The next southern California on-foot radio direction finding session will take place Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Bonelli Regional Park. It is intended for both beginner and intermediate level transmitter hunters. A ham radio license and/or knowledge of radio equipment are not requirements. Try your hand at some easy two-meter transmitters set by Joe Moell K0OV plus a 5-fox two-meter international-rules course of moderate difficulty set by Scott Moore KF6IKO. A transmitter on the 80-meter band may also be set up to try.
Participating in this session will be the GOTAhams and the Tri-County Amateur Radio Association. They will provide a barbecue lunch for all transmitter hunters.
If you have receivers, scanners, directional antennas, attenuators, or other equipment suitable for on-foot RDF, be sure to bring it. Make sure all batteries are fresh. A limited amount of RDF gear will be available for loan.
For those who want to build RDF gear for use with their own two-meter hand-held radios or scanners, Marvin Johnston KE6HTS will bring kits for measuring-tape yagis and active attenuator circuit boards. He also has complete antenna/attenuator kit that includes the power switch, BNC connector, housing and battery, ready to install as the tape measure beam is built. There will be tools and soldering stations for building. If you're not an electronic technician, don't worry because there will be experts to help you. Send e-mail to Marvin (marvin@west.net) to pre-register and get more information about equipment. The building session will only take place if there are sufficient advance registrations. If you already have equipment and just want to hunt transmitters, you don't need to pre-register.
If it takes place, the building session will start at 9:30 AM. Please be prompt. Beginner transmitters will be on the air at that time. The main 5-fox hunt will start about 10:30 AM. Hunters may start the advanced course at any time until 12 noon. Courses close at 3 PM.
For the advanced 2-meter course, electronic scoring will be used. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it. A $5 donation is requested for the advanced course to cover expenses related to e-punch equipment and maps. The beginner course and the 80-meter transmitter hunt are free of charge and e-punch is not required for them.
Trails are primitive in some areas of the park, so wear sturdy shoes. All ages are welcome, but young children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Bonelli Regional Park is near Raging Waters, Brackett Field, and Puddingstone Reservoir. From the 57 freeway north of I-10, take the Via Verde exit and go east through the entrance to the park. There is a per-vehicle entry fee. Go approximately 1/4 mile beyond the entrance and turn left into the parking lot for the former Snack Shoppe and bike rental stand. Look for the orange-and-white orienteering flag directing you to the starting area. Talk-in is on 146.97 MHz simplex. A map to get you to the park is at www.homingin.com.
73, Joe Moell K0OV