Bonelli Regional Park will be the site of the next southern California on-foot transmitter hunting session on Saturday, November 9, 2013. If you are a beginner, there will be entry-level two-meter fox transmitters, set by Joe Moell K0OV. Once you're proficient at finding these nearby foxes, try the 5-fox two-meter international-rules course, set by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. One or two optional 80-meter fox transmitters may also be on the air.
A ham radio license and knowledge of radio equipment are not required. Experts will be on hand to teach you the basic techniques of on-foot radio direction-finding (RDF). Bring the kids and grandkids, then go out on the course with them. A limited amount of RDF gear will be available for loan. 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.
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 attenuators. Also available is an assembled and tested assembly 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. We want you to succeed! 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-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 the use of Los Angeles Orienteering Club's 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 57/210 freeways, 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 146.52 MHz simplex. A navigation map to Bonelli Park is at www.homingin.com.
73, Joe Moell K0OV