ARDF Practice at Vasquez Rocks on Monday, Presidents Day
by Marvin Johnston
For our next ARDF session, we will mix in with a classic orienteering
meet at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park on Monday, February 16, 2015
(President's Day). ARDF will be suitable for both beginner and
intermediate level transmitter hunters. Try your hand at some easy
two-meter transmitters set by Joe Moell K0OV, then take on a 5-fox
two-meter international-rules course of moderate difficulty, set by
Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. A fox transmitter on the 80-meter band may also
be set up to try, as well as a foxoring course.
The ARDF course will be "advanced" level, about the same length as
typical national championship courses. Although it is intended as
training for experienced radio-orienteers, it can be completed by
newcomers who are capable of walking or running for at least 5 kilometers.
This is the first time in ten years that we have done radio-orienteering
at Vasquez Rocks, between Newhall and Palmdale, California. The
745-acre site is best known for its incredible rock formations. Even if
you’ve never been there, you’ve seen them in more than 150 movies and TV
shows, including Blazing Saddles, Flintstones, Star Trek, etc. Many
trails weave throughout the rocks. Off-trail vegetation is fairly low,
and almost all of it is runnable at a good speed. Constant map contact
will be the skill to practice while you’re reading off cliff faces and
rock piles. Vasquez Rocks was the site of the two-meter ARDF event at
the 2004 USA ARDF Championships.
Our radio-orienteering session is being combined with a classic
orienteering meet of the Los Angeles Orienteering Club (LAOC). That's
why it's not on Saturday as usual. Because Marvin has duties for LAOC
during this event, there will not be an antenna and attenuator building
workshop this time. However, if you want to pick up a kit for antenna
and/or attenuator to take home, contact Marvin by e-mail
(marvin(a)west.net) and he will bring it to this event.
Beginner transmitters will be on at 9:30 AM. The 5-fox hunt will
commence at 10 AM. Hunters may start out on the courses at any time
until 12 noon. Courses close at 3 PM. Orienteering flags and
electronic scoring will be used at each transmitter. If you have an
"e-stick," be sure to bring it. For non-LAOC members, there will be a
$13 donation per adult and $10 per youth for the full ARDF course to
cover LAOC's map and e-punch expenses. For LAOC members, the donation
is $8 per adult and $5 per youth. No donation is requested for the
beginner course or 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.
Remember to pack anything you'll need while going after those radio
foxes, such as munchies, bottled water and sunscreen. For map plotting,
you'll want your own compass, protractor and pencil. Be sure to wear
sturdy shoes. All ages are welcome, but young children must be
accompanied by an adult at all times.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is near the town of Agua Dulce, just
north of the Antelope Valley Freeway. From the Los Angeles metro, take
the 5, 210, 405, 170, or 118 freeway north until it becomes the
northbound I-5. Continue north, then go east on Highway 14 for about
fifteen miles. Exit at Agua Dulce Canyon Road and go north. Follow the
road as it turns right and becomes Escondido Canyon Road. Continue past
a stop sign for 1/4 mile. The park entrance is on the right. (See the
map at www.homingin.com) Continue on the dirt road to the large parking
area. Call K0OV on 146.52 MHz simplex if you have trouble finding the
gathering area within the park.
If heavy rain is forecasted, check www.homingin.com on February 15 for
possible cancellation.
73,
Joe Moell K0OV
8 years, 2 months
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January SBARC meeting - Tomorrow night!
by Jay Hennigan
Welcome to the new year! Our first program for 2015 will be presented
by Julianne Walsh KI6DYX on 3-D printing, when software makes hardware.
In addition we'll have a roundtable discussion on the direction of SBARC
and how members can become more involved.
Please join us at the Goleta Union School District office, 401 North
Fairview Avenue (across from the library) Friday January 16 at 7:30 PM.
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Jay Hennigan - CCIE #7880 - Network Engineering - jay(a)impulse.net
Impulse Internet Service - http://www.impulse.net/
Your local telephone and internet company - 805 884-6323 - WB6RDV
8 years, 2 months
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January 24: Mini Flea Market on the Mesa - K6LCM
by Levi C. Maaia
While doing some winter cleaning (got to get those Christmas ornaments put
away), I put together quite a few items for a general garage sale
including a *substantial collection of ham radio gear* that needs a new
home. I will be hosting a Garage Sale with a *Mini Ham Flea Market* and
area hams are invited to join in the fun. Here are the details:
*Garage Sale & Mini Ham Flea Market on the SB MesaSaturday, January 24,
2015, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM*
50% from the proceeds of the sales from *my* Ham Radio Table
will be donated to the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club Staion Fund.
SB area hams are welcome to set up a table to swap their own ham gear
and are encouraged to donate a portion of their sales to the Club.
*Call me in advance to make table arrangements and for location
information:Levi, K6LCM: 805-604-5384*
(Note: it will *not* be at my QRZ address)
*Here are just a few items that will be on my Ham Radio Table:*
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2015-01-11 13.33.54]
<http://levi.maaia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-01-11-13.33.54.jpg>[image:
2015-01-11 13.34.04]
<http://levi.maaia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-01-11-13.34.04.jpg>[image:
2015-01-11 13.34.12]
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8 years, 2 months
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