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Foxhunt VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual

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VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware)
VK3YNG Foxhunt Sniffer Instruction Manual
(Updated version for version 2.2 hardware***)
The VK3YNG Foxhunt Sniffer is a specially designed synthesised VHF direction
finding receiver covering 120MHz and 144MHz bands.
The receiver is designed for quickly finding the direction of beacons or hidden
transmitters. Anything from distant weak signals to very close "sniffing" of
transmitters running many watts of output power can be pin pointed accurately
without suffering "overload" problems that plague other designs. Full auto-ranging
operation allows the operator to quickly and intuitively locate the source of a signal
without twiddling knobs or watching meters. The operator is freed to concentrate on
more important things such as negotiating terrain or reading maps.
The unit is also available in a fully tested Board level format for those who wish to
integrate the unit into other equipment or build their own housing.
***Note: A number of features have changed since earlier versions of the sniffer
were released. This manual reflects operation of version 2.2 hardware and cannot be
used for earlier versions of the MK4 sniffer. For a copies of earlier sniffer manuals
please refer to the VK3YNG foxhunt web site (see the end of this manual).
© 2004, Bryan Ackerly, VK3YNG
Rev 2.2a
Page 1

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  • Page 1 This manual reflects operation of version 2.2 hardware and cannot be used for earlier versions of the MK4 sniffer. For a copies of earlier sniffer manuals please refer to the VK3YNG foxhunt web site (see the end of this manual). © 2004, Bryan Ackerly, VK3YNG Rev 2.2a...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Introduction........................3 Auto Power Down......................4 Low Battery Indication ....................4 Display Brightness ......................4 Reduced Functionality mode: ..................4 Quick Button Reference:....................5 Alternative Key Functions: ....................5 Detailed Button Operation .....................6 Mode/Power switch: ....................6 Power On: ......................6 Mode Selection: .....................6...

  • Page 3: Introduction

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Introduction The VK3YNG sniffer is designed to allow quick, easy and accurate determination of the direction of a transmitted signal in either the 120-123MHz or 143-150MHz bands. The sniffer provides enough sensitivity to determine the direction of a signal from many kilometres or miles away.

  • Page 4: Auto Power Down

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Auto Power Down The sniffer will automatically power down if either of the following two conditions are met: 1) There has been no key pressed for at least 10 minutes. 2) There has been no “upward” progression in range for at least 10 minutes.

  • Page 5: Quick Button Reference

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Quick Button Reference: The following table gives quick index to key functions in both normal and reduced functionality modes. Button Operation in Normal mode Operation in reduced functionality mode Recall channel 1 (Hold to store frequency/mode)

  • Page 6: Detailed Button Operation

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Detailed Button Operation Mode/Power switch: Power On: Pressing this button once powers on the unit to the frequency and mode stored in memory channel 1. Mode Selection: Pressing this button momentarily while the unit is powered up cycles the unit through its operating modes and briefly displays the selection on the display.

  • Page 7: Memories

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) through Memories Buttons 1 through 6 allow storing and recalling of memory modes and frequencies. Recall functions. Pressing any of the buttons 1 through 6 in normal operation mode will recall the frequency and mode stored in non-volatile memory.

  • Page 8: Sync Button

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Sync Button ARDF Sync: This facility is used to synchronise the receiver for use in international style (ARDF) foxhunting for a one-minute cycle, five-transmitter system. In ARDF mode this timer is automatically synchronized when the receiver is switched on.

  • Page 9: D-Set Button

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) D-Set button Ranging up on the sniffer happens automatically with minimal delay. To implement short term peak detection, there is an intentional delay before the sniffer ranges down. This delay is programmable between 1 and 5 seconds using the D-Set button. For beginners, a value between 3 and 5 seconds is recommended.

  • Page 10: Firmware Version Indication

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Firmware version indication: Pressing the “D-Set” button and then pressing the “F” button will display 4 digits which indicate the installed firmware version. Volume Control During normal operation, the “9” and “0” buttons allow the setting of volume. The display briefly shows the new level and reverts to displaying the current range when the button is released.

  • Page 11: Frequency Entry

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Frequency Entry The sniffer can operate at any frequency in the range 120.000-122.995 and 143.000 - 149.995MHz in 5KHz steps. Pressing the “F” button initiates frequency entry. The display confirms this by displaying “F”. The sniffer then expects four digits to be keyed in to set the desired frequency.

  • Page 12: Configuring The Sniffer

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Configuring the Sniffer The MK4 sniffer has a number of configurable features. Some of these have already been described in the previous sections. The rest are explained here. Tone (RSSI) Filtering: There are four levels of filtering available on the MK4 sniffer. These are selected by holding buttons 1, 2, 3 or 6 when powering up the sniffer.

  • Page 13: Reduced Functionality Mode

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Reduced Functionality Mode: In this mode, most of the special features of the sniffer are disabled. This mode is useful when a newcomer or a scout group etc uses the sniffer. (Hence why some users call this “Scout Mode”) Memories can only be recalled and most of the other keys,...

  • Page 14: Sample Antenna Designs

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Sample antenna designs The antenna design is largely a matter of personal choice. For portable use, designs vary between two and four elements. More elements give better directivity and more precise bearings but are more difficult to carry around. For most situations, three elements offer a good compromise.

  • Page 15: Specifications

    VK3YNG Sniffer 4 Instruction Manual (for V2.2 hardware) Specifications: Frequency Coverage 120-122.995MHz, 143-149.995MHz in 5KHz steps Channel Bandwidth 16KHz Sensitivity Better than -120dBm Maximum signal level +30dBm Power Supply 3VDC (2xAA Alkaline or Lithium penlight cells) Battery Life* Typically 3+ hours (alkaline), 14+ hours (Lithium)

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