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ARRL National Convention at Ham-Com
ARRL EXPO is a showcase of ARRL exhibits, activities and program representatives—celebrating the very best of Amateur Radio.
June 10-11, 2011
Plano, Texas
The 2011 ARRL National Convention at Ham-Com
...and featuring ARRL EXPO!
June 10-11, 2011 -- Plano, Texas
- Official Web site: Ham-Com
- Location: Plano Centre
Important Links
- Ham-Com (official Web site, advance tickets, and other information)
- ARRL West Gulf Division Home Page
- ARRL North Texas Section
ARRL Exhibit & Activities Guide
June 10-11, 2011
ARRL EXPO – Welcome! ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, welcomes members and friends to the 2011 ARRL National Convention, hosted by Ham-Com. Use this handy guide to find ARRL-sponsored activities and exhibits. ARRL EXPO is a large exhibit area located in main convention hall. This is a showcase of ARRL exhibits, activities and program representatives— opportunities to get active, get involved, and get on-the-air!
ARRL National Convention Keynote Speaker
Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH
Saturday 1:00 PM - Plano Centre / Northbrook Room
Note: Due to room occupancy limitations, convention attendees must obtain a ticket (available from the ARRL West Gulf Division booth in the ARRL exhibit area) to attend the keynote presentation. Open seating may be offered after all ticketed guests are seated.
Before his retirement from the Federal Communications Commission in 2008, W. Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, was recognized as the person who embodied Amateur Radio Enforcement. Hollingsworth joined the Enforcement Program of the Compliance and Information Bureau as Legal Advisor for Enforcement in January 1998. He was placed in charge of coordinating enforcement in the Amateur Service after that program was transferred to the Enforcement Bureau in October 1998. He became Special Counsel with the new Enforcement Bureau and managed the Amateur Radio Service enforcement and the Land Mobile Service interference resolution programs in the Land Mobile and Public Safety services.
Hollingsworth, an active radio amateur licensee since 1960, is a member of ARRL and Assistant Director for the ARRL’s Atlantic Division. He is a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association. His call sign is K4ZDH and he lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Pat, who actually thinks the radio tower in the backyard is really cool-- and in fact helped him build it! Today, Riley continues to champion good amateur practice, responsibility for our radio spectrum privileges, and respect for the Amateur Radio Service as part of the American heritage.
ARRL Store
Visit the HUGE ARRL bookstore to purchase popular ARRL publications, join or renew your ARRL membership, and pick up official ARRL merchandise.
- FREE Gift when you join ARRL or renew your membership at ARRL EXPO.
- FREE 2011 ARRL Handbook when you join or renew for 3 years. Best Deal!
- FREE ARRL Plano 2011 Button!
2011 ARRL Field Day Supplies – ARRL Field Day is June 25-26. Gear up for the most popular on-the-air operating event in Amateur Radio. Official T-shirts, pins, hats, and posters are available.
ARRL Project Building Booth
Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to show closing
Join in the fun of homebrewing (or project-building). Live classes will be held. Come-by to build one of the two affordable kits under the watchful eyes of a team of instructors who will mentor you through the activity. Handle electronic components, circuit boards, and try your hand at soldering. Unlock your inner do-it-yourselfer! Choose from the following kits, which can be purchased at the ARRL Store:
- Shortwave Radio Kit – The Ten-Tec 1054 4-band regenerative receiver is a classic “first receiver” project.
- Morse Code Oscillator Kit – Produced exclusively for ARRL by MFJ Enterprises, this project is perfect for newcomers, clubs, instructors and teachers seeking a classroom kit-building experience.
Radiosport and DXCC
DXCC Card Checking – Personnel from the ARRL DXCC Branch will be on hand to check applications for all ARRL Award Programs. All cards will be eligible for checking, including old cards, cards for deleted countries and cards for 160-Meters. Applications will be limited to 120 cards (more cards will be checked as time and volunteer Card Checkers are available). See www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc for the latest program information and current forms.
ARRL Contests and Awards – On-air competitions and award-hunting are great activities of Amateur Radio. These are effective ways to boost your technical knowledge and improve your radio operating skills—helping make you a better radio amateur. Ask us about the ARRL Award Program and upcoming ARRL Contests.
Logbook of the World – Representatives from Logbook of the World will be giving demonstrations and answering your questions. See www.arrl.org/lotw for the latest program information.
