How to Build a Fox Hunt Transmitter

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Thank you for this video! My daughter and I just built it in about an hour and it is working perfectly. We have some grand ideas on upgrades based on a previous build, but this was exactly what we wanted: clean, simple, and functions as shown! Thank you! - AC3DS

[@RedSummitRF]

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing your success. Have fun!

[@the1spyderryder]

Hi yep it seems it would be easy to make a repeater controller out of it. It always interests me to see how people generate cw.

[@the1spyderryder]

😅hello i have built this Fox controller that functions exactly like the origonal with one exception, it uses no relay but uses a NPN transistor and a resistor to key the radio and I use a arduino NANO AND RUNS OFF THE BAOFENGS battery. I am still working on getting the DTMF to be included and operate but i will nail it down in a day or two . I will stick it to the back of the radio.

[@RedSummitRF]

Fantastic, Coy - it's amazing what you can do with the microcontrollers eh?

[@brandonporter4227]

After tinkering with this the last few hours, I finally got the DTMF code to work. At least intermittently. I'll caveat this by saying that I don't know if any of what I did made a difference because it is still intermittent and frustrating. First thing I did was go to Sketch>Add File and select the dtmf.h file. It made sense for it to be there if the pitches.h was there. Second, I turned up the volume on the transmitter. If the DTMF tones are being transmitted through the microphone portion of the plug, I'm not sure it was necessary, but I did it anyway. I also programmed the DTMF tone in my Anytone to a quick key function. Again, certainly not necessary, but it seemed to work. At least occasionally and that's how I got it to start the first time. I did manage to manually trigger the code once. Took me a while to figure out how to actually transmit a DTMF tones using the keypad. Never used DTMF tones before. As I said, it doesn't seem to be consistent though. I don't know if that's a result of the timing issue with sending the code discussed in the video or if it's something else. In any case, when it works, it works. Sometimes it takes a minute for it to actually start transmitting so I never know if it's actually working or not. Not even the other codes like the 73 work consistently. And then when I send a different number to stop the transmission, I never know if it's actually off or not until a minute or so later when it does or doesn't start transmitting again. Either the code is buggy as all get out or I'm doing something very wrong on my end. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Brandon - it's been a looong time since I played with this project. Even then I barrowed the code and idea from others. I seem to remember my project performing about the same - kinda buggy. If you figure it out I'd love to hear from you about what you did.

[@driverfilmsshortwavechannel]

Great little project, I've had an Uno lying around for ages waiting to find a nice project. Thanks!

[@RedSummitRF]

This one is a great one for a pool lonely Uno! Good luck!

[@driverfilmsshortwavechannel]

@@RedSummitRF Got it built, but having issues. The relay switches and the radio transits for a second, no morse or anything.

[@RedSummitRF]

@@driverfilmsshortwavechannel which of the two sketches?

[@w3eqb755]

This is a fun easy project. I have some notes from my day of tinkering. This script is small enough to fit on an arduino nano, if you want even smaller. You can test without a transmitter, adding a buzzer wired +to pin D5 (same as audio tx) and - to a gnd. You'll hear the tune and cw, and the relay clicks for ptt. int xmit = 0; will transmit on dtmf tone. int xmit = 1; starts on power up You can also change out the song easily by searching arduino music and copying the notes and note type. Adjust "thisNote < 12;" to the number of notes to play. You should add "#define REST 0" to pitches.h for songs with rests.

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you for this! Very helpful information and I hope all future views find and read this. Good info.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

#MNHR #UV5Rmy Team replay for the win! Ya know, the more I see of you channel, the more I like it. Keep on keeping on. Thanks for the video man.

[@RedSummitRF]

I appreciate the positive comments. Thanks.

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Excellent presentation on making this transmitter. I'll put this on my want to do list. 👍

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Rob - I really appreciate that. Good luck with the build. It's fun!

[@joewillj]

Great tutorial, just finished building mine and it works great! I got lazy and didn’t wait for the shrink tube to come in, instead used liquid tape. I’m looking forward to putting in different music and finishing off my fox box. N6BFG

[@RedSummitRF]

Very cool Joseph. Glad it worked for you. Happy hunting.

[@coblecam]

Great video. I've constructed two of these for the club using almost exactly the same setup. They've given us much fun (and frustration)! 73! - W4XXV

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Cam - well, you've piqued my interest on the "frustration" side. What frustrations are you running into? Very cool that you have made a few already.

[@coblecam]

@@RedSummitRF Frustrations have come in from the hounds not being able to find the fox! ;) Transmitters have been great, and even allow a non ham (spouse) to deploy so I can join the fun of the hunt as well!

[@RedSummitRF]

@@coblecam ahhh gotcha! cool.

[@joeblow8593]

Thanks that was very interesting

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank Joe!

[@raykiii]

That was very useful, thank you.

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Ray - thank you so much. It's a fun little project.

[@travishayes8125]

That was a great tutorial, thanks!

