[HCRA] Foxhunting - from your shack!

[Jim - KK1W]

Do you miss the challenge of fox hunts from past years? I'll bet you don't
miss the traffic, or the fuel costs, do you? How would you like to try a
different kind of fox hunt from the comfort of your shack? Sound interesting
- then read on.

 

There's a small group of QRP foxhunters out there that hold a quick hunt
every Tuesday evening during the summer. Fire up your browser and take a
look at http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/ and see what it is all about. It's pretty
cool, doesn't cost much but is challenging nonetheless. Yes, it is CW and on
HF but hey, isn't this what ham radio is all about. The foxes will come back
to you at any speed, so if you're not too comfortable in front of key that's
OK. And it is only one and half hours long so you can get in, get out and
get on with your life.

 

At first look it seems pretty easy but it really is a challenge. Finding the
fox is just the first part of the problem, once found you'll need to learn
how to use the split function on your transceiver and listen closely. Do it
right and you'll be rewarded with your first 'pelt'!

 

How hard is it? That's difficult to say. Some are easy, others are tough.
I've not made contacts from my home station with a decent beam antenna but a
few weeks back I caught a fox in Wyoming while operating portable in
Vermont. My rig was a FT-817 and a Buddipole - how cool is that?

 

Even if this doesn't seem like your 'cup of tea' take a look at the Q-Fox
website anyway - these folks are having fun, why not you?

 

'73 for now and don't forget the club meeting this coming Friday, September
3rd. Our guest speaker this month is Khrystyne Keane/K1SFA, Editor of the
weekly ARRL letter. Don't forget to fill out and bring you application along
too!

 

Jim, KK1W