POTTSTOWN AREA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
In the world of amateur radio, planned transmitter hunts are known as fox hunts, bunny hunts, and radio sport. We combine radio direction finding with a fun group challenge. Learn more here: wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmitter_hunting
NEXT FOX HUNT: TBD
We are having transmitter equipment issues so events are temporarily on hold as of July 22, 2024.
LOCATION: PAARC fox hunts begin at the upper parking lot of the Pottsgrove Middle School on 1351 N. Hanover St., Pottstown 19464 N 40 deg., 16.27 min, W 75 deg. 38.15 min.
Questions about the equipment needed for a fox hunt? Write to the huntmaster, Jim, K3CHJ.
Read an article by Glenn, AB3TQ-SK on his first PAARC foxhunt here: First-PAARC-Foxhunt-by-AB3TQ.pdf
Fox Hunt calling frequency: 147.510 FM
Links – PAARC Signalbusters video and CQ magazine 2011 Foxhunters
Fox Hunting, Bunny Hunting, Hidden Transmitter Hunting and T-Hunting are all words PAARC members use for Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF)
ARDF, also known as radio orienteering, is an amateur sport that combining radio direction finding with the map and compass skills of orienteering. PAARC fox hunts are a contest in which individual competitors use a topographic (or computer) map, GPS, a magnetic compass, and radio direction finding equipment to seek out and locate a radio transmitter within 12 miles of the Pottsgrove Middle School.[1]
Our PAARC Fox Hunting Season runs from March to October. We have monthly Fox Hunts which are coordinated by the Hunt Master. Foxhunts are usually Saturday mornings, but hunters are flexible and have been known to have short hunts on weeknights or Sundays. At the PAARC Fox Hunts, winners are based on lowest mileage, not by shortest time.
A typical hunt lasts about 2 hours and consists of two parts: a road part and an on-foot part. For the first (or road) part, hunters assemble at the Pottsgrove Middle School. PAARC Fox Hunts use a 5 watt transmitter set on 147.510 MHz and, at the appointed time, the fox (a person) turns on the Fox (a transmitter). The hunters then drive to the the fox using their radio detection and orienteering skills.
The second part begins after (or if) the fox is located. Two smaller transmitters are hidden at the fox location. Hunters must locate these foxes on foot. Some hunters excel at this activity because they are better built for body fade!
Some refreshments are served after the fox is located. So, if you want to be challenged or just learn about a different aspect of Amateur Radio, come on out to a fox hunt!
Fox Hunt Links
http://www.texasardf.org/getstarted/
http://www.qsl.net/nz0i/equipment/equipment.htm
http://theleggios.net/wb2hol/projects/rdf/rdf.htm
http://www.arrl.org/direction-finding
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_direction_finding