ARDF

September meeting 9/2

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Hi all,

Our September meeting will be held via Jitsi teleconference, using the link below:

https://meet.jit.si/W1BD-CVARC-Meeting

The password is the output frequency of the Williamstown repeater.

We’ll be discussing club updates and news, repeater status, and volunteers needed for the foxhunt coming up on the 19th. After that, we’ll host “office hours”, where those wishing to hang around with questions or other items of interest are welcome to do so – otherwise, the meeting will be over and you’re not obligated to stay.

See you on Wednesday!

73,
-Patrick, KC1DPM
CVARC President

September Foxhunt

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Good afternoon all,

I’m happy to announce CVARC is planning a foxhunt for Saturday, September 19th! This event is expected to run from mid-morning until the afternoon. We encourage everyone, club member or not, to participate in this event.

“Foxhunting”, transmitter hunting, “t-hunting” or radio direction finding is a practice to locate a radio transmitter or source of RF. Hams often do it for fun, but it also has practical applications like locating downed aircraft in an emergency, locating stolen equipment, or sniffing out sources of RF interference. Since the main operation that takes place during the hunt is receiving, even those without a license may participate, and so it’s a great exercise for those looking to join the hobby.

Spread the word, but not the virus: COVID-19 information here

Since this event will be outdoors, we can still comply with local restrictions regarding the pandemic. What will likely happen is the fox transmitter will have a laminated score sheet attached to it with a marker. Those that find it should put their name or call sign and the local time they found it. While on the hunt, please wear a mask if you’re unable to keep a safe distance from others in public. CVARC is a part of the local Vermont community, and we want to set a positive example when representing the club.

Preliminary details: The ‘fox’ is expected to hide within the limits of Washington County and transmit on the nationally-accepted RDF frequency of 146.565 MHz. Please keep your eyes open for website posts and further details or rules closer to the date.

Foxhunt information page with tips on radio-direction finding

Please contact us with any questions.

73,
-Patrick, KC1DPM
CVARC President

Foxhunting information

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As stated in our July meeting, the club is in the early stages of planning a fox hunt (or transmitter hunt) for August. As promised, here is another website with a fountain of information on the art of radio direction finding – also called fox hunting, transmitter hunting, or T-hunting.

http://homingin.com/index.html

http://homingin.com/SCalStyle.html

Pictures of a foxhunt transmitter detailed during the November 2019 CVARC meeting

Transmitter schematic

Details on the “body fade” technique

The information mostly pertains to the Southern California foxhunting scene, so not all info may apply to Vermont’s mountainous terrain, but the basics are still valid. If you are interested in being a part of the planning team for the fox hunt or have ideas and past experiences to contribute, please leave a comment on this post or contact us.

We will be adding a “Rules” page to the website soon to illustrate the rules of the event, and special information regarding compliance with VT’s COVID-19 ordinances. As this event will be outdoors, the risk is substantially lower, but we feel it is necessary to ensure the safety of all participants.

Thank you and 73,
-Patrick, KC1DPM
CVARC President