a bit of money on DF infrastructure and have used all of the units available on the market, only because I use this technology in my business.
I would suggest looking at the Picodopp product which is around $200.00 which is a very reliable and user friendly product, give Bob at picodopp a call and see what he can do for you.
I hope that this helps.
Respectfully,
AZ_RADIO