DF FOX HUNTING

2018 - The Winners

This years winners so far are :  

DATE
START POINT
WINNER
FOX
DATE
START POINT
WINNER
FOX
12th June

ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map
Paul, 2E0PTZ and Anne
Jim, G4NWJ and Angie, G6ABM
24th July

ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map
Jim & Angie
Rod - G6YEY
26th June
ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map
Mal, G8FHI and Ivan, 2EØDUM
Paul, 2E0PTZ and Adrian
14th August

ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map
Rob M6RQE, Larry M1EBH & Lee
Mal G8FHI & Ivan 2E0DUM
10th July

ARAC Custom RDF Foxhunt Map
Brian, 2E0GNC
Mal, G8FHI and Ivan, 2EØDUM

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. At the start of the 2016 season the club purchased tailormade OS LandRanger maps. One of these maps have been purchased by the Club for use by members, please contact Angie, G6ABM to borrow this map. 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)