Using a scanner for radio direction finding

[Jacobs]

I have a hand held scanner that I want to use to track a 217 MHz tracking collar. I have an old yagi antenna that picks up the collar but it does not do a good job of selection collar direction. The signal disappears 90 degrees fron the direction of the collar but will reappear when facing 180 degrees from the collar. I have worked with this setup up to 1 mile from the collar.



Anybody had any experience with this setup??



Thanks in advance.



Bruce

 

[TowPro]

First you have to make sure the Vagi is cut for the correct frequency. Then you need a scanner that has a VU meter to show signal strenth. You will find the signal is higher when pointing at the transmitter then it when pointing 180 deg away. I also find on my Yagi's (144mhz and 432 mhz) that you can tell if your facing 180 deg the wrong direction because the signal will drop faster as you pan from side to side as compared to when your pointed at the transmitter. Best bet is to hang the collar on a tree and play with the receiver until you get the hang of it. I have buddys that do this as a hobby. Every weekend someone will hide a transmitter and they go look for it in their cars and trucks. Its amazing they can find it within an hour when its 10 miles away.

 

[Jacobs]

Thanks for the reply.



I have been hanging it on a post and then "find" it. I am beginning to get the hang of it. I think the correct antenna will help.





Bruce