How I ended up at the 2002 U.S. ARDF/Radio Orienteering Championships
by Valerie Meyer, W8VAL 

Last fall, I decided to try some new activities. I took sailing lessons, bought roller blades, and signed up for ham radio classes. In December, I sat for my Technician's license and also passed the Morse code requirement. In January, I passed the General exam and in March, the Extra exam.

I joined ARRL and got my first issue of the magazine QST. On the front cover was the article about the 2001 ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding) US Championships in New Mexico. The next one was April 20-21, 2002 - my only free weekend over a three month period, so I fill it up. And what could be better - a competition which included a combination of radio and orienteering, which I have done for about 8 years. The Atlanta location was ideal for an avowed homebody - only one plane ride away. With no women competing in last year's event, I also figured the female population needed to be represented. Despite my 43 years, I decided on the F21 category (women of any age) versus the F35 category (women 35-49) which I was eligible for. My reasoning was that the F21 entrants were required to find 5 transmitters, and the F35 entrants were only required to find 4. Piece of cake! Well, it turns out that I was a bit overconfident...especially since I had no experience at transmitter hunting.

And it quickly became apparent that my Extra license was an overstatement of my practical knowledge. So, I started searching web sites for information on equipment. Well, the links from ham radio related sites often pointed to pages that were no longer available. So, I targeted some experienced competitors for information. Bob Frey, WA6EZV, pointed me towards a 2m antenna site. Charles Scharlau, NZ0I, gave me advice on 80m equipment, and the meet director Sam Smith, N4MAP, patiently answered my questions.

For the 2m competition, I made a tape measure 3-element Yagi antenna and hooked it up to my Kenwood handi-talkie (antenna site: http://home.att.net/~jleggio/projects/rdf/tape_bm.htm ). For the 80m day, I was counting on an equipment loan. So, I headed to Atlanta as ready as I was going to be.

I was a bit disoriented at the airport - not a good sign. I sat at the wrong check-in counter and the incorrect gate as well. Luckily, I had left plenty of time, because my bag was also selected for x-ray and then the radio equipment needed to be hand searched. I made it to the event site on Friday with about 45 minutes left to practice on the 2-meter transmitters. I hurriedly threw stuff out of my suitcase and changed clothes. I dashed off with my equipment.

I didn't find anything during the 2m practice. But then I had forgotten about the transmitter free zone around the start - no transmitters are located within x meters of the start, and then they are spaced at least x meters apart. I was also using my antenna in a vertical instead on a horizontal position. I was looking too close in and did not have a feel for how far away the signal could be. Afterwards, Bob pointed out my need for an active or offset attenuator to dampen the strong signal as you get closer to the transmitter. He offered me his spare rig for the next day's competition - antenna, receiver, and attenuator combined. For the 80m practice, I borrowed Bill Farrell's loop antenna. I also had Brian DeYoung, K4BRI, behind me and I asked him a ton of questions. We found 2 of the practice 80m transmitters. This required you to hunt for the signal's null, then turn the antenna 90 degrees and determine which direction the signal is the strongest. There are many variations of the this receiver used - I used Dale Hunt's (WB6BYU) prototype in the competition. And I could have used 3 different ones from Sergei Storkov, KD5RNL, Charles, and Bill Farrell. Dick, WB4SUV, gave me two of the adhesive circles which the pros apply to the map to designate the transmitter free zone. These radio guys were generous with their equipment - anything to help the rookie.

My expectations for success were dialed back after the practice day. I arrived at the 2m start hoping to find at least one control in the 3 hour time limit. I searched for an hour for the first one. I was within 100 meters for about 45 minutes. I finally climbed the hill it was on and did a little happy dance and gave a whoop and a holler. Over the course of the next 2 hours, I found another transmitter and it was the one with water. Thank goodness! It was hot and I drank all I had with me. Near the end of my 3 hours, I ended up being further away from the finish than I thought I was and really had to push to get back under the time limit. That was hard work. So, I decided to do a regular orienteering course in the afternoon to restore my confidence. The second competition day was the 80m transmitters. This was supposed to be easier because the signals don't reflect like the 2m. I found the first control in about an hour and then the second one in 15 minutes. I then lost my mind and went in the complete opposite direction of the 3rd control, even though the signal was getting weaker, not stronger. I finally turned around and got to the vicinity of the transmitter, but could not locate it. I headed to the finish.

Because of my orienteering skills, I knew where I was the majority of the time. However, I did not like the feeling of not knowing where I was going to. Also, each transmitter sent its Morse code for 1 minute. This required me to really concentrate and ignore the signals I wasn't looking for. Otherwise, I ran around in circles, first heading to one and then switching course to another one. I also need a lesson in triangulation, among other things.

So, the final tally was 2/5 controls each day, or 40%. This was enough to earn two gold medals. Next year the championship is going to be in Cincinnati and I plan to defend my titles. But more importantly, I would like to find more controls. Given that I was a total rookie, I was pleased with what I accomplished, but not totally satisfied. I would have to say that anyone with a bit of fitness and the right equipment can be successful at Radio Orienteering. So, the next time you see it offered, come and give it a try.