Repurposing a fox-hunt controller for EMCOMM, Scouting events, and portable field comms
Why this build?
- I needed a clean, automatic station ID during portable simplex repeater or cross-band operations without hauling a full repeater controller.
- Using my existing Byonics products, I found that the Byonics PicCon (aka “Micro Fox / Foxhunt Controller”) was a perfect solution.
- It can send a periodic Morse ID into your rig’s mic input—simple, compact, and field-friendly—and is perfect forEMCOMM deployments, JOTA/JOTI, or training exercises where you want legal IDs without babysitting the mic.
Parts & Links
- PicCon Foxhunt Controller — programmed with your callsign in Morse:
Byonics PicCon - Programming Cable for PicCon:
USB-2.5 Cable - Mobile power (for Icom mobiles):
M6C cigarette-lighter cable (IC-2730 / ID-5100) - Optional (HT use): If you want to drive an HT as the TX, pick the HT2 cable that matches your handheld: Byonics HT cables
- Rigs tested in this guide: Icom IC-2730A, Icom ID-5100.
- My current field kit: IC-2730 + ID-5100, PicCon (callsign in CW), USB-2.5 programming cable, and M6C power cable.
Signal Flow (at a glance)
[PicCon audio out] ──> [Radio mic/audio in]
└──(optional PTT control, if used by your wiring)
You’re essentially injecting a brief, periodic CW ID into your microphone path. Keep audio levels conservative and verify deviation on-air with a friend or a service monitor if available.
Programming the PicCon
- Connect PicCon to your computer via the USB-2.5 cable.
- Open the PicCon config utility (per Byonics instructions).
- Set the ID message to your callsign in Morse.
- Choose a repeat interval appropriate for your use (e.g., 9–10 minutes is typical to satisfy ID rules while avoiding chatter).
- Set tone level and length for readability; keep it short and polite for shared spectrum.
- Write the config to the device and label the unit with your callsign for clarity.
Tip: If your radio supports a data or accessory input with fixed level, consider that path. Otherwise, mic input works fine—just trim audio level to avoid over-deviation.
Hookup & Integration
A) Icom IC-2730A / ID-5100 (mobile rig)
- Build or buy a mic-compatible cable that routes PicCon audio to the mic input pin, with a shared ground.
- Optional PTT: Some builders wire PicCon PTT to key the radio during the ID burst. Others leave VOX/VOX-like options off and manually rely on audio-triggered TX if supported. PTT is cleaner if you have the pins available.
- Start with low audio from PicCon, then increment until copy is clean but not loud. Verify on-air.
B) HT transmitter (optional)
- Use the appropriate HT2 cable from Byonics for your handheld model.
- Mount the HT safely, run external power if needed, and manage heat if you’re beaconing in a hot environment.
On-Air Test Checklist
- Confirm correct frequency & bandwidth for your event / exercise.
- Verify CTCSS/DCS settings if used; the ID should pass through the intended TX path.
- Perform a short test with a second receiver and copy the CW ID at range.
- Check deviation / audio level (too hot is worse than too soft).
- Log your interval and keep a small card with your wiring pinout in the kit.
Regulatory Notes (Part 97)
In the U.S., amateur stations must transmit identification at least every 10 minutes during a communication and at the end of a series of transmissions. This build allows your simplex repeater / cross-band setup to identify automatically with your callsign in Morse. Always verify local regulations and band plans, especially during public events or shared spectrum operations.
Troubleshooting
- ID is too loud / distorted: Back off PicCon output level; check mic gain / compander settings on the radio.
- Radio doesn’t key: If you rely on PTT control, recheck PTT wiring and ground. If not using PTT, ensure the radio will pass audio to TX as wired.
- Other traffic is clipped: Increase ID interval; keep ID short; avoid heavy ID during nets or time-critical ops.
- HT won’t key with HT2 cable: Confirm the exact HT model variant; some families use different mic/earpin wiring.
FAQ
Can I inject via the data port instead of mic?
Yes—if your radio’s data/accessory port supports line-level audio to TX. It can be cleaner than the mic path. Check your manual.
Will this work with cross-band repeat?
Yes—the ID will ride on whichever side you key to transmit. Test your specific path so the ID identifies the transmitting station correctly.
What interval should I use?
Many pick 9–10 minutes to align with ID rules. Shorter can be annoying; longer risks non-compliance during extended operations.
Resources & Cables
- Byonics PicCon: Product Page
- PicCon Programming Cable: USB-2.5 Cable
- Icom Mobile Power (M6C): Byonics Mobile Cables
- HT Interface (HT2): Byonics HT Cables
Wrap-Up
The PicCon is a small, reliable way to add automatic ID to portable simplex/cross-band operations—no full repeater controller required.
If you build this, drop a comment with your radio model, the wiring you used, and your interval settings. I’d love to see your setup!