 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||
|
|
 Previous: FCC Enforcement Letters for the Period Ending April 16, 2005 |  Next: Second Time’s the Charm for New Hampshire School Space Contact |
By Edward Collins, N8NUY
April 19, 2005
Each year at Dayton Hamvention®, a lot of activities take place in conjunction with the "main event" that are not part of the official Hamvention schedule. Here's a listing and a brief description of some of these events.
One of the great opportunities at Dayton Hamvention 2005--Friday through Sunday, May 20-22--is the chance to meet with top experts in almost every facet of Amateur Radio. You can also get together with others who share interests similar to yours. At Hamvention itself, it can be difficult to get into a detailed discussion with someone at a booth or following a forum. But, there are other opportunities--referred to as "Alternate Activities" or "Unofficial Activities"--occurring in the greater Dayton area that, while not a formal part of Dayton Hamvention, offer a more casual and relaxed atmosphere to share ideas or just to socialize.
Many of the events require reservations or tickets, and space is limited at almost all of the dinners and parties. Don't expect to walk up to the door and be admitted without having your name on the list. Attendance is limited at all of these events, and reservations are required.
The following list contains events found by a Web search under "Hamvention 2005." It is not necessarily a comprehensive listing. Smaller groups and clubs that sponsor alternative activities do not always list their events at Dayton Hamvention on the Internet.
If your group's alternative activity is not listed here and you want to get out the word, there's still time to get listed on the Dayton Hamvention Web site under "Activities è Alternate Activities." Follow the instructions to have your event listed.
Here are the events that are currently listed plus some
that are not:
AMSAT has evening events listed for Thursday, May 19, and
Friday, May 20. On Thursday, the fourth annual Pizza n' Suds event takes place.
This is a less formal event and a great opportunity to talk to hams who are
into all aspects of satellite communication. The AMSAT banquet on Friday
evening is an excellent buffet dinner at one of Dayton's finest restaurants. More
information is on the AMSAT Web site.
Four Days in May (FDIM), sponsored by QRP Amateur
Radio Club International (QRP ARCI), has
a full schedule of forums and presentations that begin early Thursday, May 19,
before Dayton Hamvention formally opens. If you are interested in QRP, this is
a must-attend event. Check out the list of speakers and events at the QRP ARCI
Web site.
Another group meeting in Dayton this year is the Bicycle Mobile Hams of America. Although
no alternate activity events are listed on their Web site, you might want to visit
their forum (Sunday, 8:30-10 AM, Room 2) during Hamvention.
The Collins Collectors Association (CCA) will have its
annual awards banquet Friday night. CCA also has reserved a block of rooms at
the Holiday Inn Fairborn. The CCA Web site has all of the details as well as
information on hotel reservations.
The 2005 Annual EmComm Banquet is Friday, May 20, at 5:30 PM, at Ryan's Restaurant in Kettering, Ohio. This marks the second annual gathering of all ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course graduates and friends. Contact Dan Miller, K3UFG; 860 206-3379 evenings/weekends to register.
The VHF
Weak Signal Group is having a dinner on Friday evening in Dayton. The VHF
Weak Signal Group is dedicated VHF operators who work DX on 2 meters up through
the microwave bands. This year's will mark the 13th annual dinner during
Hamvention. Details are on the group's Web site.
The 2005 TAPR Digital Bash will take place Friday evening,
7 PM, at Kohler's
Banquet Center. This is an event for the digitally-inclined ham. The cost
is $30 per person. For more information, e-mail
TAPR or stop by the TAPR booth at Dayton Hamvention for a schedule and map.
Make reservations before May 1 to get tickets via US mail. Anyone may attend
the program, which begins at 8 PM.
The Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) will hold a dinner on Friday evening.
Reservations are required. QCWA members have had Amateur Radio licenses for 25
years or more. Details are on the QCWA Web site's Dayton banquet page.
The International Visual Communications Association (IVCA) will hold a technical meeting Friday evening during Hamvention at the Best Western Executive Hotel. The group is primarily interested in Slow Scan TV. Details are on the Friday Night IVCA SSTV Meeting Web page.
The Dayton Topband Dinner, a gathering for all 160 meter enthusiasts, is Friday, May 20, at Neil's Heritage House Restaurant in Dayton. Social hour is at 6:15 PM; dinner is at 7:45 PM. This annual event brings together 160-meter operators from around the world for food, drink and camaraderie. The cost is $29 per person. Reservations are required. Contact George Guerin, K8GG, for reservations and further information. Paid reservations must in by May 1!
The 20th annual DX Dinner, sponsored by the Southwest Ohio DX Association (SWODXA) will take place Friday evening at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Dayton. Tickets are $32 per person. Orders and more info from Jay Slough, K4ZLE.
Another very popular event is the Dayton Contest Dinner on
Saturday evening, which draws contesters from all over the world. The North
Coast Contesters sponsor this annual gathering. Full details and information on
DX gatherings that can be found on the Hamvention "Alternate Activities"
for Saturday. The Contest Super Suite, hosted by North Coast Contesters, The
Frankford Radio Club and the Mad River Radio Club, will be open May 19-21, 7 PM
until 2 AM, in the Miami Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Dayton. Midnight Pizza parties will be held every night by several contest clubs and others. Contact
Tim Duffy, K3LR, for more info.
Remember too that Dayton Hamvention 2005 is hosting the ARRL National Convention. The main focus of ARRL activities will be ARRL EXPO 2005, held in a special area in the Ballarena of the Hara Arena complex. If you've never before been to Dayton Hamvention, this is definitely the year!
Why not join in on the fun and attend one of the Alternate Activities during Hamvention? Meet some new friends, and have a good time. By the way, as you enjoy the ARRL EXPO 2005 and Hamvention 2005, say "thanks" to the volunteers you see with Dayton Hamvention 2005 hats and badges. They've put in a lot of time to bring Hamvention to you. 73, and see you there!
Editor's note: Edward Collins, N8NUY, of Dayton, Ohio, is the coordinator for AMSAT activities during Dayton Hamvention 2005. Contact
the author via e-mail.
| Previous: FCC Enforcement Letters for the Period Ending April 16, 2005 | Next: Second Time’s the Charm for New Hampshire School Space Contact |
