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Sandhills FM Multi-cache

This cache has been archived.

Ngaambul: Unfortunately there was no response (or regular update) from the owner within the time requested and as per the original note this cache has been archived. If you wish to replace it please submit a new cache via this link.

Ngaambul - Matt

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Hidden : 9/16/2006
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Easy to find once you have the coordinates!
All you need is your FM radio.

Tune in to 107.5 on your FM dial for some Geocaching fun!
"Sandhills FM" is the official broadcast station for one very lonely container hiding out along Sandhills Road.
Our DJ is devoted to telling the world about this cache and will keep doing so for as long as the sun shines...

To find this cache you need to be within the footprint of the micro-transmitter where you will be able to hear a series of "beeps".
By counting each group of beeps you will be given the full LAT/LON in South DD MM.MMM and East DDD MM.MMM format. It may sound like Morse Code, but it's not. Count each group and write them down, then listen to the whole sequence again to make sure you are correct. The stop and start of the sequence is signalled by a long beep. You will end up with a series of 15 numbers and it should be obvious where the degrees end, where the minutes start, and where the decimal point goes if you know what a lat/lon for this part of the world looks like.
If at first you don't hear anything, try scanning between 106.000 and 108.000 MHz on your radio for the signal. As mentioned above, it should be around 107.5 MHz.
On a good day, you will start hearing the "beeps" at S35 10.761 E149 34.781 and it will be strongest at around S35 11.013 E149 35.104.

I will be checking the micro-transmitter every week but please log if you didn't hear it for some reason.
The system does not have batteries, and is purely solar powered. It's best to tackle this during a nice sunny day.

For the technical types :- The FM transmitter is based on common wireless microphone/bug type designs and is very low in power output (the ACMA states that 10uW is all that is allowed in the FM broadcast band for LIPD applications - this transmitter meets those requirements). The oscillator is a simple L-C circuit and so drifts around a bit with temperature. The whole thing is powered by 100mW of solar cells. A PICAXE08 is used to generate tones and control.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jura lbh nqq nyy 15 vaqvivqhny ahzoref gbtrgure, lbh trg 64.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)