Just a reminder that we are planning a T-Hunt on Saturday February 1, 2014. We will start the day off with making some hand held 3-element Yagi antennas for the T-Hunt. We will then do the T-Hunt and end up in a public park somewhere in the Coachella Valley and have a picnic for all those that participate. Please plan on participating in this fun event.
For those of you that do not wish to do everything yourself there are two kits you can purchase that has everything in it and you assemble with little work. The attenuator mentioned below is not going to be needed the first few times we do this. Eventually we will need you purchase the attenuator so that we can find the transmitter in a very well hidden location.
http://www.west.net/~marvin/wb2hol.htm This kit does not have the Attenuator and cost is $29 including shipping – http://www.west.net/~marvin/complete.htm This kit does contain the attenuator and the cost is $83 including the shipping.
Here are the materials that will be needed to make an antenna if you wish to do everything yourself.
Instructions for making this antenna can be found at: http://theleggios.net/wb2hol/projects/rdf/tape_bm.htm
21 inches of PVC pipe. This can be either ½ inch or ¾ inch or 1 inch pvc pipe. This matters for weight only.
2 Cross T-connectors PVC
1 T- connector PVC
6 hose clamps
Total approx cost for parts from local hardware store will be approx $15.00 if building a 1inch PVC version.
The recommended PVC size is ¾ inches.
You will also want to design a handle of some sort for the antenna. This will make it easier to hold.
Cost for RG-58 wire to connect to radio will be additional. We are still looking for a good source for this for our building project.
Also you will probably want to purchase a “2 or 4 MHz. Offset Fox Hunt Attenuator”. This will allow you to fine tune the signal you receive so that you can find the transmitter. Without it you will not be able to pin point the transmitter once you get close. Already made can be purchased from the following places:
http://www.arrowantennas.com/main/4ofha.html This is a fully assembled 4 MHz unit in a box. You just plug it in and go. Cost is $59.00 each.
