ham radio A 2-post collection

Hamvention has come to pass once more and our members had a blast! For those not in the know, Hamvention is an annual convention in Dayton for amateur radio. This event is huge, drawing radio nerds from across the globe to convene at a 3 day event with talks, meetups, vendors, yard sale, and even testing for your own license. Here's some thoughts from our members' experiences this year.

brianxr:

Hamvention was a lot of fun this year. Weather was better than usual (not too hot, and rain was limited). I had been looking for a variac and scored one ($20) Friday morning (whether it works is TBD), with intent to use it one day in a restoration project for a pair of 65-year-old tube-type radios. With the same project in mind, I bought a book called "hollow state design" and spent a few minutes chatting with the author. Looking forward to learning more about vacuum tubes! Also, lots of random conversations with random people - it's a convention full of people willing to talk to perfect strangers for 10-20 minutes about whatever strikes their fancy, who knew? :)

Kostas:

After years of playful "bullying", I was finally able to catch Hamvention. I've been on the Meshtastic radio system for two years so seeing the custom Hamvention firmware in action was a lot of fun. As someone with no Ham license, I did feel out of my depth. There is not a lot of beginner information available at the event. I was very lucky for my very knowledgeable and patient friend taking me around and answering my and my friend's newbie questions. The ARRL App and paper maps were a godsend for hunting down booths of interest for me like amateur satellite and Meshtastic booths. I hope to have my license and call sign ready for next year!

How was your Hamvention? Did you take a license test? Did you snag your niche find at the yard sale? Will we see you next year?

Hamvention is fast approaching! Ham radio fans converge upon Dayton to brave the sun, rain, and nerds to broadcast their radio knowledge. A decent portion of our members have ham radio licenses and are annual visitors to Hamvention. We're ready to ham it up, here are some of our members' best tips for optimizing your trip to Greene County Fair and Expo Center!

Come with a list of what you're looking for and be at peace with the fact you will not see all of the outdoor flea market. - Brian

Hamvention has indoor vendors as well as an outdoor flea market. While you can play out your indoor route pretty easily, the flea market has way more vendors and can be overwhelming. Come with a plan AND cash!

Bring a backpack and lots of water. - Ryan A.

Walking the grounds can be exhausting in the May sun and extra storage may be required if you find a great score (which you will). Staying hydrated and unburdened is a huge part of having an enjoyable time.

It's going to rain, bring appropriate footwear and a rain jacket. - Drew K.

Rain at Hamvention is just a given due to it occurring in Ohio in May. The fairgrounds can handle some mud but can you? Make sure to bring stuff you don't mind getting muddy and wet.

Wear tan cargo shorts, a t-shirt with a radio manufacture's logo on it & a baseball cap and you will blend in seamlessly. - Ryan A.

Every subculture has a uniform and ham radio is no exception. Cargo shorts do double duty as part of the uniform and holding your flea market scores. What's in your pocket? A Meshtastic node? Some vintage tech? A kitschy ham sticker?

Our members will be out and about at Hamvention! Will we see you there?