(updated November 2008)
(*** Note: Please use the links when emailing. Due to spam filtering if you make up your own subject title I may not see your
message.)
1. VHF Sniffer MK4 A ready-to-go processor controlled synthesized auto-ranging foxhunt sniffer covering both 120 and 144MHz bands.
The MK4 has been very popular with users in the USA, UK, Canada, Sweden, Norway, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Korea,
Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. The standard version is still available and some special versions can be made upon request. Please contact the author regarding current availabilty and shipping costs. A
review and some good ideas for using the MK4 sniffer can be found on Jim Sakane (KD6DX)'s web
site.
pdf Manual for V2.2 - For v2.3 and v2.4 hardware (up to firmware release 2.1.19)
Manuel d'utilisation V2.2 - French version for the MK4 sniffer)
pdf Manual for V1.3 - for first issue MK4 sniffer.
Bigboar trackers Basic manual V2.3 - Special dog tracker version. (Firmware 2.1.20 or later)
A new UHF version of the MK4 has been prototyped. Versions have been built for use on 430MHz (70cm), 462MHz (FRS) and 477MHz (Aus. UHF CB). Sensitivity is similar to the VHF MK4. More details should be available soon. 243MHz is also currently being looked at.
2. The Microsniffer is a new board level only product for those foxhunting on a budget who don't mind putting in a bit of extra effort. Work on this project is still continuing. It is planned to be a limited run available in 144MHz or 430/440 and 470MHz (UHF CB) versions. Check this link for a feature comparison with the MK4. A prototype is currently being tested but progress has been slowed because of the popularity of the MK4. Price is expected to be about US$120 for the 144MHz version. Please email the author to register interest.
3. Antennas: The supply of lightweight companion antennas has dried up
for the time being. If you want to consider building your own, contact Jack Bramham,
VK3WWW for details. There are also a number of good Tape Measure based designs that have been used with this
sniffer with great success.
Bob Miller also provides Antennas and DF solutions for both 121.5MHz and 2 meters.
I am also looking for contacts to pass on for other
ready built or kit foxhunting antennas or antenna projects. If you have something along this line that I can add here please
email me . 4. 80m Foxhunt Receiver - This project
was featured in the September 2003 issue of Amateur Radio magazine. Kits are now sold out. A new full autoranging receiver is being planned. 5. Other Foxhunting projects - Includes foxhunting
transmitters and details of the old MK3 auto ranging 2m sniffer.
In the USA there are a number of suppliers of suitable antennas:
1. The
Victorian ARDF Web Site (AUS).This site has the details on Australian and international ARDF competition events.
2. Using the MK4 to hunt an ELT.
This YouTube video by 1st Lt. Joe Tomason demonstrates using the MK4 to hunt the 121.5MHz homing frequency of an ELT.
3. Ken Harker's Texas ARDF page has some good notes on ARDF transmitter hunting.
4. The Basingstoke Amateur Radio Club's web pages (UK). Several useful projects for the budget concious foxhunter.
5. Piedmont Transmitter Tracking web site (USA).
6. Joe Moell's foxhunting web site (USA). Contains heaps of useful stuff on foxhunting. This is arguably the best transmitter hunting information site on the net. A must visit!
7. VK3VT Fox Hunt beam article. Probably the most used foxhunt antenna design in Melbourne!
Prototype UHF CB (477MHz) MK4 sniffer and antenna:
A number of these have been built for use by cubs and younger scouts.
