Note: we also have dinner at Sizzler's afterward, and all participants are invited. We generally talk ARDF related subjects including when and where the next practice will be.
Thanks!
Marvin, KE6HTS
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Southern California's next on-foot transmitter hunting session will be Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Bonelli Regional Park. It is suitable for both beginner and intermediate level transmitter hunters. All ages are welcome, so bring the family. 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 beginner-to-moderate difficulty, set by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. One or more fox transmitters on the 80-meter band may also be set up to try. Experts will be on hand to help you.
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 will have kits for measuring-tape yagis and active attenuator circuit boards. 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 courses at any time until 1 PM. Courses close at 3 PM.
For the advanced 2-m eter course, electronic scoring may be used. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it. 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 Snack Shoppe (formerly the 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.
If heavy rain is forecasted, check www.homingin.com on November 3 for possible cancellation.
73, Joe Moell K0OV