SV: [FoxHunt] Polarization, was Turnstile antennas...

[Jon Sletvold]

Hello all.

Just a small reflection (not radio refl.:-)

In Norway we're using a horizontal circular antenna that is 1-lambda, that 
generates a horizontal e-field according to the int ARDF rules. I've seen 
other veritcal designs, but from my point of view "our" antenna a better 
design for those that have to walk their way through the wood with antennas 
and transmitters in the bakcpack - rugged and easy deployable as it is.

I have never thought of using the polarization as an excuse of not finding 
the transmitters, but I'll keep that in mind the next time I'll get lost! 
My opinion is that the challenge of 2m ardf is to decide the direction to 
the transmitter vs reflection. A reflection will be of any polarization and 
weaker than a directe wave. I don't think the polarization of the antenna 
is realy an issue, but more of a "religious" discussion as Jan says.

However my fellow ARDF runner LA5OBA heard from our Swedish ARDF friends, 
that using the polarity is a mean of detecting direct wave vs reflection by 
turning the antenna 90 degrees (to vertical pol.). A direct wave should 
give som reduction in signal strenght while a refelcted signal should not. 
I have tried this during my ARDF cometitions without beeing able to detect 
a significant bearing detection, but it might be worth a theoretical 
discussion?

--

Anyone for cross country ski ARDF (Bruce?). I'll keep you oriented on 
www.ardf.no.

Our program and concerne this year is recruting and equipment. I've seen 
several design throughout but no ready availabel kits, and no one that are 
environmentaly compatible with Norwegian rain. A will write a report on our 
web site from our annual ARDF techincal meeting Saturday 17. about 
recruting and technical issues  in Norway (I'll make an english version).

Ha en fin dag!
(Have a fine day)

Jon / LA9NGA