I guess I shouldn't call it an annual trip since we've missed two of the last four years. On the other hand, everyone missed the first of those two (2021) because there was no hamfest due to the Covidiocy, like 99% of everything else
cancelled that year. Last year was because of my surgery, which was two weeks before the 'fest, but I was under orders not to sit in one place "too long" - like the 90 minute drive each way to where it's held and then home. Put that way, we've missed making it once.
That's a very roundabout way of saying this weekend is the annual Orlando hamfest. It was our 41st annual visit to the hamfest, and unlike most years since I retired, we went over today, Saturday, which is always the most crowded day. It has been cool here, but warmed into the upper 70s and even low 80s as the day went by; I wore a short-sleeved polo shirt and was comfortable all day. By the time the temperature got into that "the sun is not your friend" range, clouds came along and kept it comfortable.
As I've said before the Orlando HamCation (real name) is now generally referred to as the second largest in the country behind only Dayton's Hamvention (which is only Dayton in name - it's held in Xenia, Ohio). Dayton tends to be the one where major products are announced. Absolutely not related to any of that is we unknowingly attended the last Dayton Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio, in 2016. I mentioned being there, but that was before it was announced the arena where they held the Hamvention was being torn down.
Two years ago, we were late ordering our tickets and had to pick them up at the show. This year, we ordered them in time to get the tickets in the mail - we ordered around Christmas. We got out of the house at a less than optimum time from the standpoint of lines and crowds at the hamfest. We parked close to as far from the entrance of the main building as it was possible to be and did quite a bit of walking. Unsurprisingly, it turns out the preparing for last Saturday's 70 mile bike ride does, in fact, making walking a couple of miles over the course of a day rather more tolerable than not doing that bike ride prep.
Obligatory picture #1, inside the main building looking toward the west end. Much of the main building is displays from major radio manufacturers like Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, and Flex, as well as antenna manufacturers and others. The west half of the building has a couple of larger businesses and some that maybe had "luck of the draw" that got them into that building.
Obligatory picture #2, the biggest building, dedicated to individuals and smaller businesses that rent indoor tables to sell from. This is from the west end looking east. There were vendors selling old model digital cameras for $2 or $3 apiece, the same price as old calculators. Lots of older model laptops, tablets and computers of all types, along with the obligatory older radios. Like all of those Icom boxes on the tables closest to the camera.
As always, a pleasant way to spend the day. We only ran across a couple of friends and that was when we first walked into the place. Didn't spend much, just picked up a couple of little things that have their price doubled when you buy them online, once shipping gets added.
I've enjoyed owning a few SW radios, but never really had the burning desire for the Ham shack,the money, the need to Be a Radio technician, enough to actually do it. I did finally meet a guy who had, and really enjoyed checking it out. It's a different kinda skill set that keeps all that going. I'm just not that smart.. I can admit it.
ReplyDeleteBut I can Not read Hamfest and not think it otta be sponsored by, ehh,Hormel or something..
It isn't as expensive as you think to get started. Handheld 2-band radios are somewhat affordable. And people are always moving up to the new/better model. I can't remember if the mobile (about the size of an old CB) 2-bands are more or less expensive, but my guess is less, since the electronics are smaller. They usually have bigger amplifiers and more options.
DeleteOf course you can spend as much as you have. (Aren't all hobbies that way) Before I put my radio away I was looking at a software-defined radio that was several thousands of dollars
One thing that is popular - I think by way of cost - is the low-power operating or QRP. How much can you do with a 5 or 10 watt transmitter.
Sorry you had to face such a long and arduous travel. How much did the airline ticket cost?
ReplyDeleteI stopped attending Ham Fests long ago, because I no longer have room for the truckload of materials and equipment I always bring home. I do miss the days of real Government Surplus Dealers, and living in Miami there were several I would frequent back in the day. Microwave Equipment Company, Ham Shack, OK Surplus and Simmons Surplus were all concentrated around the airport and where I would spend my hard earned bucks. Those were the days !!
ReplyDelete"I stopped attending Ham Fests long ago, because I no longer have room for the truckload of materials and equipment I always bring home. "
DeleteThat's our most important thing to remember. We simply don't have the room to bring a pickup truck-full of stuff home. I've sold off most of my boatanchor, vacuum tube radios, except for a couple. It's still too cluttered.