HUNT ONE


  • Information

    The 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser was purchased new in Hawaii. The following are the vehicle's specifications. Model FJ40, 165 hp, 6 cylinder 236.7 cu.in engine equipped with dual fuel. It has a 4 speed synchro-mesh transmission with 4x4 transfer case, Warn locking front wheel hubs, full time limited slip differential in rear end, front wheel drive limited slip differential engaged with push button air actuator, weight 5780#, Phoenix weight 1560# and total weight 7340#.

    From 1975 to 2977 provided hunting transportation to Kaena Point on island of Oahu for the elusive Francolin grouse. Hunted for wild goat, pig and sheep extensively on the side of the Big Island's Mauna Kea slopes of Hawaii in an area called Laupahoehoe.

    From 1978 to 1982 provided transportation for hunting in California for pheasant, duck and deer and visited Mexico's Baja peninsula for excellent bird hunting. Traveled to Montana and explored fishing holes in Wyoming and Idaho.

    From 1983 to present has been used in the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges of western Washington for hunting.

    An expedition to the Arctic Ocean and Alaska in 1988 was enhanced by the fact that the vehicle was able to run on two different fuels: gasoline and propane. In addition to propane being economical, the unusually large capacity allowed for extensive exploring in areas where fuel; considerations would have been a limiting factor. We never worried about having enough fuel, however, we were kept busy changing flat tires. Seven flat tires in 7,000 miles in three months.

    SYSTEMS

    Huntronics: The term Huntronics was coined to describe the combination of various electronic resources that enhance the vehicle's overall capabilities.

    Navigation - Hunt One has two navigation systems. The primary navigation system is with two satellite receivers. The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides position information down to within 1/4 mile, and a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) provides position information down to within yards. These two satellite systems provide NMEA 0183 (National Marine Electronics Association 01-83 [Jan 1983] ) data strings into a Pentium computer and display it on a topographical map screen. The secondary navigation system involves a combination of compass, altimeter and a computerized measuring device using internal sensors requiring no external inputs.

    Primary Navigation System. A computerized map screen display accurately depicts the vehicle's position at all times. This position information can be shared with others through radio transmissions. Either one of two communications devices accomplishes this. One is a Microphone Encoder or Mic_E for short. The vehicle's location is transmitted to provide continual tracking of the vehicle's location anywhere in the U.S. and portions of Canada on a network seen by anyone with a similar capability. This network is called Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS). The second device is a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) and provides tracking information of others on Hunt One's display while allowing digital messages to be sent and received. RDF (Radio Direction Finding) bearings can also be transmitted into APRS in this configuration.

     

    Secondary Navigation System. The secondary navigation system employs magnetic compass, maps and a barometric altimeter and an internal electronic system, called CompuCruise, which does not rely on satellites but gets all its data from internal sensors such as fuel flow meters and drive shaft rotation sensors. It tracks fuel and ground miles. Once these sensors are calibrated at the beginning of each trip they supply accurate data information. CompuCruise displays and calculates fuel, miles per hour and measured miles; and it provides backup navigation data for correlation with the DGPS topographical map displays on the computer screen. This system is always on line in case of primary system failure.

    Communications - Communications capabilities are short and long range provided by equipment covering from Very High Frequency (VHF)/Ultra High Frequency (UHF) to High Frequency (HF) including digital.

    Active Communications. Two HF radios allow communications over long distances. Usually when transmitting on the large 150-watt HF radio all other communications equipment is secured. Telephone calls can be made using local mountaintop repeaters. One of the dual-band VHF/UHF radios can be used to cross-band repeat, meaning that you can use a 1 watt handheld radio and remotely talk on voice via Hunt One's radio at 50 watts, thereby increasing your range of communications. Local field communications are done with handhelds. One handheld radio with a built-in TNC has the ability to take inputs from a GPS and transmit APRS tracking data as a personal tracker while on foot in the field. This same unit is so light that it can be easily carried in a small pack on a hunting dog.

    Digital Communications. The TNC mentioned above serves in a dual-role capacity. In addition to being used as an interface to integrate the navigation and communication systems, it is also used to send electronic mail. The TNC, actually a radio modem, sends PACKET messages via radio transmission similar to email in the way it transmits ID and location information from the GPS. With the computer, keyboard messages can be sent via two systems: the APRS and PACKET system. The flexibility these two systems offer is that the operator at the other station need not be at the station to receive the messages.

