Since KF6GQ was going to be on vacation, he left his partner, KD6LAJ, to hide the transmitter. GQ left a Mini-T that was modified for continuous transmissions that could be used if desired. KD6LAJ modified it so that it identified more often, with only a second or so of dead carrier. LAJ decided not to rely on a small 9volt battery, since the current draw on the modified transmitter was somewhat greater, due to the duty-cycle increase. He used an 8-volt 3AH Gel cell to power the small transmitter.

Steve KD6LAJ, wanted to make sure the signal could be heard at the start, but wanted only a very small antenna for any one hunting to see. With a beam, this transmitter could easily be heard for many miles, but with a small antenna, he would need some height, and would need to stay in close. LAJ decided on a hill not far from, and within easy range for the Mini-T, of the start point. Thinking that if he kept the radiated power low, he might fool some of the hunters, since they would probably be thinking that no one would hide that close to the start. This is always a gamble, since it can, and frequently does with so many experienced hunters, happen that they are not fooled, and just quickly arrive at the hiding spot. LAJ reasoned that with a stealthy antenna, even the quick teams that arrive in a very short time would still have an enjoyable sniff and not feel cheated.

So much for the planning of the hide. Having prepared the necessary equipment, tested it, and making sure to have other backup equipment ready just in case, LAJ and his helper, Debbie, setup for the hunt. LAJ's vehicle was moved a couple of blocks away (but was still seen by some of the hunters--oh well) and all seemed ready. The time came to put the transmitter on the air, and the battery was hooked up. Only a small wire was used for the antenna at this time, and the T was placed on the ground, shielded by a chain link fence on one side, and a small rise on the other. Unfortunately, no one could hear the weak signal without sideband detection. Rats!! Back to the T and change the antenna. Still not enough. Rats! Back again to the T and change to a 5/8 wave, stand up the T, and put it up on the rise, so that it is higher than the fence. Finally, the hunters had an FM detectable signal, and the hunt was on.

With much more signal, and with elevation to help, some hunters zipped right over to the T. Others took a path that caused them to lose the weak signal, and drove somewhat looking to hear it again. The sniff part was not very challenging for these mostly experienced hunters, since now the shiny 5/8 wave antenna, up on the rise, was just too obvious.

LAJ tried to apologize to some of the hunters for the slightly delayed start, but most didn't care about it, since it was such a short hunt in the end.

Ray and Deryl got there in record time and had short mileage, so they can try to put on a better hide next month.

Comments:

"we were heading for the 605 when the signal turned over here."
"your T sucks. It went off the air, and came back on later?" (it didn't, of course)
"lost the signal and just kept driving."
Thanks to all who participated, and to MJN who came out for the fun on it. He found all of our transmitters this month too quickly. (So did AIN.) We will have to make them much harder to find.

KD6LAJ