[FoxHunt] How we do it.

[Bob]

I have LPER Serial number 6 that I bought before they came
out. I have been using since on a monthly basis (25+
years??). I always use it in the DF mode and seldom have any
problems with going the wrong way. The big problem is using
it for horiz pol. I don't use it on signals that are weak
enough not to require the attenuator cranked in a bit. In
other words, I mostly use it within 500 ft of the
transmitter as I drive the offroad thing that close. (
remember that hidden transmitters are hidden by people and
therefore much closer to places you can drive than ELTs
usually find themselves.)

Bob, WB6JPI

"J. Craswell" wrote:
> 
> -While CAP has many dedicated members, and provides very good training
> programs,
> -I think that one of their primary limitations(as far as DFing goes) is that
> they
> -only have one tool in their bag of tricks, that being the Ltronics ELPer.
> While
> -an ELPer can be very effective, Ive seen many instances where that is not
> the
> -case. It also helps be familiar w/ the readings that you get from it, and
> how to
> -properly deploy it, which can be hard of you only use it once or twice a
> -yr...Ive also think that (more)CAP Ground  DF training should focus on
> DFing w/o
> -assistance from aircraft. All too often, Ive seen training scenarios where
> -Ground teams are brought in(directed from the aircrew) simply to "finish
> off"
> -locating the target which has already been IDd by the aircrew. As this does
> very
> -little to hone the skills of the ground team... In all of my experience to
> doing
> -Ground DF, Ill say that having an aircraft avaible for DF, can be an
> EXTREMELY
> -useful asset, and save countless hours in searching. And that there are
> many
> -aircrews that are VERY good at narrowing down the location of a signal.
> However
> -in reality, there are also many instances where using an aircraft for DF is
> -simply not an option, and the job falls entriely on the Ground team. Or
> that by
> -the time an aircraft  takes off, the approximate location of the signal has
> -already been determined.
> 
> Not to offend anyone but for many years I assumed Aircrews would not be very
> useful in helping to locate ELTs.  I was proven 100% wrong with a great
> Aircrew from Viking and Valley Squadron not only pinpointed a practice elt
> but were "orbiting" in a circle exactly over the target.  More and more I
> see quality Aircrews doing a bang up job.  Clearly the same problems we
> ground pounders have (lack of experience - not being familiar with the
> equipment) happens in the air as well.  The solution is to train train
> train!
> 
> The Little L-Per is a strange thing.  I've given many classes on it's use.
> I personaly focus on one mode.  Receive mode.  Too many people come in with
> the unit in recv mode (Becuase we ARE receiving.) and use the meter to point
> to the target.  They don't find many ELTs that way!  I don't like the
> confusion,  plus DF mode has a few problems such as speeding off in the
> exact opposite direction or flaky results with weak signals.  One point I
> make is to say this.  "If you forget everything you have learned remember
> there is a sticker on the side of the L-Per and a big white arrow on the
> "sticks" that will remind you how to operate it."  The other point I make is
> that the training equipment is not a "holy relic"  USE IT!  I've had groups
> of cadets who borrow the gear for a week or more and they sped around on
> bikes hiding the trainer beacon and these guys got good!  Plus they have a
> ball doing it!  I wish I had more seniors who would do the same thing.
> 
> Last of all I have built up a few secret weapons.  "Ol' Yelper" which in
> reality is just a 3 element Yagi made from spring steel (Measuring tape) and
> a offset attnuator so I can dial in 121.5 and 243 (ranges) on my Ham type
> reciever.  You don't need to use harmonics.  I try to steer my students away
> from using this scheme which I hear about often.  Some tell me that 243 is
> good listening to 121.6 is better and other weird stuff.  With Ol' Yelper
> you can be standing on top of the transmitter (Really!  We hid it in a hole
> under a matt outside the airport hanger and tell right where it is.  I wish
> I had a picture of the Senior member holding the Yagi Facing down and saying
> "What gives?"  It seems good with reflections as well.  We did a lot of
> testing hiding transmitters in between/inside and on top of hangers.  I've
> got a 5 element version going in the shop here for 243.  If you want one
> make me an offer I have a nice pile of measuring tapes to convert into
> antennas!  The big plus over my version is that they are not damaged by
> running around in the woods.  Cadets can sit on them on the way to the
> mission and no problem!  If you want to see a semi crappy picture of one
> check out my unit web page (It's under RDF)  The big fat boob on the front
> page is me.  And No, I do not know html (as is clear if you look at this
> page)
> 
> http://www.mnwg.cap.gov/130th
> 
> Hey!  Check out the model Rockets page.  We put an ATV camera in one to see
> what it looks like to go from zero to nearly supersonic.  The AVI files are
> huge but WOW!
> 
> Question:  How many are fully set up to work 243?  Do you train on 243?
> How?  What Freq?  What equipment???
> 
> 73 - Jay W0VNE
> 
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