2014 Multi Operator Instructions On-Site Start 13:30
(Ver5.1)
Page 1 Index, Switching on the Txs
Page 2 Recommended timetable.
Page 3 Frequencies, timings and structure – check list
Page 4 Equipment changes
Pages 5, 6 – Mini & Micros including DIL switches, delay tables, aerials and tuning.
Page 7 Maxi A – note there are additional instructions on the Tx lid.
Page 8 Summary. Batteries and charging.
Page 9 Tx-Spare operating instructions
Page 10 Dealing with problems
Page 11 Starting the event
Please keep copies of pages 2, 3, 9, 10 with you throughout the event in case you have a problem when you are a long
way from your car!
Equipment provided Maxi, 5 Minis, 5 Micros, bleeping Micro for training. 2 chargers, plastic bags, stakes, tickets,
triffids, aerials, spare used PP3 batteries. Hammer, side cutters, screwdriver, Maxi and charger dummy loads, pointed
tool for switches, power and meter leads. Shoulder bag for stakes, tickets etc. Case for Txs.
This set of ‘standard’ instructions plus instruction labels on Txs.
Operator provides watches, personalised timetable if required.
Aerial pole, mobile phone, test meter, spare 12v battery and other tools if available. Food, drink etc!
Switching on the Txs:
At home before 8am Make sure your watch is set accurately.
Have your DF set ready for a listening check on three different frequencies.
Arrange Txs in three rows in the order shown below:
Examine each Tx noting the position of the on/off switch and that it has a label giving its name and switch on time.
1960 KHz
A (0:00) F (0:20) I (0:40) R (1:00) Y (1:20)
1930 KHz
J (1:40) S (2:00) Z (2:20)
1915 KHz
B (2:40) G (3:00)
The tiny DIL switches will have been preset for you so that time zero (0:00) is 8 am.
Note: ‘Tx-P’the practise or spare Tx is not started at this time.
At precisely 8:00:00 am – switch on Tx A
20 seconds later - 8:00:20– switch on F
20 seconds later – switch on I
Keep your eye flicking between the start times on the Tx labels and your watch.
Etc ...until 8:03:00
switch on the last Tx G
Turn on your DF set – 1960 KHz
8:04:00
Maxi A will send the letter A three times.
8:04:20
Mini F will send F three times .... etc.
See the table below, remember to change frequency as each row finishes.
(Note - the letters sound about a second late due to the Morse delays)
If all the Txs come on in sequence at the times shown below they are correctly set, if not see page 10.
Check - listen
1960 KHz
A (4:00) F (4:20) I (4:40)
1930 KHz
1915 KHz
J (5:40) S (6:00) Z (6:20)
B (6:40) G (7:00)
R (5:00) Y (5:20)
It is advisable to practise this a few times before the day. The battery life is limited so please do not run a full event
check! If the check transmissions above are right the timings for the event will be correct.
1
Timetable matching the preset switch settings
At home: Set watch accurately.
Arrange the Txs in order for switching on
A F I R Y
J S Z
B G
8:00 Switch the Txs on at 20 second intervals as per the times on their labels.
8:04 Listen to the Txs using your DF set or watch the LEDs flash in sequence.
8:10 Arrange Txs in groups in your car. Include plastic bags, stakes, tickets, triffids.
Please be very careful that the tickets and TXs match and Txs are paired correctly, the competitors
are relying on the advertised structure!
Mini/Micro notes: Remember Minis need tuning – details on page 5.
Each aerial has an end section which can be bent into a large radius hook. Keeping the hook large allows it to
be straightened by a gentle pull when retrieving the aerial later.
Black earth wires must be extended or coiled and buried.
If possible place Txs in rabbit holes or deep undergrowth to prevent theft.
Triffids/tickets should be more visible – even the red ones!
Keep a note, GPS location, photo or some way of finding a Tx if it fails to operate.
Be very careful not to knock the on/off switches as you place the Tx in its plastic bag. You can check that the
Minis are still running by the LEDs, the Micros can be checked by holding a DF receiver very close to the
case and listening for the internal oscillator.
