In ARDF, attenuators are used with receivers to reduce the signal strength of nearby transmitters. This prevents receiver overloading and allows the competitor to continue taking accurate bearings, especially when very close to the “fox.” Attenuators are placed between the antenna and receiver. Types of Attenuators include step, variable potentiometer, RF-switched, offset tuning, and body attenuation.
"Orienteering receivers" : In radio orienteering competitors use radio direction-finding receivers to locate hidden transmitters, often by listening for signals through headphones. radio receivers used in radio orienteering to detect radio signals from "foxes" or hidden transmitters in a wooded area.
In Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), a specialized magnetic compass is used alongside a topographic map to aid navigation. A key feature for ARDF is the "reverse-rose" compass, which has the degrees numbered counter-clockwise.
An orienteering transmitter is a low-power radio device hidden in a foxoring or ARDF event. The transmitters emit unique signals on specific frequencies, either in Morse code or recorded voice, to identify themselves. They operate at very low power (10 to 200 milliwatts) to cover only short distances, typically less than 100 meters in Fox Oring.
Orienteering flags, which are typically orange and white triangular markers, are used as control points in navigation challenges like orienteering races and for training purposes. They are placed in the terrain to indicate the location of checkpoints and are used in conjunction with control cards and punches to register a participant's progress in finding the correct locations.
Orienteering punches are used to mark a runner's control card at designated locations in an orienteering or navigation course, confirming they have visited each required control point. The unique patterns on these punches are unique to each control, proving the participant's successful completion of the course
Orienteering electronic punches are SPORTident or Emit electronic systems that record a runner's time at each control point using a physical "SI-card" or "finger stick" that interacts with electronic stations. These systems replace manual punching, offering more exciting course setting, reduced organizer workload, and multiple evaluation options for coaches and runners.
