March 29, 2010 - We have recently moved servers and are updating the site.  Please check back offten to see the changes and get current information about upcoming hunts including the starting location, talk-in frequencies, and contact details for more information. You can also join our mailing list to get the most up to date information about our events.

Transmitter hunting also known as Radio Direction Finding (RDF) is used to locate the exact location of a radio transmitter broadcasting a signal. RDF can be used to help track down stolen cars, search for persons in distress and locate downed aircraft where an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) has activated.

Amateur Radio Operators (Ham Radio Operators or Hams) use RDF to track interference from both intentional and unintentional sources, stolen equipment, but mostly for fun. Hidden transmitter hunting (T-Hunting) has been done by hams for over fifty years and is best described as high-tech hide-and-seek, but with radio gear. T-Hunters drive, hike, and even run on foot, looking for a transmitter that is usually hidden.  The person who “hides” the transmitter is called the “Fox”.


About our Group...

Our group started out in the San Francisco Bay Area where most of our events (t-hunts) are located in the East Bay and South Bay regions. The majority of our hunts are scheduled for up to three hours and finish when everyone has found the fox.  Our group does special hunts which we call pack-a-lunch hunts. These hunts usually take a good part of the day and start in the morning or early afternoon depending on the expected duration to find the Fox and are announced in advance by the Fox.  Most pack-a-lunch hunts expand our area to Northern California with the only limitation the fox’s signal must be heard at a pre-determined starting location, allowing hunters to get initial bearings.  Pack-a-lunch hunts are usually more difficult and are not advised for beginners unless they hunt with or coordinate with one of the more seasoned group members.

Our group does most of our T-Hunting in RDF-equipped cars. Most t-hunt contests start from a centralized location known as a start point (see locations on the menu bar) and then everyone is on their own to find the hidden transmitter with the lowest possible mileage. You never know where you’ll end up and you have no idea what you’re going to find.

After every t-hunt, participants gather at a local pizza restaurant to discuss the hunt, provide details of their own experience and “debrief” each other, helping everyone expand their skills.

While there is competition to win the t-hunt, our group encourages new people to join. Experienced group members are willing to share information to assist anyone that asks for help. As the hunt progresses hunters can provide clues and additional information to people that may be experiencing difficulties.  Our goal is to help make everyone a better hunter while having a good time.

You do not have to be a licensed amateur radio operator to participate in any t-hunt as a hunter.  If you would like to be a fox for a hunt, FCC rules require that you have at least a technician class license and a 2-meter radio to be able to communicate with the hunters at the start of the event.

If you are interested in learning about t-hunting, you may call Rich Harrington, KN6FW at 925-462-1467 and he can connect you with a group member willing to take you on a hunt to get you started. We also encourage you to join our mailing list by clicking on the menu bar at the top of the page.

We hope to see you soon!!!