ARRL Outgoing QSL Service – ARRL members can drop-off QSL cards for delivery to QSL Bureaus throughout the world. QSL cards should be sorted by country--see the instructions at the link below. There will be a scale onsite with which to weigh your cards to determine the fee, which will be due at drop-off. Cards do not need to be boxed, just wrapped with rubber bands each way. For instructions, visit www.arrl.org/outgoing-qsl-service
QSL Card Wall – Bring your personal QSL card to Ham-Com, and post in on ARRL’s big QSL card wall. Help us cover the wall with QSLs from around the world!
Licensing and Exams
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator – ARRL VEC has been busy serving the needs of the Amateur Radio community for over 25 years—the largest coordinator of Amateur Radio license examinations in the US. ARRL VEC serves the FCC in many functions and supports the Amateur Radio community as a knowledgeable and friendly source of information and resources: licensing forms and instructions, testing information and more.
Exam Sessions – Friday 11 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 4PM
The Lockheed ARC and the Kilocycle Club of Fort Worth will provide ARRL VEC sponsored Amateur Radio license examinations. Examinees can walk-in at anytime during the exam sessions and must bring the exact change for the $15 exam fee and required items. FCC Commercial General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) exams are also offered through the National Radio Examiners program. GROL exams are $50. Detailed information may be found on the web at www.hamcom.org/attending-ve.cfm. ARRL VEC staff will be providing real time license processing via the FCC ULS database on Friday, June 10, only. Persons testing that day will receive their call sign at Ham-Com. Special thanks to Tommy Davis, W5TCD and Kevin Vickers, AC5UV for organizing exam activities.
More ARRL Exhibits…
ARRL Development and ARRL Foundation – Learn about charitable giving opportunities that help strengthen ARRL’s work on behalf of Amateur Radio: annual campaigns, ARRL funds, memorial gifts and estate planning opportunities. The ARRL Foundation offers scholarships and grants for Amateur Radio.
ARRL Legislative Action and Regulatory Information – Learn about ARRL’s federal legislative initiatives for the 112th Congress and what you can do to help. Bring your regulatory questions for advice involving enforcement issues, spectrum management (band sharing, frequency coordination information, etc), or other general rules-and-regulation assistance.
Emergency Communications – Meet with program representatives for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) and the National Traffic System (NTS). Learn about opportunities to volunteer, and explore resources and training. Network with other public service volunteers.
ARRL Education Services –See displays of ARRL Education & Technology Program kits, projects, and other resources available to schools and teachers. Obtain information about the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) and Amateur Radio licensing instruction.
ARRL-Sponsored Insurance Program – ARRL has been providing opportunities for equipment insurance to its members for more than 25 years. On May 1, 2011, ARRL began a new partnership with Hays Affinity Group to provide its ARRL-sponsored Equipment Insurance and Club Liability Insurance plans. A representative will be available to answer questions. Enroll online at ARRLinsurance.com
ARRL West Gulf Division – Visit with ARRL West Gulf Division leadership and Section Managers from North Texas, South Texas, West Texas and Oklahoma. Find out how you can support the extensive ARRL Field Organization.
ARRL Youth Activities
Youth Activities and Youth Lounge: Drop by the ARRL Youth Lounge to meet and socialize with other young hams. Whether you’re 1 or 21, the Youth Lounge is sure to offer something that young hams will enjoy. Come to chat with other hams, listen to music, grab a snack or participate in one of the many activities, such as scavenger hunts, Morse code fun, a QSL card designing contest, crafts, prizes and more. Whether or not you’re licensed, you’re welcome to come by and join the fun! Special thanks to Megan McClellan, K5MEM, for organizing the ARRL Youth Activities.
ARRL Youth Calling Frequencies: If you’re looking for other youth during the convention, try calling them on the youth calling frequencies: 145.540 MHz (107.2 Hz CTCSS) primary and 146.430 (233.6 Hz CTCSS) secondary. Not licensed yet? Soon-to-be hams can check-in using FRS channel one.
ARRL Youth Dinner: Saturday night at 5:30 PM. Come to the ARRL Youth Lounge to find out the location of the dinner.
W1AW/5 Special Event Station
Bring a copy of your license to operate using the world's most recognized call sign. The station will be located in two communication trailers in front of the Plano Convention Center, and operating on the following frequencies: 3.870/3.650; 7.270/7.050; 10.110; 14.270/14.050; 18.130/18.090; 21.370/21.050; 28.670/28.050 MHz; 147.55 MHz simplex. All frequencies are +/- QRM. QSL: ARRL, W1AW/5, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111 (include an SASE). W1AW/5 is sponsored by Dallas County REACT, the Dallas Amateur Radio Club and the Garland Amateur Radio Club.
