[FoxHunt] MicroHunt vs Pocket Fox.

[R. Simmons]

 This is from Bob Simmons, I make and sell the MicroHunts ( so does Marv
Johnston ) so consider the source of this info.... ARDF inquiries should be
directed to Marv, he is VERY big in that sport.

 I see no price for the PocketFox, but looking at the PC board it probably
is about $ 70- $100. ( my best guess ) Looks like a kit, too. I did not look
a the zipped download.

 Genuine international style ARDF hunting involves 3, 4 or 5 transmitters,
so it could get expensive using these guys...Marv and I both offer a
discount for multiple purchases, ( more than 1 TX ) so considering that,
plus the smaller price for a MicroHunt, it makes a difference. I think Marv
has a fixed discount price for a complete set... ask him : marvin at rain.org

 Genuine ARDF hunts involve multiple transmitter all operating on the same
channel, with staggered timing... 30 sec for TX1, then 30 sec for TX2, then
30 sec for TX3, etc. All operating in the same area, so their signal
coverages will "overlap". That requires crystal timing to prevent
transmitters from "drifting" into each other's time slots, and causing
interference.... MicroHunts have crystal timing, their timing will only
drift about 1 second ( max ) after several hours of operation. It is not
clear what is the timing source for the Byonics TX... if the PIC uses a
low-precision RC oscillator, genuine ARDF hunts won't really be practical...

 Other differences / virtues ot the Byonics unit = ? ( invitation to others
for comment ... )

 The MicroHunt is NOT flexible or agile... it was designed with extreme
economy and simplicity in mind... There is no "major heartbreak" if one is
destroyed or lost. Very small ( 0.9 x 1.2 inches ) so some extremely
"artistic" hiding spots are also possible, and ( of course ) ideal for
airborne beacons.

 In contrast, the SquawkBox uses RC timing so it is not really suitable for
ARDF hunts, ( a crystal timed version is available for $10 more ) but it
also has a PTT and audio output, so it can drive an external TX if desired.
( allows a different freq / band, and / or more TX power )

regards / Bob S.


----- Original Message -----
From: "KF7GD Art" <kf7gd at yahoo.com>
To: <foxhunt at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2005 1:32 AM
Subject: [FoxHunt] MicroHunt vs Pocket Fox.


> Hi folks does anyone know what the difference is
> between  The MicroHunt (I have one and like it) and
> the Pocket fox   (http://www.byonics.com/pocketfox/)?
>
> It looks like the pocket fox is more versital but the
> MicroHunt is smaller and simpler (a good thing for
> loanable gear).
>
> I am considering buying a set to get some ARDF type
> hunts going in Seattle.
>
> Thanks for your thoughts.
>
> Art.  kf7gd
>