Hamvention......

Once again, many amateur radio enthusiasts -- or "hams" -- come to Dayton, Ohio this time of year for an annual convention called....Hamvention. Sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association, this is the organization's 51st year, and the 52nd annual convention. And it's the Centennial of Powered Flight (which I really should talk about in a future entry), so I expect more people to attend this year.

The epicenter of the activity is Hara Arena and Conference Center. Inside are speaker rooms, exhibits, and lots of dealers selling amateur radio, electronic, and related items. There are so many vendors that they have outdoor flea market featuring more vendors. I went one year, and came home with several Uni-Ball Micro pens -- including ones with pink, purple, and aqua ink.

The arena complex is packed this weekend, and so are the loal hotels.
Here's a view of the arena site from the air, looking southwest.

Parking is available at the nearby Salem Mall, and shuttle service between the mall and the arena will be available for a small fee.

If you plan to avoid the crowds, stay home and listen in, here are the frequencies which will be used by the convention's station, W8BI.

I wonder if they managed to rent one of the local theatres for a private showing of "The Matrix Reloaded".