The Thrill of the Chase: My Experience with Ham Radio Fox Hunting
What is a Ham Radio Fox Hunt?
Ham radio fox hunting, also known as transmitter hunting, is an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure and technical skill. It’s a modern-day treasure hunt where participants, called “hounds,” use radio direction-finding techniques to locate a hidden transmitter, referred to as the “fox.” This activity is not only a test of one’s radio knowledge but also a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors with fellow enthusiasts.
Building a 2 Meter Homebrew Tape Measure Yagi Antenna
To successfully participate in a fox hunt, having a reliable antenna is crucial. I decided to build a 2 meter homebrew tape measure Yagi antenna, which is renowned for its direction-finding capabilities. Here’s how I did it:
Materials Needed:
- Steel Tape Measure: A 25-foot long, 1-inch wide steel tape measure.
- PVC Tube: A 10-foot piece of 3/4-inch Schedule 40 PVC tubing. Note: I opted for 1/2 inch PVC pipe with a 1/2in to 3/4in elbow and an 8 in ¾ piece for my handle.
- PVC Connectors: Two 3/4-inch PVC cross connectors and one 3/4-inch PVC T connector. Note: I used 1/2 inch connectors.
- Stainless Hose Clamps: Six clamps (ranging from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches). Note: I used zip ties.
- Hairpin Wire: A 5-inch piece of 16/14-gauge wire.
- Coax Cable: Approximately 6 feet of RG-58 cable.
- Solder and Flux, Electrical Tape, and basic tools (soldering iron, tin snips, wire cutter, screwdriver or nut driver, PVC cutter or fine-tooth saw, sandpaper or Dremel tool with sanding disk, ruler or tape measure).
Assembly Steps:
- Cut the PVC Tubing: Create the support boom and handle from the PVC tubing, cutting pieces to the specified lengths and fitting them together with the connectors.
- Prepare the Tape Measure Elements: Cut the tape measure into pieces for the reflector, director, and driven elements, and prepare them for assembly.
- Assemble the Antenna: Attach the elements to the PVC structure, solder the connections, and secure everything in place.
This antenna boasts approximately 7.2 dB of forward gain and consists of three elements—a driven element, a reflector, and a director, all designed for the 2-meter band (144-148 MHz).
Joining the WCARES.org Radio Fox Hunt
With my newly built antenna in hand, I eagerly participated in the WCARES.org Radio Fox Hunt. The event was a thrilling experience, combining the camaraderie of fellow hams with the satisfaction of applying my DIY antenna to real-world use. The hunt was well-organized, and the sense of achievement when locating the “foxes” was unmatched. I had a really good time and look forward to another hunt.
Conclusion
Participating in a ham radio fox hunt and building my own 2 meter Yagi antenna was a rewarding challenge. It’s a hobby that offers continuous learning, practical application, and a welcoming community. I encourage everyone with an interest in amateur radio to give fox hunting a try—it’s an adventure you won’t forget!
Note: This blog post is based on my personal experience and is intended for informational purposes. Always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when participating in ham radio activities
