Every spring, hams in Orange County organize an outdoor day in the park where they operate radios and find hidden transmitters. The annual "Antennas-in-the-Park" (AITP) event is organized by the Fullerton Radio Club. This year, AITP will take place at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton on May 16.
All ages are welcome, so bring the family. AITP transmitter hunts are suitable for beginners, but advanced hunters can treat them as a "sprint." There will be no charge for participation in the hunts, which will begin around 11 AM and continue until 2 PM. Be sure to bring your two-meter handi-talkie and know how to program it to any frequency in the two-meter band.
If you don't have the antenna/attenuator system for on-foot foxhunting on two meters with your ham radio handi-talkie or scanner, a limited amount of equipment will be available for loan. Better yet, you can easily make your own during this session. Beginning at 10 AM, Marvin Johnston KE6HTS will conduct a clinic for building his kits for measuring-tape yagis and for 90 dB offset-type attenuators. An assembled/tested attenuator in a special housing that goes inside the boom of the yagi is also available. If you want one or more kits, please register in advance by sending e-mail to marvin@west.net, so he will have the kits reserved in your name waiting for you.
At least one optional 80m transmitter will be on the air for you to try. Besides the transmitter hunts, AITP participants will probably have at least one HF station on the air. The traditional Worldwide Foxhunting Weekend cake will be served to participants in the transmitter hunts. A few canopies and tables will be set up, but for eating and sitting around, please bring your own lawn chair.
Hillcrest Park in Fullerton is bounded on the west by Harbor Boulevard, on the north by Brea Boulevard, on the east by Lemon Street and on the south by Valley View Drive. From the 91 Freeway, take the Harbor Boulevard exit and go north about 1.8 miles to Valley View Drive.
The hunt will begin in the Lower Picnic Area. Park in the lot north of Valley View, midway between Harbor and Lemon. (Map at www.homingin.com) Look for the orange and white orienteering flag at the entrance to the parking lot. Walk north through the playground into the lower picnic area.
Talk-in is on K6QEH/R, 146.97(-) PL 136.5. Send inquiries to homingin@aol.com.
73, Joe Moell K0OV