Radio orienteering

Radio orienteering combines the requirements of fast running through open terrain, exact orientation in the country, quick and independent decision-making and tactical problem solving, the ability to control the aiming receiver and, last but not least, the ability to concentrate and a strong will. It has a long tradition in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and before that in Czechoslovakia.

What is radio orienteering?

In the space of the race (preferably wooded) are hidden 5 transmitters, which broadcast in sequence always 1 minute in a five-minute cycle. Sixth transmitter, which broadcasts continuously on a different frequency, is used to guide the competitor to the target.

The competitor is equipped with an aiming receiver and, if necessary, a map of the race area. Its task is to independently locate all transmitters and reach the target in the shortest possible time. The competitor chooses the order of searching for the transmitter himself based on his observation after the start, distance estimation and terrain configuration. The competitor chooses his route through the terrain based on the map and the estimated location of the transmitter.

Technical parameters of transmitters and antennas for radio orienteering, as well as track parameters are internationally standardized.

The ROB competition usually consists of two separately evaluated competitions in bands 3,5 MHz a 144 MHz. Due to the significantly different nature of the propagation of radio waves in these two bands and the technical equipment, the overall nature of both competitions is also significantly different. The contestants are divided into 15 categories by age and gender. The length of the track varies from 2 do 10 km, number of search transmitters from 2 do 5 depending on the competitor's category.

Video presentation of radio orienteering

Where to find more information about radio orienteering?

Try it in Slovakia http://rob.sk , in Bohemia http://www.ardf.cz