Hunting Foxes at Pinecrest Expedition Academy

by Richard Combs

Pinecrest Expedition Academy is a very outdoors oriented hands-on school. So, under the guise of giving a presentation about amateur radio, a few of us arranged for a Fox Hunt for the students. Those in the know realize this is not an actual fox hunt, but rather an exercise in radio direction finding. With the help of Greg Kiyoi KN6RUQ and “Fox Master “Brian Zoraster KA6ZED, foxes were found, and students educated.

My task was talking about radios, its history, and how they work. There were two groups young K-3 and older 4-7 graders, somewhat of a challenge for me. Both groups were however, inquisitive and engaged. We started with some tin can phones, then I cut the string and said “Now what?” After a little history and some more discussion, we eventually headed out for the hunt. Brian Zoraster had 3D printed two custom tape measure Yagi antennas, and after some instruction the students were off for the hunt. None of the foxes got away, and the students seemed to have fun, expressing surprise when they located the fox/transmitter.

Special thanks to Brian and Greg who made the trip up to the school near Pinecrest early in the morning. The next challenge will be to try and monitor the ISS transmissions with the antennas Brian left with the school.

You can see Brian’s antennas and setup at Pacificon. On with the hunt!