9:30 Set up
10:00
10:30
11:00
F
I
R
Y
& G (Order of pairs depends on your own plan).
& J
& S
& Z
11:30
Set up Maxi A with 8m aerial , be careful not to switch it off!
Tune by moving the TFC switch to the right for carrier. If you can’t achieve zero SWR check earth
and aerial connections and / or change the aerial length by about a 50 cm at a time.
Before leaving: Check the Tx is still on, tuned, and output power is set to H.
Maxi A notes: The TFC switch only produces a carrier during the delay phase, moving it to the right after
the transmission phase begins (13:00) will invoke the grace period and machine gun at the end of the next
ten minute period (only needed if you want a manual override to remedy an incorrect timing setup) DO
NOT USE IT in the transmission phase if the timing is running correctly!
‘Cont’ applies to Trad events, there is no continuous option in Multi mode.
11.50 Set up Micro B.
If beginners are coming set up the two training Micros on 1900 and 1970. No tickets needed.
12:10 Food and drink
12.40 Either go to the start or call your appointed person who will act as starter. Remind competitors to keep
their receivers off during the period 13:00 to 13:30.
13:00 Check the Morse to see that each is positioned with correct parent station and timings are accurate,
detail is on page 3 – any problems see page 10.
13:30 If all is well release competitors, if there are Tx problems the start may be delayed.
13:35 Beginner training .. but remember to keep checking Txs in case competitors disturb aerials.
16:00 At Maxi A listen to its transmission, competitors can post tickets during the one minute grace period
but not after ‘Machine gun’ which starts at 4:01 pm.
16:05 Turn off Maxi so that other Txs can be heard, organise collection using your plan.
Before leaving the site check that all Txs have stopped transmitting (collected and off).
2
Check list - Frequencies, timings and structure:
Distances: .
All Minis must be within 1Km of the Maxi.
All Micros must be within 200m of their parent
All tickets must be within 3m of the Tx.
The structure is fixed: A is parent of B, F is parent of G etc as in the table below.
Green Txs should be accessible without going through thorns, nettles, water. This is an attempt to
encourage people who may not be prepared for the rough and tumble of a traditional DF. If possible avoid
wire fences which may make Txs too difficult for a beginner. Avoid having them in direct view from
footpaths (we don’t want the tickets being removed by the general public) but remember that beginners
should be able to find them without too much difficulty.
Yellow Txs I and R act as parents to J and S so again keep away from power lines and long wire fences.
However, they are advertised as being more difficult so they can be further into the undergrowth where they
will offer experienced DFers more of a challenge.
Red Txs These are intended to offer the experienced DFer a serious challenge and prevent too many people
finding all 10 Txs. A clever hide, wire fences and/or power lines are preferred to body ripping undergrowth
and excessive distances so that all can ‘enjoy’ the frustration!
Checks:
Please make sure that the Morse letter transmitted matches the ticket letter!!
3
Changes made to the equipment in 2013:






The method of timing is completely revised; all Txs now use the start of each ten minute period as their
reference. They can be started at time 0 or at a staggered time (ST) if more than one is to be started at once.
A standard switch on time at home is recommended - 8:00am with all DIL switches set for you.
Using the recommended settings the Txs give a check transmission after switching on.
Minis and Micros now have identical DIL switch functions.
Maxi A - Carrier for Tuning is generated by the silver TFC switch during the delay NOT the red button.
Power switches have been shortened to prevent accidental operation. A pointed tool is provided on a
neckband to help with the short switches, DIL switches and tuning.
Aerial hooks are used to make aerial erection easy with the aid of a long pole.
The new control layouts:
Most important change: –
The Tune/Finish/Cont (TFC) switch.
This has only two positions, OFF (left) ON
(right) but what it does when ON depends on
what the control program is doing at the time.
Normally it will only be used during the delay
phase for Tuning or a Test transmission
(replacing the red button as described below).
After the event has started it allows you to
Force the event to Finish – only use this if
there is a problem – see page 10. The C of TFC
is only relevant to traditional DFs.
See the lid of the Tx for more detail.
The red DIL switches have new functions these are labelled on the Tx and explained on page 7.
The red button has a new function, it is simply a momentary switch in parallel with the bottom red DIL
switch (10). IF there are no delays selected on the DIL switches (as is often the case on a Trad event) this
button can be held down as the Tx is switched on, creating a ten minute delay without having to fiddle with
the DIL switches. You can then tune the Tx by using the TFC switch as above. Switch off and then on
again when you want the Tx to transmit. This procedure is unlikely to be needed on a Multi-Event.
Other silver switches and aerial tuning knobs have the same functions as before.
Reminder the 30 m aerial should be close to resonance so the meter displays a very gentle dip as C and L are
rotated. If it is a ‘start on site’ event an aerial of about 8 metres can be used, knob L will need to be
clockwise. Tuning will be far more critical than with a 30 m aerial and it may be necessary to adjust the
aerial length
Minis and Micros
Coloured tapes, visible here on the Mini, remind you of the difficulty expected. Staggered switch on times
and transmission start times are shown on the Tx labels. The Minis and Micros have similar switch
functions except for Tx-P (Practise/training), should a fault occur on any of the other Txs, Tx-P can replace
any other Tx by changing its DIL switches. See page 9 for details.
4
Mini and Micro DIL Switches
ST
X20
X10
160
80
40 20 10
These will be preset for you and there should be no need to change them if you are prepared to follow the timetable
provided. They are explained here so that you can cope in the event of an error or if you wish to modify the timings.
The Minis and Micros all have similar switches, but be careful of different orientations on the Minis.
ST (Stagger)
The default position is ON. With ST in this position each TX has a unique start time allowing the sequential
switching on of several Txs in a short period.
Also when ST is ON a check transmission occurs 4 minutes after switch on.
Staggered switch on times are printed on the Tx labels.
Do not confuse the staggered switch on times with the transmission times as both are shown on the Txs!
See page 1 for full details of the use of the staggered start and check transmissions.
If ST is OFF any Tx should be switched on at the beginning of a ten minute period (time 0:00) to achieve its correct
timing within the sequence. No check transmission occurs. Useful for restarting an individual Tx.
X20 and X10
The Txs are pre-programmed with different base transmission lengths reflecting their green, yellow or red difficulty
ratings. Using the base times there would be 30 second gaps between the transmissions. X20 and X10 extend the
transmissions reducing the gaps. This allows operators to tailor the difficulty of the event.
X20 (Extra 20) adds 20 seconds to transmission length.
X10 Adds 10 seconds to the transmission length.
Default ON
Default OFF
OFF for Yellow and Red
ON for Yellow and Red
Aerials
All Minis and Micros use similar aerials: 4 – 5m of brown wire. They have a piece of stiff blue wire at the end.
Make a large radius hook from this, then use an aerial pole to hoist and hook on to a high branch. The large radius of
the hook should allow it to straighten and be pulled down later. The black wire may be extended to form a
counterpoise or left coiled and buried in a convenient hole – damp ground is good.
Tuning
Minis: - Insert a small stick/rod into the hole where it says ‘press for carrier’ and tune for a minimum on the meter
using the knob. This procedure is normally carried out while the Tx is on but running the delay phase. If you need to
tune it during the event wait for it to come on and use the periods of carrier for tuning, this avoids interference with
other Txs on the same frequency. Note that Mini F uses a half turn capacitor while the others operate a threaded rod
(multi-turn). Do not force the rod tuning at either end of its travel!
Micros have no mechanism for tuning the aerial. When they come on at 12:30 please check that they can be heard
from their parent’s location using a not particularly sensitive receiver.
5
Delays (160, 80, 40, 20, 10)
The remaining switches define the delay between switch on and the start of the first ten minute period if the stagger
switch is not on (see * below).
Each Tx is programmed so that it will only transmit at its defined time within the ten minutes.
Note: If you are testing the Tx with no delays set, it may not come on immediately, use the table on page 3 to check
the time that it will come on within a ten minute period.
The recommended switch on at 8:00
am
(*)The table shows the effect of the
delays on their own. The stagger
routine adds 10 minutes. Hence when
using staggered switch on at 8:00 am
the delays chosen are from the 8:10
row.
The colours show the default delays
used.
If you need to start a Tx on its own do
not use stagger, the times in the table
will then be correct and any Tx should
be switched on at the beginning of a ten
minute period.
For an ‘on site start’ All Txs should
be set to start their active cycle at
1:00 pm (13:00), the Micros should
use the same delays as the Minis.
6
Maxi A DIL switches
As with the other Txs these will be preset for you but having some understanding may help if you run into difficulties.
3 - 2 ½ hours
Multi - Trad
0 - Callsign 1
0 - Callsign 2
0 - STDEL 260
0 - 40
0 - 20
0 - 10
The time that the Tx will run the ten minute transmission cycle for.
Default Left for Multi.
Your callsign will be preset for you
Special long delay and test transmission for use on Multi-Events
Delays
“
“
Note because of the limited number of inputs currently
available on Maxi A the stagger and delay functions are
combined on to one switch (STDEL260). This means
that there are two separate parts to the table and only
some delay values are possible, in practice use
STDEL260 if you wish to start the Maxi with the other
Txs (advised). If you wish to leave switching on until
later this can be done within 70 mins of the start using a
combination of 40, 20, 10.
The instructions inside the lid of the Tx do not mention
ST260 because the intention is to upgrade the PIC board
in near future, removing ST260, adding the missing
delays and a separate stagger switch as on the other TXs.
The special delay table mounted on the outside of the lid
is a temporary measure used while the ST260 switch is
present, this is shown below.
For an ‘on site start’ Delays 260 + 40 are used so
that the Maxi will start at 13:00 for testing
purposes.
Meter function switches & tuning (see pictures below)
The top switch determines whether the meter reads SWR or Volts (centre OFF). If SWR is selected the switch
below chooses between reverse and forward. In the picture they are set to display Reflected power ready for
aerial tuning. Tuning – for an onsite start an aerial of approx 8m in length will suffice. With the transmitter
already on and running the delay phase, turn the knob L fully clockwise, move switch TFC to the right for a
test carrier, then rotate knob C tuning for minimum Reflected (close to 0). Check that meter moves from 0 to
6 on the bottom scale as you move the bottom switch in the picture between R and F. When the aerial is
tuned move the TFC back to the left. (See page 4 for more about the TFC switch).
To check the battery voltage move the top
switch, through the off position to V. If the
battery is fully charged it should read close to 15
on the top scale. Notice the red amber green
dots. If the voltage falls to 11 the battery is
almost empty (or faulty). In emergencies an
external 12v battery can be connected via the
power socket using the diode protected lead
provided. Don’t leave the meter reading V when
the Tx is stored for long periods, as it would very
slowly drain the battery.
7
Summary for ‘on site’ start.
Default settings
F, B, G, J, S
Minis I, R, Y, Z
STG X20 _
STG
160 80 40 _ 10
( _ is off)
_ X10 160 80 40 _ 10
The above gives slightly shorter transmissions on the yellow and red Txs than in 2013.
Maxi A
_ (3Hrs) , _ (Multi) , callsign, callsign (see label on bottom of TX) , ST260, 40 _ _
Critical and non critical times:
Maxi A times the whole event so must start at precisely 13:00 to finish correctly at 4:00 pm.
With delays 260+40 on it should be switched on at precisely 8:00 am. If you miss the time reduce delay and try again.
The Minis and Micros are less critical, if you switch them on ten minutes late this will not be a problem. So if you
make a mistake during the staggered switch on, leave those that are correct running and try again with those that are in
error during the next ten minute period. Normally you will not need to change the delays to compensate. Also the ten
second gaps between most transmissions allows for errors of a second or two if you only just miss a switch on time.
Problems
Timing problems are best avoided by some practice and making sure you don’t get disturbed during the start up
procedure at 8:00 am. If things do go wrong I have tried to tell you what to do to recover the situation on the
‘Problem Page 10’. It would be a good idea to read it so you know what problems can be solved but don’t be put off
by the complexity; hopefully you will never have to use it and if you do, just one of the paragraphs should solve your
particular problem. However, do keep the problem page with you for reference throughout the day!
Do I really have to start at 8:00 am ?!!!!
No, if you tell me in advance I can set up a different time for you.
The timetable given at the beginning provides for a long but relatively stress free day. If you can cope with a bit of
stress you can stay in bed longer!
Batteries and charging
Micros – Zinc Chloride PP3s are used and replaced before each event.
The set from the previous event are retained for use as spares.
The Maxi and Minis use rechargeable batteries check and charge them three or four days before the event in case
they need a long charge.
Minis - Batteries are 7 cell, 1200 mAH NiMh.
The charger provided includes a loom containing diodes. Normally all Minis should be plugged in together, in this
case they will each charge at about 30 mA. A complete recharge would take over 40 hours but an overnight charge is
all that is required to compensate for the self discharge that NiMh suffer from.
After this top-up charge leave them standing for a few hours and then check the off load voltage using a digital meter
with the lead provided. If they are 9.5 V or above they are ready for the event, if not charge for a few more hours.
If a single Mini needs an extra charge use the dummy load on one of the spare leads to keep the charge rate down to
100 mA.
The Maxi has a separate 70 mA charger for its 11 cell 2400 mA NiCd.
Again a full charge takes about 40 hours but an overnight charge is all that is normally required. Check a few hours
after this charge has completed that the off load voltage is about 15. Spare 3A fuses are taped in the lid.
8
Spare Mini TX (P)
This Tx may used for training or as a replacement for any other Tx.
Use for practise/training (Tx P)
With all DIL switches off (right)
the TX will send letter P and
transmit for the first 30 seconds of
each minute. The length of the
transmission may be increased by
using the X10 and X20 switches,
being continuous with both on.
The frequency is 1970 KHz which
means we must be careful not
cause interference to other users of
the band (only 1960 KHz is
reserved for topband DF beacons).
For this reason keep the aerial low
so that it can only be heard at
200-400 metres (similar to a
Micro).
Replacing a Micro (2 B) (4 G) (6 J) (8 S) (10 Z).
Since the TX will not be operating on 1960 KHz keep the aerial low as mentioned in the paragraph on
training above.
Choose the appropriate number for the TX you wish to replace:
Move the switches 1, 2, 4, 8, to the left which add to give the required number.
Example J is 6 so switches 2 and 4 would need to be moved left.
The X10 and X20 switches should be set as per the faulty Tx you are replacing.
There is no stagger option on this TX, so it must be switched on at the start of a ten minute period.
Replacing a Mini (3 . F) (5 I) (R 7) (9 Y)
Proceed as for a Micro but the aerial should be fully extended.
Replacing Maxi (1 A)
Add extra wire to the aerial and provide a good earth. The tuning knob will need to be unwound, do not
force it once slight resistance is felt. If the aerial won’t tune reduce the length until it will.
Switch on at the start of the event or at the beginning of any ten minute period.
Ending the event – there is no event length timing but the Tx will provide grace period, machine gun and
OOT if you move the FIN switch left after the final ten minute slot has started (move switch between
15:51:00 and 15:59:00) for a 16:00:00 grace transmission and machine gun at 16:01:00)
One hour delay
Only one length of delay is available on this Tx. This may be useful to save the batteries when the Tx is used
for training and you wish to set it up before the event has started. In training mode it operates a 1 minute
cycle so the switch on time is not critical.
IMPORTANT IF YOU USE THIS TO REPLACE ANOTHER TX, LISTEN TO CHECK THAT IT
IS SENDING THE CORRECT MORSE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, ON THE RIGHT FREQUENCY!
9
Dealing with problems – keep this with you throughout the event!
Timing error or missed switch on noticed during start up procedure – for Maxi A box see below.
All other Txs: If you miss the switch on time by a second or two this will not be a problem because of the 10
second gaps in the transmission cycles.
For larger errors, switch off and restart at the correct time in the next 10 minute period. Since all Minis and
Micros start early there will be no need to adjust the delay.
Correcting a timing error noticed after the Txs start transmitting
Turn off the Tx. Turn off ST (stagger) and all the delays. Do not disturb X10, X20 settings.
