04/26/2024

The 2024 ARRL National Convention, hosted by Dayton Hamvention¨, is just a month away, and the convention program guide is now available at www.arrl.org/expo[1]. The ARRL Events app is also ready to use, encouraging everyone planning to attend to preview all of the Hamvention exhibits, forums, and related activities.

Download the free ARRL Events[2] app, or access the content from an internet browser[3]. The app is offered in partnership with Hamvention, and it contains Hamvention's full program and live updates, so attendees can browse and schedule forums, find affiliated events, and preview the extensive list of exhibitors. During the event, attendees can use many of the app's other features to follow the hourly prize drawings organized by the Dayton Hamvention Prize Committee and browse building and site maps. ÿ

The MyProfile icon in the app allows users to add their name, call sign, email address, and any additional information they would like to share with other Hamvention attendees. Additionally, the MyBadge icon displays a QR code of your event badge that can be scanned by another attendee or exhibitor using the Scan Badge icon to instantly share contact information with other hams at the event. The app is available for Apple and Android smart devices. You can also access the web browser version, which is optimized for nearly any browser or mobile device. ÿ

Use the app to preview many of the informative presentations planned by Hamvention and ARRL that cover a variety of topics and interests to help grow your skills as a radio amateur -- no matter where you are in your journey. ÿ

Young hams and young newcomers to amateur radio are reminded to register for the 2024 ARRL Youth Rally, which will be held on Saturday during the convention. While Hamvention offers free tickets for youths aged 12 through high school, advance registration for the Youth Rally ($20) includes a tee shirt to wear on Saturday, a badge, a lanyard, and a reusable tote bag. Register[4] for the Youth Rally now (11 to 21 years of age). ÿ

Hamvention and the 2024 ARRL National Convention is May 17 - 19 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, in Xenia, Ohio. In the lead-up to the convention, the venue has finished making improvements to the flea market area. The walking paths have been topped with gravel and rolled to make the paths smooth and safe. ÿ

Complete information about this year's event can be found on the Hamvention[5] website, Facebook page[6], and at www.arrl.org/expo[7].


[1] https://www.arrl.org/expo
[2] http://www.tripbuildermedia.com/apps/arrl
[3] https://www.tripbuilder.net/html5/arrl
[4] https://form.jotform.com/240775423915157
[5] https://hamvention.org/
[6] https://www.facebook.com/Hamvention/
[7] https://www.arrl.org/expo

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

05/17/2024

By: Sam Shaner, KE1SAM

A massive turnout of hams of all ages are flocking to numerous attractions at the 2024 ARRL National Convention, hosted at Dayton Hamvention¨[1]. Local scattered showers don't seem to be raining on this parade; outside Tesla Building 2, seemingly miles-long lines of attendees wait for their orders of pork tenderloin sandwiches, hand-sliced gyros, burgers, and corn dogs. Inside, there is little elbow room to be had at the ARRL exhibit area.

One popular corner is the display of several ARRL publications, some of which are hot off the press. Attendees take turns thumbing through the 19th edition of Hints and Kinks, The POTA Book, and ARRL's Tech-through-Amateur Extra license manuals. Meanwhile, merch like sweatshirts, mugs, and pins are flying off the shelves.

Back-to-back forums in Forum Room 3 are bustling with activity as well. ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, gathers a sizable crowd to hear his presentation on the partnerships between Amateur Radio Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨)[2] groups, Auxiliary Communications (AuxComm) groups, SAFECOM¨, and CISA, in addition to the continued positive relations with served agencies at state, regional, and federal levels. Forum Room 3 had fewer and fewer empty seats as the day progressed, as Johnston's talk was followed by ARRL National Instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA's, engaging overview of instructor technique - how best to teach prospective hams in an accessible and fun way. Gordo's forum was a sensible segue into ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame's, K5ATA, deep dive into the many ways amateur radio science is not only making its way into schools but leading to unprecedented youth licensing.

As the afternoon rolled in, skies cleared and many more gathered at the event. Finishing touches are being placed on the ARRL Youth Rally, scheduled for Saturday. Dozens of young people are expected to participate.


[1] http://www.arrl.org/expo
[2] http://www.arrl.org/ares

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

05/19/2024

The 2024 ARRL National Convention hosted at Dayton Hamvention[1] is a wrap! The final half day on Sunday morning is a slight departure from the thrilling bustle of Friday and Saturday. Radio Amateurs were making a final effort to get by and see everything on their list - a tall order with five exhibit halls full of vendors.

The weather gave a break from Saturday's scorching heat. A sunny, cool, breeze through the fairgrounds giving comfort to the last minute con-goers.

Inside Forum Room 3, the ARRL National Convention track presentations continued to engage members. Sunday started with ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters', W8ZY, Tips for Successful Radio Clubs. Amateur radio clubs are constantly adapting to challenges with recruiting and maintaining membership, and the exchange of advice between clubs have become essential.

This talk was followed by The ARRL Contest Program Update presented ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, and ARRL Radiosport Manager Bart Jahnke W9JJ. They overviewed several new changes to ARRL's on-air operating events, including limited antenna overlay being added to HF contests, a youth overlay being added to all contests, and overlays being added to certificates. Additionally, changes were made to the 10 GHz and Up Contest rules. Proposed dates to the upcoming 2025 Earth-moon-Earth (EME) Contest have been released as well.

The forum schedule concluded with ARRL Lab Digital RF Engineer John McAuliffe, W1DRF presenting Beyond Repeaters: See How Far Your Tech License Will Take You. This compelling presentation features many of the under-utilized activities that Technician-class operators should take advantage of like UHF and VHF operation, EME, and digital packet radio.

Tech-class hams took notice of all the activities they may have not known were possible with their license privileges. These presentations will be archived on the ARRLHQ YouTube in the 2024 ARRL National Convention playlist[2].

As Solar Cycle 25 continues to peak, the activity on the 6- and 10-meter bands offers a lot of potential DX to Technicians. The new ARRL Momobeam Dual Band Beam antenna is a good tool for Techs seeking to extend their reach. More information is available at www.arrl.org/beam[3].

Look for more coverage from the 2024 ARRL National Convention hosted at Dayton Hamvention¨ this week on ARRL News. You can see a photo album of all the action you may have missed on the ARRL Facebook page.


[1] http://www.arrl.org/expo
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-4TpFTFh8c&list=PLuapIzKwhZN8LFSdPtmLRv8BLhhAVIkId
[3] http://www.arrl.org/beam

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS