Transmitter Hunting (known as T-Hunting, Fox Hunting, Radio Direction Finding) is a popular activity among Amateur Radio operators where a transmitter is actually hidden somewhere and "hunted down" (found) using radio direction finding techniques!
The transmitter is usually on the air intermittently, and identifies either in Morse code or voice automatically.
Amateurs participating in transmitter hunts usually start at a common start point, and the fun begins!
When the transmitter is on the air, the hunters "take bearings" using directional antennas by determining the direction where the signal is the strongest.
This is done throughout the hunt until the transmitter is found!
First, to put a rumor to rest, you do not need expensive equipment for transmitter hunting! All you need are three things.
1. A receiver that will listen to the frequency you would like. You will need some sort of analog, LED or digital meter read out to inform you of the strongest signal direction.
2. An attenuator to decrease the signal as you become closer to the transmitter. This is so you can still receive a bearing on the meter.
3. A directional antenna (Yagi, Quad, etc.) Should be tuned for the frequency you would like to hunt on.
* Note: It is possible to track down a transmitter with an omni antenna but can be very difficult.
All aspects of Amateur Radio should be enjoyable, and transmitter hunting sure is! On the other hand, there are a competitive part of Transmitters Hunting around the world. On Foot in or out of a Vehicle.
The transmitter is usually on the air intermittently, and identifies either in Morse code or voice automatically.
Amateurs participating in transmitter hunts usually start at a common start point, and the fun begins!
When the transmitter is on the air, the hunters "take bearings" using directional antennas by determining the direction where the signal is the strongest.
This is done throughout the hunt until the transmitter is found!
First, to put a rumor to rest, you do not need expensive equipment for transmitter hunting! All you need are three things.
1. A receiver that will listen to the frequency you would like. You will need some sort of analog, LED or digital meter read out to inform you of the strongest signal direction.
2. An attenuator to decrease the signal as you become closer to the transmitter. This is so you can still receive a bearing on the meter.
3. A directional antenna (Yagi, Quad, etc.) Should be tuned for the frequency you would like to hunt on.
* Note: It is possible to track down a transmitter with an omni antenna but can be very difficult.
All aspects of Amateur Radio should be enjoyable, and transmitter hunting sure is! On the other hand, there are a competitive part of Transmitters Hunting around the world. On Foot in or out of a Vehicle.
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