The Midlands ARDF Series 2019

Introduction:
This series of local 80m DF events is being staged as a series of events attractive to folk who would like to try out direction finding. Receivers are provided on loan.

Event 4 (of five)  Sunday 11th August - Fosse Meadows Country Park

Venue:
The event will take place at Fosse Meadows Country Park near Sharnford and next to the ancient Roman Fosse Way at a point where this  is just a country road and not the A46.
Click here for a map showing the location 
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=448790&Y=290735&A=Y&Z=115
There are two car parks and we will be using the most southerly of these. The area is best approached from the north.

Format:
The event is designed for members of Radio Clubs in Regions 5 and 13 (although anyone is welcome to participate), plus members of local Orienteering Clubs. In the majority of radio clubs there are only two or three members interested in going beyond the annual Club DF hunt. This series is an attempt to draw together such members with more than the usual interest in ARDF.

The key elements are as follows:

- the series will use the 80m amateur band for the hidden transmitters

- there will be five hidden transmitters deployed 

- the five hidden transmitters send for one minute and one after the other, all on the same frequency

- 80m receivers with a built in directional antenna will be available on loan

-  Participants will be able to take bearings on all five transmitters and plot them on the map before crossing the start line. Once you have got the 'good to go' from one of the mentors then you can sally forth on your own.

- there will be a small fee to cover the cost of the maps and other incidental expenses.  At the time of writing £2 will cover this unless unforseen expenses arise.

What to bring and what to wear:

- wear clothing suitable for walking around in woodland.

- bring one of those compasses with a rectangular base plate

- bring some sort of lightweight A4 board onto which the map (supplied) can be taped. Electrical tape works pretty well for this

- bring a spirit pen to draw bearings onto the map. Red is best because red is not used on the map print.

- bring a whistle to summon help should you fall and incapacitate yourself. The alarm signal is 6 short blasts repeated at one minute intervals

- proof of visiting a transmitter will be by pin punch and control card. Both items are provided but safety pins to attach the control card to your clothing are a good idea.

- please provide your own headphones (3.5mm plug).  There are some tatty ones available on loan, but you would be better off with something you are comfortable with.

Timings:

Registration opens 1000
First starter             1030
Last Starter             1130
Course closes         1330  
Time allowed 150 Minutes. (If you are over this time you will be classified below anyone inside the time even if you have found more transmitters)

Help and Tuition:

- there will be tuition on how to operate the 'sense' feature on the 80m DF receiver.

- there will be some roving helpers in the area who could come to your aid if there are things that you need clarifying during the competition.

- check out the RSGB web site (www.rsgb.org>main site>onthe air>ARDF>Hints & Tips)5

The next (and last event of 2019) Event 5:

This will take place  at Bagworth Heath Country Park, Leicestershire. 
The date is Sunday 22 September