A week earlier Conrad KG6JEI and Greg KI6RXX set out to see if they could pull off a Palomar bounce to the starting point at Gibbs Executive Airport from oceanside. Conrad setup the equipment at Marlado Park in Oceanside, while Greg headed south to that starting point. We knew this would have a clear path to Palomar and be shielded to the south from the side lobes. I had the signal part of the way south with occasional bearings out to sea, go figure. The signal was lost completely in Del Mar and further south bound. We figured if the took the I5 North it would be game over. I arrived at Gibbs Executive and after much testing and relocating the main antenna from Conrad, we were ready to call it a fail. Of course, I didn’t know at the time the antenna was basically laying on the ground. Then JEI sneezed, bumped the antenna ever so slightly and I heard the signal. Success! A bearing directly to Palomar! But, could we duplicate it on the following weekend. RXX drove the rout he presumed the hiders would take, the I15 North. I had the signal most of the rout but it was always to the east. Mostly seemed to be towards Palomar Mtn. Once I got to the I15 and 76, it was clearly west, however the bounce was still strong. Ok, so if they made it that far without taking the shortcut through Bear Valley to Palomar, then they would figure it out. From there I headed back to the park. Once back at the park, we both took many photos and bearings to make sure we could duplicate the bounce before tearing down (or should I say raising the antenna off the ground). Wait why is it so close to the ground?... Oh well it worked. We can raise it if the bounce fails next week.
A week later and we were ready to start the hide. The plan was to hide 7 transmitters (6 micros and the main). If the bounce worked then it could make for a long day for the hunters, but if the bounce failed then the hunters would have something to do after they jetted north to Oceanside. At the start where teams Bill KM6ORF and Michael KK6RWK, Bill W6ZM and Joe KE6PHB, Joe N6SZO and Greg W6BAF, Scot KA6UDZ (from the LA Group using Doppler) and TomK6VCR and Bruce K6AUW. After a few tests and adjustments to antenna direction, Tom reported that he had a signal but it was down in the weeds. Bearing? Northeast, perhaps towards Palomar. Ok, So the bearing worked. We advised the hunters that we were in bounds with no rules broken and that there would be a total of 7 transmitters. Winner would be the quickest or the most. Then they were off.
Where to? EVERYWHERE EXCEPT OCEANSIDE! 😊 (Make sure to watch the video below. It tells the story better than words written.) Well, except ZM and PHB. They almost made it to oceanside nearly direct but then turned around and headed back south. Must have not been able to trust their equipment? ORF was the quickest to head up to Palomar and reported being able to hear three transmitters. ORF and RWK had to cut out early. Other obligations got on the way. In the end after the lengthy tour of the county from Tom, the County Tour Guide with Bruce and Bill and Joe the Wanderers roaming around and around and around, SZO and BAF finally had us figured out. Although they too chose all the “scenic routs”. Shortly after, the other teams started heading west toward us. Gee at this point I think they were all working together.
All remaining teams headed to the main transmitter first. SZO and BAF arrived first at 2:51 PM. Next to arrive was ZM and PHB at 2:57 PM. Thereafter was VCR and AUW at 3:27 PM. Scott was not beaconing ARPS so he was contacted. Lost in deed he was and nowhere near the main T. He said he was giving up, but would join us for dinner. Team SZO and ZM kept hunting and found more transmitters. VCR and AUW where tired and called it quits. Afterwards we adjourned to Break Water Brewing Co. for some good beer and pizza.
Results of the T’s found below. Congratulations to SZO and BAF, the winners for finding 4 Transmitters. They found more than anyone. We hope everyone had fun. We sure did. Thanks for showing us a good time around the county!
Respectfully Summitted from the Hiders,
Conrad KG6JEI and Greg KI6RXX
T19 (Top Gun) SZO/BAF 2:55 PM, ZM/PHB 2:56 PM, VCR/AUW 3:29 PM
T3.14: SZO/BAF 3:17 PM, ZM/PHB 3:29 PM
T99 (Mario Upper World): PHB/ZM 4:11 PM, SZO/BAF 4:43 PM
T64 (Ms. Pac Man): SZO/BAF 4:59 PM
