Build a Foxhunt Variable Attenuator

Hidden transmitter hunting, or foxhunting, is a fun challenge that also helps develop skills in tracking down unknown signal sources. But once you get close, a signal may overwhelm your receiver. Step attenuators will help, but they tend to be very expensive and difficult to use in the field. WA4KFZ came up with a very effective and reasonably priced solution that you can wear on your belt.

MARK D. BRAUNSTEIN

In the summer of 2020, hams in our area were desperate for something, anything, to do while faced with COVID-19 restrictions on group gatherings. Two clubs, the Woodbridge Wireless and Ole Virginia Hams, got together and sponsored a foxhunt activity that could be safely held outdoors. Although I’d never participated in a foxhunt, I did have prior work experience in basic direction-finding systems using antennas and receivers. Figuring that I’d be “a natural” for this event, I thought I’d have no problems finding the hidden fox. Instead, I failed miserably. In my haste to get my handheld radio and antenna ready, I had forgotten to borrow a step attenuator from the laboratory at work. Instead of being able to attenuate the strongest signals, I had to rely on peaks and…

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CQ Amateur Radio (Digital) - 1 Issue, February 2023

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