2020 GBARC Foxhunts

The December 12th 2020 Santa's Reindeer Hunt - 09:00am

QST QST QST

We have gotten an urgent call from the elves on the north pole. They have contacted Greater Bridgeport Amateur Radio Club for our help finding Santa. While traveling over Connecticut Santa hit turbulence and crash landed. Thankfully he has a tracking beacon transmits every few minutes. His last known position was over the Home Depot located in Trumbull. The elves estimated that he is within 5 miles of this location. 

Once you find Santa and his Sleigh, you will need to locate one of the reindeer that has broken free. Thankfully all the reindeer collars transmit a beacon periodically. 

It is a little known fact that Santa is an amateur radio operator. You can listen to him talking to children from Thanksgiving until Christmas on 80m at 3916khz. For more info about that, checkout https://www.cqsanta.com/.

To be clear, this is a two stage foxhunt, with high and low power transmitters. The low power transmitter is designated as the reindeer. To verify that you have located the reindeer, you will be asked which reindeer you have located.

The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  

DO NOT CONGREGATE.  Please wear a mask and socially distance yourself by staying at least 6 feet away from others. This fox hunt should be a safe and socially distanced activity. 

The first person to locate the fox will be awarded 5 points for overall effort.  All other participants will receive 3 points for locating the fox and 1 point for participating.  Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Recommended Starting Location:   Please meet at the Home Depot parking lot, 90 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611 see the map below (click for larger version).

Starting Time: December 12, 2020 9:00 AM Local 

High Power (Sleigh) Frequency:  147.485 MHz Simplex. 

Low Power (Reindeer) Frequency:  147.585 MHz Simplex. 

Power: in order to save power, Santa’s Sleigh will begin reducing power every 30 minutes.

Reindeer are powered off of candy canes and will be transmitting at a fixed power level. 

Host:   David KB1LTW

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters or by Echolink

The November 14 2020 Turkey Hunt - 09:00am 

GBARC'S will hold a Turkey Hunt on the 14th at 9am.  All members and non-members are invited to attend. 

The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  

This month there will be two hidden transmitters - one to get you in the neighbourhood which will be 5W on a 5/8ths wave antenna.  The other will be 1 watt on a stubby.

DO NOT CONGREGATE.  Please wear a mask and socially distance yourself by staying at least 6 feet away from others.   

The first person to locate the fox will be awarded 5 points for overall effort.  All other participants will receive 3 points for locating the fox and 1 point for participating.  Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Recommended Starting Location:   Please meet at the Trumbull Library Parking Lot at 33 Quality Street in Trumbull.  The alternative start site is the parking lot of  Tambascios Restaurant at 1 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown.  See the map below (click for larger version).

Starting Time: 9:00 AM Local 

High Power Fox Frequency:  147.485 MHz Simplex. 

Low Power Fox Frequency:  147.585 MHz Simplex. 

Host:   Shawn AC1KC

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters or by Echolink

September 12 2020 - 09:00am

GBARCS monthly foxhunt is on Saturday September 12th at 9am.  All members and non-members are invited to attend. 

The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  

DO NOT CONGREGATE.  Please socially distance yourself and stay at least 6 feet away from others.   

The first person to locate the fox will be awarded 5 points.  All other participants will receive 3 points for locating the fox and 1 point for participating.  Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Recommended Starting Location:   Please meet at the Easton Village Store at 440 Sport Hill Rd.  The alternative start site is the parking lot of Redding Country Club 109 Lonetown Rd.  See the map below (click for larger version).

Starting Time: 9:00 AM Local 

Fox Frequency:  147.485 MHz Simplex.  Remember to check the 3rd harmonic

Fox Power:  5W into a 5/8ths wave antenna dropping to 1W with a 1/4 wave antenna at 30 minute intervals

Host:   Emily Clarke N1DID

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters

August 15 2020 - Fairfield/Bridgeport

GBARC's monthly foxhunt is on Saturday August 15th at 9am.  All members and non-members are invited to attend. 

The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  DO NOT CONGREGATE.  Please socially distance yourself and stay at least 6 feet away from others.   

The first person to locate the fox will be awarded 5 points.  All other participants will receive 3 points for locating the fox and 1 point for participating.  Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Recommended Starting Location:   Please meet at the south parking lot of Tuxis Hill Park, located approximately 64 Nordstrand Av in Fairfield.  See  the map below.

