[ARDF] [Adam's RadiO Diary]Day 16 – Equipment testing and Opening Ceremony

[Adam Scammell]

We left at about 10am for the equipment testing and model event on a
nearby map. As it was only several Km away Bryan and I walked there. We
were shocked (after stumbling over a VHF TX) to find that our equipment
didn’t seem to be working. Bryan’s new receiver has a scan
facility, we quickly discovered that the frequency given by the
orgainisers was incorrect. We re-tuned to the correct frequency and
then all was fine. We tested our equipment on each of the two VHF
transmitters for distance calibration. We also noticed that the power
level was lower than we are used to. The Rocom transmitters (for split
times) were also on display. We then went through the same tests for
the two HF transmitters. One site had a resident boot (not sure if that
is standard for a CZ control site), perhaps these are used for control
description on traditional orienteering events. We can now get used to
a prominent control flag on proper stake, excellent…. Gyuri’s
training got us into the habit of checking behind every tree and in
every hole for the flag that would no doubt be laying flat on the
ground, (they made us work hard). The end of lunchtime was drawing
close so we caught the bus back and arrived just in time. We walked to
the opening ceremony site that was about 300M away at the trade fair
site. We marched out as the 2nd team behind the host country. The
speeches in Cz then English were (yawn) typical. Photo taking seemed to
be somewhat re-strained this year. Following the ceremony was a
master’s race of previous world champ’s. There were 8 or 9
including Gyuri and three Czech competitors. Three disciplines,
traditional orienteering, HF ARDF, and VHF ARDF (only two transmitters
on each) were competed in a pre-set order (different for each
competitor). This was a limited success, it was quite exciting though
as everyone disappeared out of sight then returned at random times to
change equipment. I think this would have worked a bit better if we
could see more of the course. I took a fair few action photos. The
final standings were Cz, Cz, then Ukraine or Russia. Gyuri returned
later after having a few problems (without a compass) on the
orienteering section. We returned and joined the short dinner queue,
(which soon grew well out the entrance doors) phew! We all retired
early in preparation of tomorrow’s early start.



	
		
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