Fox Oring is a variation of the sport of
Amateur Radio Direction Finding. Fox Oring is a timed
race in which individual competitors use a
topographic map
In modern mapping, a topographic map or topographic sheet is a type of map characterized by large- scale detail and quantitative representation of relief features, usually using contour lines (connecting points of equal elevation), but histori ...
and a
magnetic compass to
navigate
Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.Bowditch, 2003:799. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navigation, ...
through diverse, wooded terrain while searching for
radio transmitters
In electronics and telecommunications, a radio transmitter or just transmitter is an electronic device which produces radio waves with an antenna. The transmitter itself generates a radio frequency alternating current, which is applied to the ...
. The term is derived from the use of the term ''fox hunting'' to describe recreational
radio direction finding
Direction finding (DF), or radio direction finding (RDF), isin accordance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU)defined as radio location that uses the reception of radio waves to determine the direction in which a radio stati ...
activity and an abbreviation of the word ''
orienteering
Orienteering is a group of sports that require navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain whilst moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a ...
''.
Description
Like
Amateur Radio Direction Finding, Fox Oring is a
sport
Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to spectators. Sports can, ...
that combines the skills of
orienteering
Orienteering is a group of sports that require navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain whilst moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a ...
and
radio direction finding
Direction finding (DF), or radio direction finding (RDF), isin accordance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU)defined as radio location that uses the reception of radio waves to determine the direction in which a radio stati ...
. Fox Oring requires more orienteering skills than
ARDF. In a Fox Oring course, the
radio transmitters
In electronics and telecommunications, a radio transmitter or just transmitter is an electronic device which produces radio waves with an antenna. The transmitter itself generates a radio frequency alternating current, which is applied to the ...
put out very little power, and can be received over only very short distances, often no more than 100 meters. The location of each transmitter will be indicated on the map with a circle. The transmitter does not need to be exactly at the circle's center or even located inside the circle, but one should be able to receive its transmissions everywhere within the area indicated by the circle. A competitor must use orienteering skills to navigate to the area of the circle on the map and then use radio direction finding skills to locate the very low power transmitter.
Fox Oring has increased popularity and it's now an official part of the
International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 championship.
See also
*
Radiosport
*
Orienteering
Orienteering is a group of sports that require navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain whilst moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a ...
*
Amateur radio
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency commu ...
References
*ARDF Reg-1 Working group web page with championship rule
*20th IARU Region 1 ARDF Championships 201
*VERON Dutch Radio Amateur Club (2011)
"International FoxOring Championship Maasmechelen (Belgium) 23.07.11" Retrieved Nov. 9, 2011.
*VERON Dutch Radio Amateur Club (2010)
Retrieved Nov. 9, 2011.
*Deutscher Amateur-Radio Club (2010)
Retrieved Mar. 27, 2011.
*Deutscher Amateur-Radio Club (2009)
Retrieved Mar. 27, 2011.
*Deutscher Amateur-Radio Club (2008)
Retrieved Nov. 5, 2008.
*Deutscher Amateur-Radio Club (2007)
Retrieved Oct. 28, 2007.
Radiosport
Radio navigation
Orienteering
{{amateur-radio-stub