    Passive Communications. Three methods of finding out what is going on around you are:

        1. Use of the Xplorer, a Near-Field Receiver that scans from 30MHz to 2.5GHz (minus cellular phones) every second. This information is integrated with navigation GPS and can be downloaded to a display map. Any station transmitting in your area will be heard by the Xplorer. It captures associated data such as DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency), Sub-audible tones, etc.
        2. Use of either RDF system, Doppler or the Agrelo Engineering DFjr provide line of bearings on transmissions from other stations. The use of the RDF in conjunction with the GPS/APRS provides plotted lines on computer-displayed maps.
        3. Television, AM/FM radio and cassette player for entertainment.

    Alarm System. Radio transmitter silent alarm system.

    Electrical: The vehicle's primary electrical system is 12 volts DC (direct current). Local power distribution or one of the two AC generators provides AC (alternating current) 110 volts.

    External Lighting: In the brush the vehicle can be illuminated in a 360-degree direction with white lighting. It has forward red lighting for field use around geese and ducks for transportation to field blinds. Large 150-watt halogen floodlights provide excellent visibility in the field.

    Internal Lighting: Numerous personal reading lights. White and red for field night vision.

    Batteries: Two main deep cycle batteries in engine compartment. One small alternate reduced electrical electronic battery when large batteries are operating winch.

    Emergency Start Battery: An independent emergency gel-cell battery pack.

    Battery Charger: Built-in 1 amp trickle charger.

    Generators: A small 650-watt generator provides power for communications over protracted periods of operation. The larger 2Kw generator is primarily used for camping support providing power for much large appliances such as heaters and battery chargers.

    Jumper Cables: One 20 foot welding cable set stored externally on either side of roof rack. A second set of cables stored internally, are a 15 foot 8 gauge set, that connects to a special external connector on front end of vehicle without gaining access to battery compartment.

    Emergency Beacon: Amber-flashing beacon mounted in left rear window.

    Bulls Eye Lanterns: Two large self-contained hand carried spot lights mounted externally front and rear.

    Droplight: One small Toyota 12 VDC drop light with plug-in connection in glove compartment.

    Flash Lights: Two 3 cell and two 90 degree two cell flashlights. Two portable penlights and two movable red/white map lights mounted front and rear.

    Portable Hand Floodlight: One 300,000-candlepower hand spotlight stowed internally.

    Antennae: The vehicle has almost two dozen antennae quick-connect/disconnect base mounts located on just about every surface of the vehicle. Most antennae are stored until needed. Different antennae provide a variety of wavelength links to the diverse communications suite. When passive, or in the listening mode, all high-power transmissions are secured. This is to prevent damage to the sensitive radio direction-finding receivers. Transmissions on handhelds or re-transmitting RDF bearings at low power can be accomplished during direction finding.

    Logistics: A computerized listing of all Hunt One parts, consumables and loadout items are kept in one database program called SPARES. A separate microfiche file displays and lists all factory parts. The SPARES program is kept current, and before any trip a load list is printed with special items for a particular type of hunting or fishing trip included. In addition to water, food, emergency medical and CPR equipment, tools, clothing, hunting supplies, knives, hatchets, cooking equipment and myriad personal items, the vehicle loadout consists of over 700 line items for field repairs. As a point of interest, on a trip in southern California one major field repair was needed for a cracked carburetor float. It was accomplished 120 miles from home by the flick of a switch. We just shifted from gasoline to propane and drove home. General storage is accomplished by use of bags. Each green nylon bag has a name and a load list of its contents. Items in the bags are tagged and stored in smaller plastic bags. Whenever an item is used it is put on an order list in the computer and restocked at first opportunity. When an item breaks or needs to be replaced because it has become worn two may be purchased: one for the repair and one for SPARES.

    Fuel System: The dual-fuel system of gasoline and propane affords the vehicle a major resource for extended travel. Total fuel capacity allows approximately 1,500 miles of travel depending on loadout and terrain. The engine has two carburetors. Due to space restrictions under the hood the propane carburetor is attached to the intake throat of the gasoline carburetor by way of a venturi. The same throttle, choke and both carburetors utilize cruise control linkage. Switching from one fuel to another is as easy as flipping a switch. One mechanical and two electric pumps, several lock-out valves, a fuel flow measuring device, coded lock switch, numerous electrical switches, indicator lights and gauges make up the Fuel Management System (FMS). The fuel system will NOT operate unless you have 12 volts available, and a four-digit code must be entered into a keypad before entry into the FMS is allowed. The carrying capacity means that you really have to work at running out of "gas". The CompuCruise System mentioned above is connected to the gasoline fuel system and measures fuel flow via a sensor in the fuel line. In addition to being the secondary alarm system, an audible Alarm System, part of another computer also monitors engine temperature, pressure, rpm, speed and voltage and can be programmed to alarm any of these conditions if certain parameters are exceeded.

