Besides heading towards the FOX in the right direction, you have to know when you are
getting close to the FOX. I have tried different radios for this task, many with good
results. But, my favorite is the Yaesu VX-1R dual band radio.
The best way to describe how I use my 'U-R-Here' receiver is to talk about a
hypothetical hunt. After determining an initial bearing, I will drive towards the FOX,
adjusting my directions according to my Doppler indication. Not knowing the distance to
the FOX, I would have to keep driving until I pass the FOX.
With a good 'U-R-Here' radio, I would attenuate the receive signal so that the radio
will only sound off when I get within a one or two mile radius of the FOX. This procedure
prevents me from passing the FOX and clues me into slowing down or stopping to check for
the FOX.
1) I would set my Yaesu VX-1R to the FOX frequency and place the radio in my shirt
pocket. This setting will give me about a 5-10 mile radius of the FOX. I continue making
minor changes in direction, according to the Doppler.
2) This next step is where the VX-1R comes into its own. As soon as the VX-1R sounds on
the fundamental frequency, I would set the radio to the FOX frequency + double the 'IF'
frequency. In-Example: the fox frequency 146.415 + 82.9 (double 'IF' of 41.45) = 229.315.
With this setting on the VX-1R receiver and the radio in my pocket, I would now get about
a 1-2 mile radius of the FOX. (Most other radios set to double the 'IF' would not sound
off soon enough). Now I really look to my Doppler and make major changes in direction,
like take the next Freeway Exit and get onto surface streets. Possibly guess where the FOX
is hidden and draw lines on a map.
3) Next, I would set the VX-1R back to the Fundamental FOX frequency, but this time
take the antenna off. Now when I get within a block (1/4 mile) of the FOX my VX-1R will
sound. At this point I should park my car and walk.
4) When I'm right on top of the FOX, but still can't find it. I will set my VX-1R back
to the FOX frequency + double the 'IF' frequency and leave the antenna off. This will
allow me to get within feet of the transmitter.
As you can see, an entire T-Hunt can be done, with just the use of your Yaesu VX-1R
dual band radio. All you need is a good initial bearing, head on out towards the FOX and
then body fade the transmitter when you get close enough.
Jim - KD6DX
