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since 20.11.2000 |
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[IARU] [IARU-Region 1] [IARU-Region 2] [IARU-Region 3] [ARDF Committee Region 2] |
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AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING - AN EXCITING AMATEUR RADIO SPORT ARDF - amateur radio direction finding, is an exciting branch of amateurradio activities, attracting people from youngsters and teenagers toexperienced old timers and veterans. ARDF joins the amateur radioskills like construction of transmitters and receivers, knowledge of HFand VHF propagations phenomena, antenna patterns, evaluation ofstrenght and quality of received signals (and basic knowledge ofMorse code too!) - with orienteering skills like proper using of map andits symbols, usage of compass and taking bearings and azimuths,continous knowledge of own position in the terrain (without using ofGPS satellite equipment), and - last but not least - with physical fitness and ability to run a couple of kilometers in diversified terrain,mostly wooded. But over all, ARDF is a pleasure of being in directcontact with nature, of breathing the fresh and unpolluted air, of joining with friends from diffrent amateur radio clubs and societies. It is an unforgetable experience to meet - when running from onehidden transmitter to another - a deer family or lonely hare wonderingwho disturbs his quiet forest enclave. Tens and hundreds of ARDF events are organized every year bythe local amateur radio clubs, amateur societies and on the highestlevel - by the International Amateur Radio Union. Participants ofthese events arrive to the spot annouced by the organiser, dressthe sport garments suitable for running and start in small groupsto meet the direction finding adventure. Their task is to discover -by taking radio bearings - four or five low power hidden transmitters,located in a forest in adequate distance each from other. Thediscovery of hidden transmitter has to be confirmed by personalpresence at the spot and punching the starting ticket. The winnerof the event is an amateur who discover, visit all prescribedtransmitters and appear at finish line in a shortest possible time. ARDF is not only a joy for its enthusiasts. It is a powerful tool forattracting people, especially youngsters, towards the amateurradio. A thousands of nowadays experienced transmitting amateurshave started their amateur radio activity as ARDF competitors in ajunior category. ARDF is the only amateur activity open to thepublic - usually there are hundreds of spectators at the start andfinish of big events like regional or worldwide championships,which are usually served by the media - press, radio and TV.Thus - ARDF is a powerful tool of informing the society on theexistence and aims of amateur radio. From the point of IARU andits international tasks - ARDF is often a mean of attracting theamateur societies in developing countries, leading them to joinIARU.
( from "Information" published by the ARDF-WG of IARU Region 1 - June 1995) |
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