A ham radio fox hunt is an outdoor game and competition where participants use radio receivers and directional antennas to track down a hidden radio transmitter called the “fox”. It is also known as Transmitter hunting, and related to the more athletic competition of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF).
How It Works
- The Fox: This is a small, low-power radio transmitter concealed somewhere within a park, a local neighborhood, or hidden city-wide. To help hunters track it down, it automatically broadcasts a repeating sequence of beeps, audio tones, or voice signals using a timed on-and-off transmission cycle.
- The Hunt: Participants start from a common area and move on foot or in vehicles to track the signal.
- The Goal: Hunters use signal strength and directional bearings to pinpoint where the fox is hidden.
Common Equipment
- Receiver: A handheld VHF/UHF radio (like a 2-meter HT) to pick up the frequency.
- Directional Antenna: A Yagi antenna (often homemade out of a tape measure) that points toward the strongest signal.
- Attenuator: A small device used at close range to lower the radio’s sensitivity so the loud signal does not overwhelm the receiver.
Why Hams Do It
- Real-World Skills: It teaches vital radio direction-finding techniques used in search and rescue or locating rogue signal interference.
- Accessibility: Anyone can participate because you only need a receive-capable radio to hunt; an amateur radio license is not required to play. Great for beginners and non-hams.
Several times a year we get together on a Sunday afternoon for an Ames City wide foxhunt, starting off in vehicles and finishing the last few yards by foot. It’s a great event to participate in even if you’re not licensed.