Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale will be the site of our next session of on-foot radio direction finding on Saturday, March 22, 2014.? It is sponsored by the Fullerton Radio Club.? A ham radio license and knowledge of radio equipment are not required.
If you have never done on-foot RDF before, there will be some 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.? It is also suitable for beginner to intermediate hunters.? One or two optional 80-meter fox transmitters may also be on the air nearby.
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 antennas and attenuators for use with their two-meter hand-held radios or scanners, we will have tools and soldering stations available.? If you're not an electronic technician, don't worry because there will be experts to help you.? Please note that our permit does not allow sales of parts kits within the park, so bring your own parts with you or purchase kits in advance.? Send e-mail to KE6HTS (marvin@west.net) for more information about kits.
If it takes place, the antenna 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.
All ages are welcome, but young children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.? If you will be using your handi-talkie as a RDF receiver, please make sure that you are familiar with programming it, so you can tune to the offset attenuator frequencies.? Bring the manual with you if you're not sure.
Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area is in the city of Irwindale near the intersection of the 605 and 210 freeways.? From 605 northbound, take the Live Oak Avenue exit and go east.? From 605 southbound, take Arrow Highway exit and go east.? In both cases, you will merge into Arrow Highway eastbound.? The park entrance will be on your left, opposite Azusa Canyon Road.? Alternately, from the 210 freeway, exit at Irwindale Avenue, go south to Arrow Highway, turn right (west) and look for the park entrance on your right opposite Azusa Canyon Road.
Vehicular entrance and parking costs $10 per vehicle.? After the entry kiosk, continue to the first stop sign, turn left and go southwest along the dam.? Look for the signs for Parking Lot 2 on your right.? Our gathering point will be close to the entrance to this lot.? Look for the orange and white orienteering flag.? Talk-in is on 146.52 MHz simplex.
A map to help you find the park is at www.homingin.com.? If heavy rain is forecasted, check that site for news of possible cancellation.
73, Joe Moell K0OV