[@RedSummitRF]

Glad it was helpful! I appreciate you visiting the channel.

[@paulfenrich6682]

Great build! Always glad to see a fellow fox hunter with a project. Couple of questions. 1. is your fox in the 1W or 5W mode? 2. How long does it run on that 9V battery or do you use something larger? Our hunts typically last 2-7 days.

[@aaronhope8366]

I've been trying for weeks to figure out how to get my GMRS repeater tonself identify, and this may do the trick.

[@RedSummitRF]

I hope it works for you. This video is getting old, and I understand some of the links may no longer work. The Arduino IDE is defiantly several versions ahead now. GL!

[@nandapujiarianto6644]

Excellent... nice project

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rolandoalfredoportilloroch1165]

hola buenas tardes tengo dos preguntas: 1.- El radio se debe programar de alguna forma en especifico. 2- ya realice el proyecto pero tengo el problema que me trasmite muy rápido no tengo idea que podría ser. muchas gracias 73 cordiales

[@bob5091]

So it looks like the "wca"r website is not running anymore. Is there a way I can get the code for the Arduino?

[@RedSummitRF]

oh darn, to bad the site isn't running. Yes, you can get the code in the comments section of this video under Arduino Sketch Zip File: drive.google.com/file/d/1sLRIHqrnpc2KMKO2gAm_yxv5DquHt5pG/view

[@the1spyderryder]

If it reads 0000 that is said to have continuity, ohms is if you have a resistance reading above 0000.

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you!

[@РоманЗолотарь-щ5у]

хорошо объяснил, спасибо!

[@RedSummitRF]

Спасибо

[@mrbass03]

Great video, cheers. Can you programe the frequency or have to use one that's been already set? Cheers.

[@RedSummitRF]

If I remember correctly the frequency is determined by what you have your radio tuned into to. I don't think there is anything about the frequency in the code.

[@mrbass03]

Ah ok awesome. Cheers for that!

[@robslagle]

the radio club's website is no longer active. Is there another place to retrieve the arduino files?

[@RedSummitRF]

oh man, that video is so old now. I have an old file that "might" have what you are looking for but I can't promise. What is a good email to send the zip file?

[@danaevans1498]

would be very interested in those arduino files@@RedSummitRF

[@virgilmachine2504]

If I'm not crazy, I think your diagram is wrong: a) you show the speaker tip going to COM on the relay and speaker sleeve going to Analog pin zero (A0) on the UNO--should be the reverse: tip going to A0 and sleeve to COM b) it says Relay output going to A7--should be Digital 7 (which is what the diagram shows--the text is wrong) Agree?

[@RedSummitRF]

oh man, it has been a minute since I made this video. The diagram was provided on the Whitecourt Amateur Radio Club website where I got the sketch, which I understand is no longer up. What you are saying makes sense. The only thing I can't figure is how I got it to work given that. I must have accounted for it somehow.

[@virgilmachine2504]

@@RedSummitRF OK--I'm crazy. I had it working somehow (erratically), then I started seeing the schematic all over cyberspace so I figured I can't be the only one, so now it's better. Sorry for the distraction and thanks for your reply.

[@lundebc]

I know this is an older video, but the website does not response - is there al alternate site to get the schematics and code? Great video - very easy to follow!

[@RedSummitRF]

I don't think so. Sorry about that. I wonder if the person he hosts the site has something. Like you said, it's been so long. I'd have to check my ooooold emails to so if I can get in contact with him, if you want.

[@lundebc]

@@RedSummitRF No worries, there are more out there! Appreciate all the material you have published, very informative, very useful for all the hams!

[@andersonpuma4218]

very good

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you!

[@bc65925]

Well, my first attempt failed. I didn't use this exact relay as I had one that came with my Arduino kit. I did however wire it up as I thought was the same. However I seem to thing when the code says "HIGH" it should say "LOW" as my relay turns on as soon as the code uploads.

[@RedSummitRF]

Well bummer. You do have to have a little bit of the knack to get these things running. Especially since this video is a little bit older and I don't know if the same parts are still available. But, yes, you should be able use any relay . . . if you wire it correctly HAHA! Good luck on your project. I hope you get it working!

[@k8drtqrp]

I bought all the stuff and started this project but never finished it. I have several Beaufengs around with nothing to do. I may have to get back at it.

[@RedSummitRF]

Do it. I thought it was super fun!

[@the1spyderryder]

Where did the 60Hz buz come from?

[@RedSummitRF]

I didn't track it down.

[@agcreatortn]

how do you set up the DTMF tone to work?

[@101stChairborne]

Can you program this to transmit as soon as the unit is powered on as opposed to hitting the power switch on the board?

[@RedSummitRF]

I honestly can't say for sure. I think if you are creative enough with programing you probably could.

[@peterrock9199]

Do you have a part number for the the relay or the type/ where you got it from. rating, etc.

[@RedSummitRF]

It should be in the video description?

