ARDF Ottawa

Scroll down for pictures from the event!

Sponsors:	Scouts Canada & OVMRC & OARC
Date:	2021-10-30
Times:	10 AM for scouts 10:30 AM for hams (last group out at noon)
Location:	Hog's Back park, see map below
Cost:	Free
For more info:	VA3EGY@gmail.com
Register here:	no registration required

On Saturday October 30, a group of scouters together with several scout leaders and some parents tried finding hidden Microfox15 transmitters with our SNIFFER4 receivers and hand-built directional fiberglass antennas. The organizers hid 5 transmitters (as shown on the map below). Once the scouters had had their turn, members of the OARC and OVMRC were invited to try their hands at the hunt.

Hidden Transmitter Locations

About ARDF

As you may know, radio transmitter hunting is a popular amateur radio activity. In Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the USA it is pursued as a recreational activity but there is also a competitive radio sport called Amateur Radio Direction Finding (or ARDF) with international championships held in different countries on a regular basis. Unfortunately, ARDF is not well known or practiced in Canada. There are a few small groups active in western Canada, but we want to help bring ARDF back to Ottawa.

ARDF is similar to orienteering, where participants must locate a number of control markers (flags) spread out over a large park or urban area. Using a map and a compass, participants develop a strategy and then locate the most flags in the shortest period of time. With ARDF, a radio transmitter is co-located with each flag and participants use a radio receiver and directional antenna (they may also use a map and compass) to find them.

We have established a transmitter hunting program development team from the ranks of our local amateur radio operators. We plan to provide equipment, training, and expertise to enable other local groups to host transmitter hunts with their communities throughout the year (primarily May to October).

We received a funding grant from the IEEE in early 2020. Both of the local amateur radio clubs, the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club (OARC) and the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club (OVMRC) , have contributed funding to assemble enough equipment for 12 individual participants (or 24 teams of 2). The activity is suitable for any age group at any fitness level, provided the participants have the ability and mobility to move over rough outdoor terrain. Participants under the age of 18 may require permission from or accompaniment by a parent or guardian. In particular, we intend this activity to support local youth groups such as Scouts, Guides, Christie Lake Kids, and the Orienteering Ottawa Club.

COVID-19 Precautions:

To ensure that we can provide a safe environment for everyone, ALL participants must wear a suitable face mask. Masks were available in case anyone forgot theirs. Hand sanitizer was available for all participants. The equipment is sanitized after every use before it is given to the next user.