Fox Hunt antenna Workshop

Hello Everyone.

As for the KBARA meeting please stay tuned.  I assure you they are coming with dispatch.  However, I want to turn the subject to Fox Hunts or T-hunt.  Fox hunts are a great way to learn about radios in general.  And for those of you that don’t really know a radio Fox hunt is the search of a hidden transmitter.  These can be fun and rewarding.  So the following is a 411 on exactly what we are doing:

1.  The Fox hunt transmitter will transmit an ID string on 146.565MHz at intervals of several seconds.

2.  The ID will be using CW at 20wpm and will have in the string “W7VW” plus a bunch of other valuable information.

3.  There may be more than one transmitter at a different location sending out a similar string offset in time by some random time. 

4.  You can decern the actual transmitter by listening to the last character sent.  Thus; one transmitter might send a “1” and the other might send a “2” as the last character.

5.  Fox hunt transmitters can best be located by using a Yagi antenna.

6.  A handheld radio should be used to locate the Fox transmitter.

7.  The best handheld radio should be a dual band model as it is sometimes useful to listen to the third harmonic at 439.695MHz when you are getting close to the transmitter.  Otherwise, a single band model can be used.

8.  Most important: the handheld radio should have an S-Meter that has a large display.  For instance, the ubiquitous BaoFeng S-Meter is not so good!

OK, let’s cut to the chase!

On Saturday, November 14th at 10 am I will host an antenna building session for the fabrication of antennas suitable for use in a Fox hunt.  These will be constructed using pieces of PVC pipe, hose clamps, coax, 14 gauge wire, and, most important, pieces of an old tape measure.  I will supply everything except for the tape measures.  For these items, you are on your own but I can send you a link and coupon to get one for cheap.  The session will be held in my shop.  Sorry to say it is by invitation only so if you want to participate you need to send me an email.  The workshop is limited to 10 persons so sign up quickly.  To those who send an email I will confirm whether you make the cut or not.  For those that do I will send out a reply stating the location of the workshop.  I hate to restrict the number but with these pandemic times you have to be careful.

The intent here is that we will hold a formal Fox hunt on the following weekend, Saturday, November 21st.

So if you get this email and your buddy didn’t please forward it to him.  The Idea here is to target newer licensed hams but even you old ones are invited.  Just sign up quickly.

73,

Jim WO7V

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