For our next ARDF session, we will mix in with a classic orienteering meet at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park on Monday, February 16, 2015 (President's Day). ARDF will be suitable for both beginner and intermediate level transmitter hunters. Try your hand at some easy two-meter transmitters set by Joe Moell K0OV, then take on a 5-fox two-meter international-rules course of moderate difficulty, set by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. A fox transmitter on the 80-meter band may also be set up to try, as well as a foxoring course.
The ARDF course will be "advanced" level, about the same length as typical national championship courses. Although it is intended as training for experienced radio-orienteers, it can be completed by newcomers who are capable of walking or running for at least 5 kilometers.
This is the first time in ten years that we have done radio-orienteering at Vasquez Rocks, between Newhall and Palmdale, California. The 745-acre site is best known for its incredible rock formations. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve seen them in more than 150 movies and TV shows, including Blazing Saddles, Flintstones, Star Trek, etc. Many trails weave throughout the rocks. Off-trail vegetation is fairly low, and almost all of it is runnable at a good speed. Constant map contact will be the skill to practice while you’re reading off cliff faces and rock piles. Vasquez Rocks was the site of the two-meter ARDF event at the 2004 USA ARDF Championships.
Our radio-orienteering session is being combined with a classic orienteering meet of the Los Angeles Orienteering Club (LAOC). That's why it's not on Saturday as usual. Because Marvin has duties for LAOC during this event, there will not be an antenna and attenuator building workshop this time. However, if you want to pick up a kit for antenna and/or attenuator to take home, contact Marvin by e-mail (marvin@west.net) and he will bring it to this event.
Beginner transmitters will be on at 9:30 AM. The 5-fox hunt will commence at 10 AM. Hunters may start out on the courses at any time until 12 noon. Courses close at 3 PM. Orienteering flags and electronic scoring will be used at each transmitter. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it. For non-LAOC members, there will be a $13 donation per adult and $10 per youth for the full ARDF course to cover LAOC's map and e-punch expenses. For LAOC members, the donation is $8 per adult and $5 per youth. No donation is requested for the beginner course or the 80-meter transmitter hunt.
If you have them, bring a handi-talkie, receiver, or scanner covering the two-meter band for each person who will be going ARDFing. If you have directional antennas, attenuators, or other on-foot RDF equipment, be sure to bring that too. Make sure that all batteries are fresh. For those with no radio gear, some extra ARDF receiver/antenna sets will be available.
Remember to pack anything you'll need while going after those radio foxes, such as munchies, bottled water and sunscreen. For map plotting, you'll want your own compass, protractor and pencil. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. All ages are welcome, but young children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is near the town of Agua Dulce, just north of the Antelope Valley Freeway. From the Los Angeles metro, take the 5, 210, 405, 170, or 118 freeway north until it becomes the northbound I-5. Continue north, then go east on Highway 14 for about fifteen miles. Exit at Agua Dulce Canyon Road and go north. Follow the road as it turns right and becomes Escondido Canyon Road. Continue past a stop sign for 1/4 mile. The park entrance is on the right. (See the map at www.homingin.com) Continue on the dirt road to the large parking area. Call K0OV on 146.52 MHz simplex if you have trouble finding the gathering area within the park.
If heavy rain is forecasted, check www.homingin.com on February 15 for possible cancellation.
73, Joe Moell K0OV