Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF)
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About ARDF
In this sport there are no vehicles, traffic jams, or exhaust fumes. ARDF brings radios into the great outdoors with maps and compasses, providing a uniquely enjoyable way to learn new radio skills. This radio sports activity deals with the taking of radio bearings to navigate through wooded areas in search of transmitters. It involves constructing direction-finding equipment, training amateurs in the rules of the sport, and organizing events in the USA and other IARU countries.
Interest and participation in ARDF activities are growing, and ARRL provides encouragement and support for ARDF activities across the United States. Events often take place at amateur radio conventions and hamfests as a magnet to amateur radio for youth and others. Championship competitions are held annually to help decide membership on the US team at the ARDF World Championships.
Join Team USA!
Would you like to represent the USA at international ARDF competitions? There are World Championships held on even-numbered years, and World Youth ARDF Championships (WYAC) have been held annually since 2017. Citizens of the USA, Green Card holders, and those who have lived in the USA for the previous year and have not competed for the title of Champion in any other country during that time, are eligible for membership on ARDF Team USA.
The only way to ensure an invitation to join the team is to prove your mettle by competing in ARRL-sanctioned ARDF competitions such as the USA ARDF Championships. But occasionally there are open team positions available that can be filled by qualified individuals lacking competitive results. A limited number of non-competing visitors may also travel with the team. USA Team members and visitors are responsible for all expenses associated with their participation, including paying for their own transportation, room, board and entry fees. Contact the ARRL ARDF Committee for full details.
ARDF Schedule
Take a look at this list of ARDF activities to find out what is happening in your area. If you are planning to hold an ARDF activity then please email the ARDF Committee to get it added to the list!
ARRL Learning Network ARDF Webinar Video
We hope that ARRL members took advantage of the opportunity to learn the basics of The Sport of Finding Hidden Transmitters On Foot, presented by Robert Frey, WA6EZV. For those who missed it, and those who would like to see it again, please view the video online.
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Find ARDF Activity Near You!
Find ARDF activities near you! Learn More
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ARRL ARDF Committee
Find out more about the committee that administers the sport in the USA. Learn More
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ARDF in the Americas
Help expand ARDF throughout IARU Region 2! Learn More
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ARDF News
Keep tabs on ARDF news provided by Joe Moell KØOV Learn More
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ARDF Defined
See what Wikipedia has to say about ARDF. Learn More
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ARDF the Movie
See what ARDF is all about in this YouTube video. Learn More
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ARDF World Championships
The ARDF World Championships are held on even-numbered years. Find out about the next one! Learn More
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The ARDF Handbook
The ARDF Handbook has all the information you need to become involved in this great sport! Learn More
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Email List
Join the ARDF USA email list to receive the latest ARDF information direct to your inbox. Learn More
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COVID-19 Pandemic
Return to this web site regularly for news on impacts to scheduled ARDF activities. Learn More
Contact the ARDF Committee
Questions or comments? Please contact the ARRL ARDF Committee at ardf@arrl.org.