The next southern California on-foot transmitter hunting session will be at Topanga State Park on Saturday, January 25, 2014. There will be entry-level two-meter "fox" transmitters, set by Joe Moell K0OV and a 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. 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 attenuators. 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 -- just show up.

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. An optional $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. Dogs are not allowed on the park trails, fire roads, or in the back country.

Topanga State Park is in the Santa Monica Mountains. From Highway 101 in Woodland Hills, go south on Topanga Canyon Boulevard (Highway 27) about 8 miles. From Pacific Coast Highway, go north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard to just past Old Topanga Canyon Road. Either way, watch for a "Topanga State Park" sign and turn east onto Entrada Road. (This is a dangerous corner.) Go about a mile, bearing left at the fork. We will gather at the end of the parking lot in the shaded picnic area. Look for the orange and white orienteering flag. Talk-in is on 146.52 MHz simplex. The state day-use fee for entry and parking is $10 per vehicle.

A map showing the site location is at www.homingin.com. If moderate-to-heavy rain is forecasted, check that site on Friday 1/24 for possible cancellation.

73, Joe Moell K0OV