Hunt Results

Summary:

The number of teams checking in to the roll call for this hunt was limited. Both teams announced that they would be using only Doppler RDF systems to hunt with. A third team also participated as part of the SCD / ORF team in a observation caravan vehicle. It is well known that this Doppler based system provide great results only when RF signal levels are sufficient. The hunt was designed to provide the best hunt experience for the two Doppler hunter teams.

The transmitter site selected was at the end of a cul de sac on Via Santa Vienta, on the south ridge of Poway. This location provided a clear RF line of sight to the college. A single 40 watt transmitter was used feeding a 4 element vertically polarized Yagi antenna aimed at El Capitan peak. That antenna pointing direction was chosen to help bias the apparent starting bearing more towards the highway 67 approach route. After initial test transmissions and instructions to the two teams, the hunt started on time. Both teams investigated possible locations at the north end of Santee Lakes. After that investigation, the two teams parted ways. Team Tom, VCR and Gregg, RXX opted to use I15 to the Poway area. Team SCD and ORF made the decision to use Route 67 to continue to the north.

Tom and Gregg proceeded to the transmitter location, not experiencing any further wild goose chases and arrived at the transmitter site at 6:14PM.

In an unexpected development, Robert and Bill followed some false bearings on the way to Poway and found themselves chasing signals in the southern area of Sycamore Canyon. That effort caused a significant delay and they were not able to find the hide location.

Team SZO and BAF beginning at the college were able to join the hunt in progress about 30 minutes late. With traditional vehicle hunt equipment, Joe and Greg were able to locate and arrive at the hide site at 6:04 PM.

All the hunters retired to the Lienzo Charro Mexican Restaurant in Poway for dinner. Below are a few photos taken by Joe SZO during the hunt and showing some of the APRS travel routes of the hunt teams. My thanks to him for that contribution and the valuable help that Jerry, VLF, provided to help me host this hunt.

PHB