Introduction

Like many clubs, the Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society (GARES) runs direction finding contests. Ours uses a small low power automated transmitter, which is hidden prior to the start of the contest. The transmitter operates on top band (160m) and generates a CW signal that is encoded with the club's call sign and an indication that this is a DF contest.

Recently, we had some new members join the club (on an Intermediate Licence course) who asked about receivers that were suitable for taking part in the contest. After some research, it was decided that this would make a good club project. So here it is:

• suitable for constructors with little construction experience
• relatively cheap
• repeatable design
• no coil winding
• no printed circuit boards to make

The design is available as:

1. a portable rig with directional aerial. This version is the club project.
2. a directional aerial and aerial amplifier, which can be added to existing receivers.
3. a directional aerial with no amplifier.

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