The Fox poked his head out of his den this Saturday Morning, the 18th of January and looked at a below-zero temperature on his thermometer. It was cold today, minus 3 with sub-zero wind chills. However, 20 FRRL members took part in the frigid transmitter hunt. The group formed into 9 teams who met at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora at 9am. Denny W9HI met with the teams and passed out instructions and Kane County Maps.  Each team left the area with all sorts of direction finding equipment.

 

The only initial clue given to the teams was that the Fox was going to be in Kane County. The Fox transmitted on FM, for one minute, then rested for one minute. Each half hour additional clues were given the hunters in their pursuit of the elusive transmitter.

 

A team made up of Tom AB9IN, Joe AB9OU and Bill W9WRS had a very impressive Doppler array mounted to the back of their van. Others who participated used short yagi antennas, a quad, some commercial dipoles and other hand-held antennas.

 

The coordination of the event was to occur using the Fox 2 meter repeater, however it was not functioning, probably due to the cold temps. Announcements were made on 147.210 that our event would be coordinated using the NIARC repeater on 147.06 (thanks NIARC!). The Fox was transmitting on 146.565.

 

By 11:30, all of the 9 teams had found the Fox and met up at the Gino's Easy Pizza restaurant in St. Charles. After a few slices of deep-dish, each team introduced themselves and shared their hunting experiences. Everyone had a very good time, despite the frigid conditions.

Greg, N9CHA

 

Pictures from the Fox Hunt (N9CHA, K9TCD, WB9CHY)