WD9EYB's Strategy and Tactics of Hidden Transmitter Hunting

1. Introduction
   Despite that I'm not the best perhaps not even a good hidden transmitter hunter, I feel motivated to list some of the tactics and strategy of hidden transmitter hunting.
   
2. Tactics
   1. Practice and study hidden transmitter hunting.
   2. Copy the equipment, strategy and tactics of hunt winners.
   3. Use an up-to-date map.
   4. If possible, reconnoiter the area of the hunt ahead of time.
   5. Make sure all equipment is in good operating condition.
   6. Make sure all batteries are charged and fresh.
   7. Show up for the hunt early.
   8. Check in with hunt organizers.
   9. Know the rules.
   10. Be ready for the first transmission.
   11. Calmly take bearings and note them on the map.
   12. Make sure you know where you are on the map.
   13. Don't try to memorize bearings, you will forget and confuse them.
   14. Decide on the next way point before going to it.
   15. Walk, run, or drive safely to the next way point.
   16. Do not violate traffic laws.
   17. Avoid congested areas.
   18. Do not trespass.
   19. Park where it's legal.
   20. Don't get in the way of pedestrians or vehicles.
   21. Be courteous at all times.
3. Strategy
   1. Out of Range
      1. Check the date, time, and locale of the hunt.
      2. Check the frequency.
      3. Check your equipment.
      4. Allow time for hidden transmitters to come on the air
      5. Are there other hunters that can hear the hidden transmitter?
      6. Check with hunt organizers for hidden transmitter failures.
      7. If you know the hunt area, search the area with an omnidirectional antenna.
      8. Use a search pattern that will cover as much of the area as possible assuming minimum hidden transmitter range.
      9. Don't search too fast, you might miss the signal.
   2. Very Far Away
      1. Remove any attenuators between antenna and receiver.
      2. Move slowly when trying to take a bearing.
      3. Open the squelch of the receiver.
      4. If unsure of the bearing, make a guess.
      5. Moving a short distance won't make much difference in signal strength or bearing.
      6. Move a good distance to the next way point.
   3. Far Away
      1. Use the minimum amount of attenuation required.
      2. Move slowly when trying to take a bearing.
      3. Open the squelch of the receiver.
      4. Take the best bearing possible.
      5. Don't triangulate, it takes too long.
      6. Home in, i.e. follow beam headings, to the hidden transmitter.
      7. Remember to mark bearings on the map and use the map to decide on the next way point.
      8. In multiple transmitter hunts, mark bearings on the map for the other transmitters. You will need them soon.
   4. Multipath Trap
      1. If you're spending a lot of time in one area with confusing bearings, you might be in a multipath trap.
      2. One point with a strong signal with no points of strong signal around it might be just a hot spot. Don't trust the hot spot bearing.
      3. Move a good distance to try to get out of the trap.
      4. Be sure to take bearings at way points with no nearby buildings, overhead wires, metal fences, or metal poles.
      5. If you hunt often in the same area, note the locations of possible multipath traps and where good bearings can be taken.
      6. Even incorrect bearings due to multipath may still have some element of truth to them. Average the bad bearings to get an idea of what a good bearing might be.
   5. Near By
      1. Use enough attenuation to give a good bearing.
      2. If you're using an S-meter, use enough attenuation to give a wide swing of S-meter. Don't have all the readings near the top or near the bottom.
      3. Be aware that multipath may still be a problem. You might think you're near when you're still far away.
      4. Use the map and be sure to mark your bearings on it.
      5. Don't waste time checking hunches.
      6. Trust your equipment.
      7. Home in on the hidden transmitter.
   6. Very Near
      1. If you're using an offset attenuator you can get more attenuation by using higher harmonics of the local oscillator.
      2. You can get good bearings and be just feet away from the hidden transmitter.
      3. If you're very close, a field strength meter instead of a receiver may be appropriate.
      4. Take a bearing and check your field of vision, the hidden transmitter could be right in front of you.
      5. Try to find it with good bearings instead of guesses and hunches.
      6. Once you have found it, record the information required and quickly move on to the next hidden transmitter. You have a hunt to win.

RETURN
to Foxhunting Page