Area Fox Hunts
Radio Direction Finding (Fox Hunt) is used to find sources of interference to any form of wireless electronic communications, including broadcast and two-way radio, television, and telephones. It is also used to track missing or stolen cars and other property. Search and rescue workers use it to find persons in distress. Emergency Locator Transmitters in downed aircraft are tracked with RDF techniques.
Much of the information at this site pertains to RDF equipment and techniques for Amateur Radio (ham) operators. Hams use RDF to track jamming stations and stolen equipment, but more often, they use it just for fun. Hidden transmitter hunting has been done by hams for about fifty years and it is a growing activity. T-hunting refers specifically to hunts involving hams driving in RDF-equipped vehicles. A mobile T-hunt is best described as hide-and-seek for all ages with radio gear. When you set out on a T-hunt, you never know where you'll end up, and you have no idea what you're going to find. No form of ham radio contesting is more fun! Mobile T-hunting is done in cities and towns all over the USA, and elsewhere.
Mobile T-hunting is called foxhunting in some parts of the USA, but everywhere else in the world, the terms "foxhunting" and ARDF refer to another kind of RDF contest, done completely on foot in large woods and parks. It's a map-and-compass sport similar to orienteering, with about a half-dozen "fox" transmitters to find in a period of two hours or so. Someday this sport, which is also called foxtailing, fox-teering and radio-orienteering, may become an Olympic event. Meanwhile, it's a fun-filled activity for your hamfests and Scout Jamborees.
For a down and dirty RF finder that you can use on the hunt, click here!
Frankie Fox says: Get a leg up on the competition with a W0VFW Signal finder kit at Radio Shack in Derby!
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The next Fox Hunt will be at:
VFW Post 3115
4801 West Douglas Avenue
Wichita, KS
Time/Date:
To be determined
Cost
$5.00 per person donation to W0VFW
Prize
To be determined
Signup
Signup here
Contact:
with any questions
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Hunt will be somewhere on 2 meters FM & somewhere in Sedgwick County. Test your skills. Become skilled at emergency transmitter locating, or finding interference problems. 144-148 MHz 2 Meter Ham Band will be used. All that is needed is a vehicle, map, compass and any programmable scanner or 2 meter FM transceiver and some sort of antenna. Come join the fun, Rules and more information at our Yahoo Group site.
Non-Hams are encouraged to participate. Non-hams can ride with, form their own team or do it alone.
- You may hunt alone, Bring one or more NON-HAMs or hunt in HAM teams.
- All hunters must register on an official W0VFW Fox Hunt form before hunt starts.
- Hunters will receive a copy of the rules, the fox frequency, alternate frequency and last minute instructions.
- Time starts when the hunter is handed his envelope.
- Time is recorded by a W0VFW official.
- Envelopes will be handed out every 3 to 5 minutes.
- The hunt will be limited to Sedgwick County.
- Upon finding the FOX, time will be recorded by the FOX.
- Each hunter may use any equipment they can carry in or upon their vehicle.
- No one may not transmit on the FOX frequency except the FOX. Immediate Disqualification.
- A hunter may use a fixed station for bearings, provided, if involving another operator, that operator is included as part of the team.
- No hunter can contact another hunter or team via radio or Cell phone. Except- general chitchat and good hearted egging can be done on WØVFW/R as long as hints or the FOX location are not divulged.
- Officials will monitor WØVFW/R. You may not divulge that you found the fox or gave up.
- The hidden transmitter will be within 100 feet of access by standard passenger car. The hunt usually ends at designated time, unless the FOX agrees to keep the T on the air for teams that haven't found it yet.
- Non-Ham hunters must register a cell phone number with the Officials. Optional for hams.
- The FOX will read prepared statements, go no audio from time to time and make any announcements it feels necessary. It will spend 3 minutes minimum stating the off air end of hunt time.
- Time is to second.
- Hunters must obey all local and traffic laws. Violators of the law will be banned and disqualified from current and future hunts. This includes traffic violations.
- Violations of the rules can ban you from all future hunts & prizes.
- Rulings of the Officials are FINAL.
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