[FoxHunt] Questions

[Kuon & Dale Hunt]

>what equipment do you need for a fox hunt amateur radio style will 2m
>work im new at this never done im interested in learning
>jeff
>

   The basic equipment to get started on 2m is a receiver,
   a directional antenna, and an attenuator.

   Most folks start with an HT or a mobile rig for the
   receiver.  It is good if it has an "S" meter that is
   easy to read (you can manage without the meter, but
   it is more difficult.)

   There are several options for antennas.  Yagis and
   quads are common, with anywhere from 2 to 6 elements
   (or more for the hardcore hunters.)  A 2-element quad
   is easy to build from  PVC pipe and wire - a lot of
   the local folks have built them

   The attenuator is probably the hardest part for most
   beginning hunters.  You can buy or build a switched
   attenuator, but when you get close your radio will
   pick up so much signal through the case that the
   meter will be full scale without an antenna.  The
   answer is an "offset" (or "active") attenuator.
   This is just an oscillator and a mixer.  There are
   several designs floating around on web, including
   one on Joe Moell K0OV's website at www.HomingIn.com
   (which probably has just about everything you need
   to know about transmitter hunting.  Joe literally
   wrote the book on it!  Well, actually, he coauthored
  it with WB6UZZ.)

   Then you will have to find a way to mount it in the
   car.  Generally this is done by sticking it out the
   passenger window.  (It isn't safe to try to drive and
   operate the antenna at the same time.)  I attach a
   short length of PVC pipe to the top of the door
   with nylon straps or duct tape to help hold the
   mast.  (The mast passes through it and drops down
   inside the car.)


   Now, one thing you will need to clarify is just what
   is meant by "foxhunting".  In most parts of the US,
   this is done primarily in cars, but in other parts
   of the world it is done on foot in a large forest.
   (Or on skis or snowboards, in some cases...)
   Equipment is similar, but tape measure yagis are
   prefered over quads, which tend to catch on branches.
   (Check WB2HOL's web site for the classic tape measure
   yagi design.)

   To have the most fun, you need someone to hunt with.
   Join the local group if there is one.  Otherwise, get
   some friends together and have one hide and transmit
   while the others look for them.

   Good luck, and happy hunting!

        - Dale WB6BYU