The next southern California on-foot transmitter hunting event will be Saturday, April 10, 2010 in the Mineral Wells area of Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

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). Also expect to see some folks training to compete in the 2010 USA ARDF Championships that will be in Ohio on the third weekend of May.

If you are a beginner, there will be entry-level two-meter fox transmitters just for you, set by Joe Moell K0OV. For more experienced radio-orienteers, there will be a 5-fox two-meter international-rules course of moderate difficulty, set by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. An optional 80-meter fox transmitter may also be on the air.

If you don't have the antenna/attenuator system for on-foot foxhunting on two meters with your ham radio handi-talkie or scanner, you can easily make one during this session. 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. 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.

It takes about an hour to put the kits together with tools and soldering irons that will be provided. If you're not an electronic technician, don't worry because there will be plenty of experts to help you. We want you to succeed! Then with your HT and the kitbuilt equipment, you will be all set to hunt.

Kitbuilding starts promptly at 10 AM, followed by the beginner hunt. The main 5-fox hunt will commence at 10 AM also. Hunters may start out on the courses at any time until 1 PM. Courses close at 3 PM.

For the advanced 2-meter course, orienteering flags and electronic scoring will be used at each transmitter. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it. Please donate $5 for the advanced course to cover expenses related to the use of Los Angeles Orienteering Club's e-punch equipment and maps. No donation is requested for the beginner course and the 80-meter transmitter hunt.

If you have them, bring a handi-talkie, receiver, or scanner covering the two-meter band for each person who will be going ARDFing. If you have directional antennas, attenuators, or other on-foot RDF equipment, be sure to bring that too. Make sure that all batteries are fresh. For those with no radio gear, some extra ARDF receiver/antenna sets will be available. Be sure to bring anything you'll need while going after those radio foxes, such as munchies, bottled water and sunscreen. For map plotting, bring your own compass, protractor and pencil.

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.

From the 134 freeway eastbound or westbound, take the Forest Lawn Drive

exit and go south. Turn left into park area on Zoo Drive towards Travel Town. At the entrance to Travel Town, turn right (south) onto Griffith Park Drive and follow it straight past Mt. Hollywood Drive (gated) on right and then a quarry on the left. You will soon see the picnic grounds (starting area) on your right. If you see the driving range, you have gone too far.

From I-5 northbound, exit at "Griffith Park." Turn right (north) on

Crystal Springs Drive and continue past the Ranger station on your right and the large picnic areas on your left. At the stop, turn left on Griffith Park Drive and head past the golf clubhouse and driving range to the Mineral Wells picnic area on your left.

Look for signs and an orange-and-white orienteering flag at the starting site. Call K0OV on 146.52 simplex if you have trouble finding the gathering area within the park.

A map for driving to the site is at www.homingin.com. If rain is forecasted, check that site for possible cancellation.

73, Joe Moell K0OV