Ignore the switch on time printed on the TX as this is only relevant when the ST switch is on.
Wait for the beginning of a ten minute period and switch on.
Check the operation of the Tx against the time schedule.
If you accidently switch off a Tx: The simplest correction is to wait until after 1:00 pm and proceed as in
the previous paragraph but if this is not convenient (distant Tx) and you understand the DIL switches the
delays can be reset and the Tx restarted with or without the use of stagger. Obviously this is more prone to
error so please check the operation of the Tx when it is due to come on.
Restarting Maxi A: Making use of the switches to correct the automatic timing.
(If all else fails you can do it manually! – see ‘OR’ at the bottom.)
Before 13:00
Switch OFF.
Turn off STDEL 260, (red DIL switch – move it left for off) detail on the white label.
Choose a new time to switch on sometime after 11:50 and set the delays using the table provided.
Switch on precisely at the chosen time, there will be no check transmission, check operation at 13:00.
After 13:00 but before 13:30
The situation can be corrected by using the 2 ½ hour setting and restarting at 13:30.
Turn off the main power.
Turn off STDEL 260 and the other delays (bottom four red DIL switches, move them left).
Move the time selection switch from 3 hours to 2 ½ hours (move it right).
Switch the Tx back at precisely 13:30. (Or use a 10 or 20 min delay if you prefer to switch on sooner).
After 13:30
Turn off the main power.
Turn of STDEL 260 and the other delays (bottom four red DIL switches, move them left).
Start the Tx at the beginning of the next ten minute period.
The event will not end automatically, to produce the correct finish manually, let the Tx run until just before
16:00 (say 15:58). Do not turn it off, instead move the silver TFC switch (that you used for tuning
previously) to the right. This will invoke the FINISH routine of one minute grace period plus machine gun
of dots.
OR IF ALL ABOVE IS TOO COMPLICATED
Clear all delays by moving the four bottom red switches left.
Then at the start of any 10 minute period after 1:00 pm turn on the TX.
At 4:01pm turn it off and announce ‘The End’ in a LOUD VOICE!
Transmitter failure
Use the spare Mini Tx to replace the faulty Tx (Maxi, Mini or Micro). See detail on page 9.
Lost/stolen triffid, stake or tickets:
A spare triffid, stake and set of numbered tickets is provided. The normal letter is replaced with an asterisk.
10
Starting the event
The Operator may select someone to help them with the start process. This will make checking Tx operation
between 1:00 – 1:30 pm much easier.
The Starter may be a competitor, they will need:
Jokers
Maps
Set labels
Instructions
Sign in sheet (for insurance purposes)
The above items can either be transferred to the Starter in advance of the event or at a prearranged time on
the day.
If possible Starter and Operator should be in contact by mobile phone.
The start process:
Before 1:00 pm all competitors are asked to place their DF sets in a common visible area to prevent listening
to the Txs during the 1:00 – 1:30 pm test phase.
Each competitor
1. must sign in agreeing to compete at their own risk and to respect private property.
2. is asked to ‘draw’ a Joker as follows from one of three bags
Beginner
Blue bag containing 10 * s
Intermediate
Green bag containing A, A, B, B, F, F, G, G, J, S.
Previous winner
Red bag containing I, I, J, R, R, S, Y, Y, Z, Z.
3. is provided with a set label, instructions and/or map if required, (many will bring their own copies).
If all Txs are operating correctly the Operator will inform the starter so that competitors are ‘released’ at
1:30 pm. If not the competitors are held until the equipment fault is corrected or a ‘work around’ agreed.
Help for beginners:
The starter may agree to help beginners from 12.30 until 1:00 pm.
A Micro which transmits the sequence A, F, I, R, Y on 1900 KHz is available
Also if not used as a replacement Mini T can be used for training on 1970 KHz.
From 1:30 pm the Operator assumes the role of instructor, again mobile phones may be needed.
11
Multi-Tx DF
Date
Start Location
Organiser
Organiser’s Phone
Please sign below to indicate that you have agreed to take part at your own risk.
Name (printed)
Signature
Mobile Phone
12
Box Name or Number