[ARDF] Foxhunting and ARRL, let's show we're serious

[Dale Hunt, WB6BYU]

Homingin at aol.com wrote:
> ...
> 
> 80 meters?  2 meters?  UHF?  GMRS?  I have some definite ideas about which
> bands and what equipment works well for foxhunting, because I put on several
> hunts for youth and Scouts every year and I try something new every time.  
> 
> I challenge all of you to get out there and start working with your local 
> schools and Scouts, too.  ARRL HQ follows much better than it leads.  So 
> don't just sit by, waiting for the Newington folks.
> 
> Let's fill this reflector with stories of successful 2007 foxhunting events
> for youth, both ham and non-ham.  Not only will that give us real knowledge of
> what works best, it will go a long way toward convincing ARRL leadership what
> foxhunting has to offer the ETP.



   I think Joe has an excellent point - the best thing that we can
   offer to the ETP is our EXPERIENCE in working with youth on 
   transmitter hunting.  To gain that experience we have to DO it.
   That is probably the greatest contribution we can make right
   now.  In the process we will find some things that work and
   some that don't, or at least don't work as well.  As we share
   those experiences among ourselves we then gather data that
   can be shared with the greater audience through the ETP
   program.

   There are many technical possibilities.  I'm happy to discuss 
   specifics, but also I don't want us to get too focused on the
   particular modes that we are used to and ignore others that may
   be good for beginners.  What about hunting a continuous signal -
   perhaps AM - on HF?  Crystals for 1843.2 and 3686.4 kHz are
   easily available - both are now in the Phone band.  That may be
   easier for a beginner than a CW signal.  AM BC receivers can be
   converted to 160m.  What about leaving the sense antenna
   permanently on for a unidirectional pattern (as the Aussies do)?
   Is Whoopee mode easier to learn than listening for a null by ear?
   There are some off-the-shelf transmitters available around 433 MHz, 
   where a small yagi can have good directivity.  What about 10m?
   How can we make best use of equipment they might already have?
   Etc., etc.


   But I think it is counterproductive for the Foxhunting community
   to spend too much time arguing about which is the best approach.
   The best method, clearly, is to get youth involved, regardless of
   the band or mode used.  Then we can combine our experiences to
   generate suggestions and helpful hints for those involved - 
   including technical recommendations, pros and cons of the different
   options, and a list of contacts for technical support.  And even
   if the ETP program takes a while to get going, we have that to
   share with other foxhunters who are also working towards the same
   goal of increased youth involvement.

   Like Joe, I look forward to report of foxhunting activity with youth.
   Jamboree On The Air is in early October - this may be a good time to
   contact the local (Boy or Girl) Scouts and the local radio clubs to
   plan an activity - and make sure that Foxhunting is part of it.

       - Dale  WB6BYU