Equipment and Projects:

Equipment for fox hunting...

What equipment do you need for fox hunting? Some hams would argue that you only need a small hand-held transceiver (HT) with a good built-in signal strength meter (S-meter). Others would suggest that you also need a good directional antenna for checking the bearing to the fox and a variable attenuator to keep the received signal strength within the range of the HT's S-meter. Beyond the above items, the range of equipment is limited only by the imagination and technical expertise of the hunter. We will cover some of the popular items here, both home built and commercially available.

Fox Hunting Antennas:
fox box image
Almost all fox hunters have a favorite directional antenna for getting a good bearing to the fox's lair. These antennas can vary from the simple "paper clip" antenna to commercial monstrosities. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Fox Hunting Attenuators:
  • Simple Adjustable Passive RDF Attenuator
    When you get close to the fox, you need a way to attenuate his signal so that you can see S-Meter movement on your HT. This is a simple, moderately adjustable, attenuator made out of PL259 and BNC cable connectors. Our tests show an attenuation of 7 DBs to 35 DBs. Unfortunately, this project is no longer on the web, however we have found it in a compendium of Joe Leggio's RDF projects by . Follow the above link and turn to page 32 for the plans.  These plans have been compiled by David Lowe, WE1U, into a pdf document.
  • Active offset RDF Attenuator
    Here is a little more difficult attenuator to build, but much easier to get a smooth adjustment. This is called an "offset" attenuator.  
  • RDF Switched Step Attenuator
    This attenuator is also a little more difficult to build, but easy to use in the field.  Be sure to keep the cable between the attenuator and the HT as short as possible because it also works somewhat as an antenna when close to the fox.  

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Fox Hunting Misc:
  • This You Will Want To See! A goldmine of projects!
    Joe Leggio, WB2HOL, RDF projects are getting harder and harder to find on the internet. This link takes you to a compandium of Joe's popular projects. This document was put together by David Lowe, WE1U, and contains nearly 15 RDF projects including the favorite "Handi-Finder". You will want to download or print this 78 page document!
  • The Fox Buster 1 Doppler Antenna Tool
    If you really want to go wild with your projects, you can build this Doppler assisted tool called the Fox Buster 1. A little more advanced, but it works quite well. In fact, Doppler equipment is actually banned in most fox hunts, or they compete in a special classification. Some hams say that with this device, you can just "drive right up to the fox". There is also a popular kit from Ramsey that we will list on the Suppliers page.

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Fox Hunting Transmitters/Controllers:
fox box image Many foxhunts are held with the fox operating an HT or mobile rig in some remote location. Other groups choose to use a small transmitter in a hidden box so everyone can play hunter. Here are a couple of well-designed "FoxBoxes."
  • The Easy-to-Build FoxBox by K8JHR.
    Here is a well designed foxbox for the typical afternoon fox hunt. This device can be assembled in an evening and used the next day. We understand that this device is also handy for practice exercises by the local dedicated fox hunters.
  • Hidden Transmitter in an Ammo' Box
    Here is a little more rugged foxbox built into a military surplus ammunition box. This design uses large "gelcell" batteries for hunts lasting two weeks and beyond in an environmentally challenging location.

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