[ARDF] Bonelli Park foxhunting Saturday June 11

[Homingin at aol.com]

Whether you're training for the USA championships in August or just learning 
how to track radio transmitters for fun, this Amateur Radio Direction Finding 
(ARDF) event is for you.  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).

If you are a beginner, there will be entry-level two-meter fox transmitters, 
set by Joe Moell K0OV.  For advanced radio-orienteers, there will be a 5-fox 
two-meter course of about the same length as typical national championship 
courses, set by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS.  An optional 80-meter fox transmitter will 
also be on the air.

This event is being held in cooperation with the Los Angeles Orienteering 
Club (LAOC).  LAOC fees are charged for the advanced two-meter course.  The 
beginner course and the 80-meter transmitter hunt are free of charge and e-punch is 
not required for them.

Participation fee for the advanced course (only) is $5 per individual adult 
and $3 per individual youth who are LAOC members. Non-member individuals pay 
$7.  Groups of two to four persons can go out on the course together, in which 
case the group fee is $7 for LAOC members and $9 for non-members.  LAOC's color 
orienteering map of the park will be available for your use.  Electronic 
punching will be used on the advanced course, so bring your "e-stick."  If you 
don't have one, you can rent one for the day at the start of the hunt.

Bring any 2-meter RDF "sniffing" gear you have.  If you don't have any, just 
bring your HT or scanner.  Even if you don't have that, come out anyway.  A 
limited number of RDF sets will be available for loan.  Also be sure to bring 
anything you'll need while going after those radio foxes, such as munchies, 
bottled water and sunscreen.  Make sure all batteries are fresh.  For map 
plotting, bring your own compass, protractor and pencil.

Practice 2-meter transmitters will go on the air and registration will open 
at 9:30 AM.  The beginner and advanced hunts will begin at 10:00 AM.  You may 
start hunting at any time until 1:00 PM.  There are picnic tables and BBQ 
grills nearby, so you can bring your lunch or cook up something if you wish.  
Courses close at 3:30 PM.

Bonelli Regional Park is near Raging Waters, Brackett Field, and Puddingstone 
Reservoir.  From the 57/210 freeways, take the Via Verde exit and go east 
through the entrance to the park.  There is a $7-per-vehicle entry fee on 
weekends.  Go approximately 1/4 mile beyond the entrance and turn left into the 
parking lot for the bike rental stand.  Look for the orange-and-white orienteering 
flag directing you to the starting site.

A map to the site is at www.homingin.com

Results of the two May ARDF sessions are also at www.homingin.com

73,
Joe Moell K0OV