[@kieferiii]

Thanks for this video. Is there a part number available for the ribbon cables that connects the relay to the Arduino?

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi kieferiii - well, I just grabbed it out of a tub of parts I inherited so I don't have a part number, but those breadboard jumper wires I have listed in the video description should work out great! Good luck with the project and thanks for checking out the video.

[@kieferiii]

@@RedSummitRF much appreciated! Thanks for putting this out there!

[@stevek4stb221]

What is the 3 pin wire you connected to the relay?

[@RedSummitRF]

It was just some stuff I had laying around from other electronics projects. I honestly don't know where I got it.

[@RFPews]

Excellent video. Just ordered the stuff to build one. Thanks for the video! Maybe I missed it, but how often does it transmit the signal?

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Eric. The transmit signal is adjustable but I think the default is every 2 minutes if I recall correctly.

[@Rnm1hart]

Where did you get the gray cable???

[@RedSummitRF]

It was actually in an electronics bin I acquired from somebody. I tried finding more for sale but came up empty.

[@joel6221]

What is the overall dimensions of this build, if i wanted to put this in an enclosure box?

[@RedSummitRF]

Well I haven't put mine in an enclosure but the Baofeng (without the belt clip and antenna) is 4in x 2in x 1in. You will need the antenna but most will find a way to keep that outside the enclosure. The Arduino is 2.75in x 2in x 0.5 in. The relay is 1.5in x 1in x 0.75 in. Then there is are the wires which don't take up much space. I think you could make it fit into a 4.5 in x 2.5 in x 2.5 in enclosure.

[@VissionPh]

Sir is their a way that you could make video for this in a mobile base radio. I want to learn how to transmit weather information/forecast through VHF radio. Hope you could do that. New subscriber here 73's

[@RedSummitRF]

Ok Jeremiah. I have added it to my list of videos I want to make. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@betheking2222]

Awesome content man. 73! KO4KMA

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Writ - thank you for the visit and kind words. I'm happy you enjoyed the video.

[@JT-py9lv]

So when are you having a Fox Transmitter build party ?

[@RedSummitRF]

haha sounds fun . . . after covid (if there is an end)

[@joel6221]

So I built this, Hooked it all up, sent the sketch over, sent the dtmf tone, the relay triggers but it transmits nothing

[@joel6221]

I may add, the "on/off" sketch works fine, but the DTMF sketch doesn't. Has anyone else experienced this?

[@RedSummitRF]

Ok - good to hear that the on/off sketch works. I do recall a person or two having an issue with the DTMF. I can't remember what was done to resolve it. I pretty much refer everybody to Alex Code [e-mail] who came up with the sketch when issues arise. I recall the others reached out to him and modified the sketch somehow to get it to work. Was so long ago I can't remember.

[@RedSummitRF]

I think it has something to do with the DTMF "wait time".

[@peterrock9199]

directions seemed ok. but after following everything, it still will not work. the hardware is good. blink works. software must be bad. but followed directions exactly, and tried everything at least twice, and erased it all, and started from scratch , and did it all again, but it will not do anything.

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Peter - this is a pretty old video now. I am not certain what the issue might be. Have you looked through the other posted comments in this video yet. That might help with your troubleshooting.

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Finger poke a BF888S on channel 12. Work smarter, not harder. You'll figure it out.

[@RedSummitRF]

hmm

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

PTT-Mon. Hold down both while powering up the BF888S on Ch 12. The radio cycles on and off. Feed it any kinda audio you want. The radios are cheap + 24 hr delivery. Duct tape one under a jeep.@@RedSummitRF

[@Durandal734]

No matter what I've been able to do over the last four hours, I cannot get the fox.ino to work. I've loaded the DTMF folder to the libraries, not receiving any syntax errors before I load it to the arduino, but it does not appear that it's acknowledging the DTMF signals at all. It won't even play the melody. I've checked thoroughly that I've got continuity in the DTMF line, so it's not a hardware issue. I'm at a loss for why it won't work.

[@RedSummitRF]

Sorry for the late reply. I was on a cruise (no cell service) the past week. Are you still having issues? Not sure I'll be of help but I'll try.

[@the1spyderryder]

Why 146.565 mhz?

[@RedSummitRF]

This is one of the accepted transmitter hunt frequencies. It's used a lot for beaconing in t-hunts.

[@the1spyderryder]

I don't think I would use a beacon frequency for a fox hunt because all of the confusion that could be done on those parts of the bands.

[@chengchen8280]

I guess a MP3 would save most of efforts. LOL

[@RedSummitRF]

How so? MP3s don't transmit radio communication. How would the radio receive an MP3?

[@chengchen8280]

@@RedSummitRF I mean connect a mp3 to the radio and set the vox on.

[@chengchen8280]

Of course it is a very naive one. What you made is a more sofisticated transmitter.

[@RedSummitRF]

@@chengchen8280 oh I see. OK. Not a bad idea 👍