Starting Time: 9:00 AM Local 

Fox Frequency:  147.485 MHz Simplex

Fox Power:  5W into a 1/4 wave antenna dropping to 1W

Host:         Shawn Takatsu - KC1MYE

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters

En-Route Communications:  Use the repeaters to talk to Shawn

Tips for In-Car Foxhunting

• Always drive in the direction so that the signal gets stronger.  If the signal has gotten weaker, you are going away from the fox (unless the power has changed per the schedule.)
• If you are locating the fox on a mobile radio, turn it off and use a handheld.  The handheld will be inside the car and the signal will be attenuated.
• Start off with a larger antenna, and as you get closer, use a smaller antenna.
• Also check the third harmonic which will have a much lower signal strength.  The third harmonic of 442.455 MHz.  This will be helpful when you get close to the fox.
• Use a directional antenna or an attenuator.
• Lay your HT on it's side, the polarization of the antenna will change and the signal will drop again
• Putting the HT on the floor of your car will allow the signal to be blocked even more.You *can* use your car as an attenuator.
• Most of all HAVE FUN but BE SAFE!  Try to learn, and if you get lost check back in on the repeater and ask for help.

June 13 2020 - Easton

GBARC's monthly foxhunt is on Saturday June 13th at 9am.  All members and non-members are invited to attend.  The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  DO NOT CONGREGATE or socialize with others.  Whenever possible remain safely in your car and stay a safe distance away from others.   You will be able to find the sign by the fox with the information from inside your car.  

The first person to locate the fox will be awarded 5 points.  All other participants will receive 3 points for locating the fox and 1 point for participating.  Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Recommended Starting Location:  Pick one of the two recommended starting points.  Select the one most convenient for you.  One is at the Jefferson Street Park and Ride lot at the northbound Merritt 46 entrance.  The other is the parking lot of the Redding Country Club on state route 107.  See  the map below.

Starting Time: 9:00 AM Local June 13th

Fox Frequency:  147.485 MHz Simplex

Fox Power:  5W into a 1/4 wave antenna

Sponsor:         Shawn Takatsu - KC1MYE

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters

En-Route Communications:  Use the repeaters to talk to Shawn

After the fox hunt we will meet in the parking lot of the The Olde Blue Bird Inn Restaurant (363 Black Rock Turnpike, Easton).  We can buy sandwiches there and eat them in the parking lot while maintaining a safe distance from others. 

May 9 2020 - Trumbull/Easton/Monroe

On Saturday May 9th at 9am we will have our monthly Foxhunt.  All members and non-members are invited to attend.  The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  DO NOT CONGREGATE or socialize with others.  Whenever possible remain safely in your car and stay a safe distance away from others.   You will be able to find the sign by the fox with the information from inside your car.  For more tips, see below the map.

The first person to locate the fox will receive a free pizza delivered to their home and 5 points.  All other participants will receive 3 points for locating the fox and 1 point for participating . Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Recommended Starting Location:  Home Depot, 90 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611

Starting Time: 9:00 AM Local May 9th

Fox Frequency:  147.485 MHz Simplex

Fox Power:  5W into a 1/4 wave antenna

Sponsor:  Emily Clarke N1DID

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters

En-Route Communications:  Contact N1DID on 146.52 Simplex or call 203-522-6750

Click below to get a full size Map.

Tips for In-Car Foxhunting

• Always drive in the direction so that the signal gets stronger.  If the signal has gotten weaker, you are going away from the fox (unless the power has changed per the schedule.)
• If you are locating the fox on a mobile radio, turn it off and use a handheld.  The handheld will be inside the car and the signal will be attenuated.
• Start off with a larger antenna, and as you get closer, use a smaller antenna.
• Also check the third harmonic which will have a much lower signal strength.  The third harmonic of 442.455 MHz.  This will be helpful when you get close to the fox.
• Use a directional antenna or an attenuator.
• Lay your HT on it's side, the polarization of the antenna will change and the signal will drop again
• Putting the HT on the floor of your car will allow the signal to be blocked even more.You *can* use your car as an attenuator.
• Most of all HAVE FUN but BE SAFE!  Try to learn, and if you get lost check back in on the repeater and ask for help.

April 4 2020 - Bridgeport/Trumbull

On Saturday April 4th at 9am we will have our first Foxhunt.  All members and non-members are invited to attend.  The purpose of the foxhunt is to track down a hidden transmitter and find some information, then relay that information according to the instructions on a sign where the fox is located.  DO NOT CONGREGATE or socialize with others.  Whenever possible remain safely in your car and stay a safe distance away from others.   You will be able to find the sign by the fox with the information from inside your car.  For more tips, see below the map.

The first person to locate the fox will receive a free pizza delivered to their home.  All other participants will receive 1 point for participating and 3 points for locating the fox.  Points will be tallied for the year, and at the end of the year prizes will be awarded to the top 3 hunters.

Starting Location:  Westfield Mall in Trumbull on Main St.

Starting Time: 9:00 AM Local April 4th

Fox Frequency:  147.480 MHz Simplex

Sponsor:  Emily Clarke N1DID

Check in on:  441.700 or 146.445 Repeaters

Transmission Schedule:  See Below

Click below to get a full size Map.

Transmission Schedule:

9:00 - 9:30 - Full power 1/4 wave antenna

9:30-10:00 - Full power 1/8 wave antenna

10:00-11:00 - Low power 1/8 wave antenna