After much deliberation, we decided that it would be interesting to design a hunt around the use of a high power (150 watts) transmitter feeding an omni-directional antenna. By using a high power transmitter, it was hoped that as the hunters neared the hide site, they would not be able to attenuate the received signal enough to allow the use of their S-meters correctly.

After some research on the internet and ham references, it was decided that a J-pole antenna would offer the most opportunities for this daylight hide. It does not need a ground plane, can handle high power, lends itself to camouflage, and is easy to fabricate. After some quality time with a pipe cutter and propane torch, an antenna was constructed out of one-half inch copper water pipe. After some trial and error to adjust the RF matching of the antenna using an MFJ analyzer (thanks to Tom - KE6VCR, for loan of test equipment) the antenna was adjusted to yield a 1:1.2 SWR. A good SWR is important in light of the intended use with a 150 watt transmitter and the damage that could result with poor matching at this power level.

The next step was to determine how to camouflage the antenna and transmitter so that the curiosity of either hunters or passers-by would not be peaked by this hardware. Originally, it was planned to attach the antenna to a wooden telephone pole but we were surprised to learn that the SWR was really upset by this configuration. After a few other ideas were dismissed, we finally decided that the antenna could be hidden inside a PVC pipe staked in the ground. The J-pole has a loading stub that extends from the driven element like a branch of a cactus and would be obvious, if nothing was done to obscure that antenna member. We decided that a double paneled signboard, which sandwiched the offending antenna element, would do the trick. A homemade sign was made, but the method to attach it to the antenna was not clear. Originally, a PVC frame was fabricated in the center of the pole to accept the signboards. In an attempt to keep the antenna design simple, that frame was discarded in favor of simply taping the signboard halves to the PVC pole directly.

With the plans for the antenna complete, the details of choosing a hidden transmitter location and method for camouflaging the transmitter equipment was discussed. Since city parks are a common venue for hidden transmitter hides, we specifically looked for a way to hide in a less obvious location. Tony�s son, Mike, offered to host the transmitter site on his home property. In addition, his car was pressed into service on the day of the hunt to house the transmitter and battery in the trunk. During the final assembly of the hidden T, a cable was routed from the trunk to the J-pole staked in the curb lawn strip about 12 feet to the rear. As a measure of spoofing, Tony and Joe parked their vehicles in the area outfitted with ham equipment that may confuse the hunters that may recognize the vehicles.

Mike graciously offered to activate the transmitter hardware at the scheduled start of the hunt. This assistance allowed Tony and Joe to join the hunters at the Grossmont parking lot and arrange to ride along with hunting teams. The transmitter PICON was configured for a 15 on/ 45 sec off automated cycle .

On this particular hunt, two hunt teams participated. Ron KK6I with team members Gary KF6DOZ , and Rebecca, KF6WZR invited Tony to ride along. Thomas, KE6CBR and Johnna offered Joe a ride to the transmitter. The hunt was organized as a timed event with the first team to identify the location of the transmitter to be declared the winner. The hunt started on time (6:00pm), and hunters left the parking lot soon after, destined to find the transmitter hidden in a Santee residential neighborhood near Carlton Hills Drive and Mast Boulevard (a mer 2.54 miles away .

Due to the intermittent transmissions, both teams experienced some difficulty in arriving at the transmitter site. Ron�s team picked up a signal reflection, which caused a course detour several miles to the north of the site. Thomas� team navigated in a gradually shrinking spiral around the T. Despite the differences in search course, the two teams arrived at Mike�s residence at the same time in the hunt.

The "on foot" portion of the hunt began with members of each team commenting that the signal appeared to be "everywhere" and "very strong" and Johnna felt "helpless". Most hunters found it difficult to get accurate bearing readings from their equipment and depended equally on signal readings and intuition. The camouflaged antenna attracted Ron�s attention first. He began to inspect the ground in the proximity of the antenna to find the probable location of the RF feed coax. He also followed the cable back to the source end connected to the transmitter in the car trunk.

While other hunters looked on, Gary proceeded to confirm the presence of the antenna concealed in the "Garage Sale" sign using a pocket knife. Ron�s team was declared the winner of this hunt with a VERY close second registered by Thomas� team. Official hunting time was 26 minutes.

While Tony and Joe secured the transmitter installation, the hunters recounted their experiences before all participants retired to the Round Table Pizza restaurant to have dinner and continue the discussion about T-hunting.

I want to thank Tony for taking all the marvelous pictures and his teamwork to make this T-hunt a success.

Joe