ARRL Wouff Hong Ceremony
Friday 10:45 PM – Holiday Inn Express Plano East
Participate in this lively ARRL tradition. The ceremony is steeped in mystery! Attendees receive a special keepsake. A fun activity for all ages. Friday, 10:45 PM (no admittance after 11 PM) at the Holiday Inn Express Plano East, 700 Central Pkwy E. Sign-up at the ARRL West Gulf Division booth during the convention. Sponsored by the Dallas Amateur Radio Club and Ham-Com.
Presentations and Forums
The following ARRL-sponsored presentations will be hosted by Ham-Com. Please see the Ham-Com program for a complete listing of forums, times and locations.
- ARRL Field Day
Friday, 4 PM (Sunny Slope 1, 2)
Dan Henderson, N1ND, from the ARRL Headquarters staff. ARRL Field Day is the single most popular Amateur Radio event in the US, with over 35,000 participants and hundreds of radio clubs. Come learn more about some of the unique and fulfilling ways groups across the US and Canada get on the air to celebrate ARRL Field Day. Field Day 2011 will be held June 25-26. Get a FREE ARRL Field Day poster when you attend this forum!
- Wireless Technology Literacy in the Classroom
Saturday, 8 AM (Shady Grove)
Tommy Gober, N5DUX, ARRL Education & Technology Program Instructor. The ARRL Education & Technology (ETP) Program supports resources to help integrate wireless technology into school curricula. The program uses a multi-technology approach that includes Amateur Radio, other wireless technologies and robotics. ARRL ETP Instructor Tommy Gober N5DUX will share his experiences of integrating wireless technology education into the curriculum used in his Texas high school classroom. His approach helps inspire students to pursue careers in high-tech industries and beyond. Learn also about the annually-sponsored ARRL Teachers Institute workshops.
- Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
Saturday, 10 AM (Fairview 1, 2)
Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, member of the ARISS Working Committees. A discussion and insights covering the last 10 years of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), including radio contacts with schools, SuitSat, unattended operations and the upcoming deployment of ARISSat-1. ARISS is supported by national Amateur Radio organizations including ARRL and AMSAT, and by NASA and the Energia (Russia).
- FCC Update
Saturday, 10 AM (Northbrook 3)
Laura Smith, Federal Communications Commission. At the invitation of ARRL, Laura Smith, FCC Special Counsel for the Spectrum Enforcement Division, will present an update on the latest Amateur Radio and enforcement news from the FCC and field questions.
- Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) Forum
Saturday, 11 AM (Hillhaven)
Mike Corey, W5MPC, from the ARRL Headquarters staff. In 2010 we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Today we ask “where are we heading?” To answer this we must carefully consider the challenges that we face today. Topics include: the top challenges, actions that we can take, and addressing EmComm myths.
- ARRL Member Forum
Saturday, 12 PM (Fairview 1, 2)
David Woolweaver, K5RAV, ARRL Director--West Gulf Division. ARRL is the largest national Amateur Radio association in the world. The organization has over 156,000 members worldwide, publishes the popular monthly journal QST, and coordinates an extensive all-volunteer field organization. Hear from local and national ARRL officials on key areas of membership interest. Find out how ARRL supports dozens of ways to get involved and get on the air. Members and prospective members are all welcome! Participants will include ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN.
- ARRL National Convention Keynote Speaker – Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH
Saturday, 1 PM (Northbrook 1, 2, 3)
Before his retirement from the Federal Communications Commission in 2008, Riley Hollingsworth was recognized as the person who embodied Amateur Radio Enforcement. Today, he continues to champion good amateur practice, responsibility for our radio spectrum privileges, and respect for the Amateur Radio Service as part of the American heritage. Riley, K4ZDH, will give the ARRL National Convention keynote address. Note: Due to room occupancy limitations, convention attendees must obtain a ticket (available from the ARRL West Gulf Division booth in the ARRL exhibit area) to attend the keynote presentation. Open seating may be offered after all ticketed guests are seated.
- Antenna Restrictions
Saturday, 2 PM (Northbrook 1, 2, 3)
ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, and ARRL International Affairs Vice President Jay Bellows, K0QB. Resources and advice for dealing with, and overcoming, antenna restrictions, how to avoid restrictive covenants, information for navigating local government zoning ordinances, and Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's).
- ARRL Section Manager and Field Organization Forum
Saturday, 3 PM (Fairview 1, 2)
Steve Ewald, WV1X, from the ARRL Headquarters staff. ARRL´s extensive Field Organization includes 71 "Sections" across the entire United States and territories. This all volunteer core of ARRL Section Managers and their appointed program managers or coordinators help staff crucial program areas: emergency communications, message traffic, volunteer monitoring, RFI problem-solving, support of affiliated clubs, government liaison, and encouragement of technical activities.
