DF FOX HUNTING
2017 - The Winners
This years winners so far are :
DATE |
START POINT |
WINNER |
FOX |
DATE |
START POINT |
WINNER |
FOX |
13th June |
ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map |
Mal, G8FHI and Ivan, M6IVN |
Paul, G4KZY and his boys |
25th July |
ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map |
Angie, G6ABM |
|
27th June |
ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map |
Jim, G4NWJ and Angie, G6ABM |
Mal, G8FHI and Ivan, M6IVN |
8th August |
ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map |
||
11th July |
ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map |
Jim, G4NWJ and Angie, G6ABM |
Rob, M6RQE and Tim,
2E0DJU
|
The Rules
LOCATION : The fox will transmit a 145.275 MHz FM (S11) signal from a fixed location, not requiring permission for access or payment of a fee, in a previously declared Ordnance Survey map area, typically 25km by 25km square. For the 2016 season we have purchased tailormade OS LandRanger maps. Two of these maps have been purchased by the Club for use by members, please contact Mike, G7MRY or Angie, G6ABM to borrow one of these maps. The fox will transmit the location at the end of the exercise.
DURATION : The hunt ends after 90 minutes, or when all hounds have found the fox (or conceded), whichever is the earlier. Hounds without a transmission capability should make their participation known in advance.
THE START : Hounds sound be at the start point in good time. The start point depends on which map is being used, the two start points can be found on the Google map : Click here for map. In advance of the Foxhunt, each team will be given written instructions regarding the transmission schedule, "Landing Zone" (see below) and emergency contact details for the fox or a suitable representative - please note that these are sent out by email to all ARAC members at present.
TRANSMISSION SCHEDULE : The following details show the times, strength and duration of transmissions -
Time |
Strength |
Duration |
|
| 1st transmission | 19:00 |
High power |
2 minutes |
| 2nd transmission | 19:15 |
High power |
1 minute |
| 3rd transmission | 19:25 |
High power |
1 minute |
| 4th transmission | 19:35 |
High power |
1 minute |
| 5th transmission | 19:45 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 6th transmission | 19:50 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 7th transmission | 19:55 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 8th transmission | 20:00 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 9th transmission | 20:05 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 10th transmission | 20:10 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 11th transmission | 20:15 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 12th transmission | 20:20 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| 13th transmission | 20:25 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| Final transmission | 20:30 |
Low power |
1 minute |
| Contact to be made with "lost" hounds | 20:35 |
High power |
As long as necessary |
TRANSMISSION POWER : Whilst power output depends very much on distance from the start point, as guidance we recommend High power to be 25W (14 dBw) and Low power to be 5W (7 dBw).
"LANDING ZONE" : In an attempt to avoid the unnecessary loss of hounds and excess petrol, this year we are employing a "Landing Zone" i.e. the fox will be hidden somewhere between West North West (292.5°) and North North West (337.5°) from the starting point. This means that even if you get a signal that suggests you should be heading south for example, you know you are getting a reflective signal (or you're holding the aerial the wrong way round !!!!).
WALKING FOXHUNTS : This is a new venture for 2012 ! Jim, G4NWJ has been studiously making up 3 transmission units that can be employed with the UV-3R radios. Each will transmit on a separate frequency and be secreted in a discreet area which will be made clear to all participants at the start of the hunt. They will transmit morse for 18 seconds every 3 minutes. When the first unit is located it will include the frequency of the next unit to be found.
AFTERWARDS : Fox and Hounds to meet in the pub to lick wounds and agree to do better next time !
RESTRICTIONS : Hounds will adhere to the terms of their transmitting licence, the RSGB Band Plan, all driving laws, the Highway Code, the Country Code and local Byelaws. Hounds must satisfy themselves on relevant matters of law and insurance. They participate in these foxhunts at their own risk and on the strict understanding that ARAC Officials, the Committee and the club itself are not liable should any member be involved in an accident or other damage.
The most popular (and reasonably priced) 2m aerial is the "Tape Measure Yagi", for instructions on how to build this please click here : Tape Aerial (and for your information tape measures are currently available at the exceedingly cheap value of £1.50 from G6ABM)