    Recovery: A four-wheel drive vehicle would not be complete without a "recovery" capability. Hunt One is no exception and has many options.

    Equipment. Starting on the front end there is a 10K winch with 150 feet of 5/8" steel plowed cable. A 12 VDC diesel starter motor with a gear ratio of 488:1 powers the winch. A locker on top of the winch holds assorted shackles and pelican hooks. Stored around the vehicle at various points are 200 feet of 2" manila line, block and tackle two fold purchase, 2,550#. Chain hoist, 20-foot choker chain, two shovels, wire, cable cutters, crow bar, wrecking bar, hammers, six 6-foot 5/8" cable straps with hard eyes for fairleading, two 3" 25-foot nylon straps and numerous other pieces of attaching tools and gear for recovery. One important piece of equipment carried on the rear roof rack is a 44" hi-lift jack. This jack can do double duty as a short hall winch and has come in handy on more than one occasion. No 4x4 should be without a hi-lift jack. There is a special sheave that can be mounted on the front hitch, which allows the winch cable to be reversed and enables the vehicle to pull itself out backwards. A specially constructed large fluke portable sand anchor is carried on the front hood and is used in soft mud or sand to winch out of areas where there is no purchase or deadman such as rocks or another vehicle available.

    Towing. Hunt One can tow or be towed. At all times it carries a front tow bar, which can hook to towing vehicle. This same tow bar can be removed and clamped to another vehicle, which can then be towed by Hunt One. Portable lights are carried for this purpose and can be rigged on the other vehicle. There are two hitches installed. The rear hitch can tow ball or claw. The front hitch used for maneuvering boat trailers is claw hitch only.

    Air Compressors. Air in the tires can be reduced to provide a bigger foot print for traction. Once on hardpan road any of the three air compressors can refill the tires. One air compressor provides 110# air to the air operated front differential locker, the second one provides 120# air via vacuum actuated compressor to the rear lifts and the third provides 90# air via electric pump. A fourth EMERGENCY option is a hose screwed into a spark plug hole allowing the non-firing engine cylinder to pump air.

    Chain Saw Winch. This winch, not normally carried, can be loaded out for high country hunts and can be adapted to chainsaw duties or used as a portable winch.

    Emergency Equipment. Two small portable chemical and one large portable PKP chemical fire extinguishers and one large permanently mounted fixed CO2 fire extinguisher supplies the engine compartment and can be activated to the left of the drivers seat by a pull handle. Two first-aid kits including CPR mask. One Canine [K-9] first-aid kit.

    Side Carriers. Located on either side to the rear of the doors are two clamp carrying devices, which can accommodate fuel cans, metal ditch-crossing tracks and various racks, which can accommodate equipment such as generators, chainsaws, etc.

    Armor Plating. Stock skid plates plus after-market retrofit 1/4" steel plating protects the underbelly of the winch, transmission and auxiliary fuel tank.

    PHOENIX: The legend of the mythical bird Phoenix that rose from the ashes fits the history of this ex-GI Vietnam veteran off-road trailer. When purchased from DoD Disposal in Pearl City, Hawaii the Phoenix was suffering from jungle rot and was a rusted hulk. After sand blasting painting and replacement of the axle it was ready for the road again. The trailer is fitted with battery, radio, habitability equipment, tools, stove, cooking utensils, heaters, tent, sleeping cots, 10 gallons of potable water and camping gear. In addition to the large propane tank whose fuel can be used for motoring or heating depending on the requirement, the Phoenix can be used as stand alone camp. Fuel and water can be transferred from Phoenix to Hunt One. The Phoenix has the same size tires and wheels as Hunt One, so therefore an extra spare is not needed. The distance between the rear wheels on Hunt One, and Phoenix are the same as the front wheels and rear wheels of Hunt One allowing Phoenix to track very precisely in off-road twisting and turning trails. The Phoenix is rigged with two metal ditch-crossing tracks for off-road use.