Hamfest Quality and the Economy
Ray Swan (NV2A)
on
May 16, 2008
View comments about this article!
A recent article on Hamfest and gas prices brought out quite a few comments on how bad the Hamfest were of late. This brings up another point I'd like to hear from you on.
A few years ago I was doing a lot of gun shows as I was engraving guns for a living. Someone pointed out, and I found it to be true from my observation, that the quality of a gun show rides with the prosperity of the country. Let me explain.
When times are good, guys aren't looking to unload stuff but looking to collect it. This means the only thing they bring to a gun show is trash. But when times are bad and a guy still wants a new SWR bridge or amplifier, he is more willing to do without some items he might have kept otherwise. Hence, you see better-looking items at more affordable prices.
So, given the present climate of economic death at the doorstep to America, media hype and loss of perspective on fuel prices, do you think this years Hamfest will be better than the last?
For someone who may not have gotten it yet, the point of the article is to ask the question, "do you think this years Hamfest will be better than the last?" and as I just noted, "given the present climate of economic death at the doorstep to America, media hype and loss of perspective on fuel prices" (Geesh! Hope I spelled it out clear enough.)
Even the junky Hamfest usually hold treasures for me. Some recent finds are aluminum sheet in random sizes, acrylic plastic rods, multi pair wire, rope, hand tools of all type, wood working tools, machine tools and tooling and stereo inspection microscopes. Heck, I even bought a ham radio at one.
Is anyone going to suggest that the Feds step in and regulate and tax them?
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W8ATA on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well it's 4 AM and I'm off for the three hour drive to Dayton. Several bowls of food and water are out for the cat. She'll have a good quiet time for three days and I will have a great rag chew time with old friends. In my opinion the on-line swap meets have taken a little edge off hamfests. But they are what I make of them. And yes I will come home with some treasures that I wasn't looking for. The almost $4.00 gas is a bite, but Dayton is like a Christmas for me, it comes but once a year.
Merry Dayton and hope to see you there,
Russ
W8ATA
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K5BZH on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
There are a lot of variables, it is hard to say if the hamfests will be better or worse. For one thing we started having too much of a good thing and competition created some changes in the past. The advancing age of the todays hams is another consideration.
One thing I would hope is that a lot of guys and gals are planning is to attend the presentations. There are a lot of things to learn and share.
73,
Jim, K5BZH
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by NV2A on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Russ,
Merry Dayton and Happy Cycle 24 to you and yours!
Ray-nv2a
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W9CPI on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Good point Ray. Thanks for writing. Later today I'm off to Dayton. I hope to see some friends, hear a presentation or two, maybe find a widget I can't do without. It's a special time!
I'll be wearing a cap with my Paraguayan call on it: ZP9EH. If we've worked, say hi.
Steve Haines, W9CPI/ZP9EH
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W8JI on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
EBay and Internet has more impact than anything else does. Why does anyone want to go to a Hamfest to buy something when the guys selling things think they can get EBay prices? It is faster and cheaper to buy at home.
The only thing that is really left at Hamfests is seeing friends or buying something too big to ship.
73 Tom
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N5JFJ on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I tend to believe that the "RIP-OFF COST" of Gasoline now days have spoiled most anything very far from home!
From summer vacations, to fishing trips and Yes that great trip to a favorite Ham Fest, a little further distance from home...all have been affected!
One little elderly Lady at my Church said to me...I suppose with the cost of Gas and medicine now, it will be what it was like when I was a small girl during the depression, we didn't have hardly any meat for the table and she remembered that!
I never thought I would ever hear things like this and it was heartbreaking to hear her words. All I could think about later was just how many Seniors on a fixed income have also been overtaken, by the same things!
There is a bumper sticker I saw once which said:
"Clean house and Senate too"
I want one of those now...As old Jed Clampitt used to say..."PITIFUL...PURE PITIFUL"
God Bless and 73.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K1CJS on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hamfests have been on a decline for many years now--there are less dealers and people selling ham radio items, and more people selling computer and other electronic items--and just plain junk.
It is possible that some hamfest attendees will be looking for things that in better time they would have bought new, but I don't agree that used items will be more available--if anything people will want more for them and won't want to part with them if they work.
As far as the hamfest itself--there will still be a few, such as Dayton, that can legitimately call itself a hamfest. The rest are becoming just glorified flea markets.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KE4ZHN on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
The Orlando hamfest has been going downhill for years. To me, its only a social event where you go to meet with your radio buds and enjoy a good bbq and a cold one. The quality of gear there is laughable anymore. Its mostly junk that isn't even worth tossing in a dumpster. In fact, many of the hams do just that rather than carry the junk back home with them. I have enough junk of my own, I don't need to buy anyone else's. What few good deals are available get scooped up before the gate is even open to the public and resold for profit by the folks wishing to make a few bucks off their fellow hams. As for Ebay...no thanks, Im not buying a pig in a poke from a total stranger only to get burned. I'll either buy new or from trusted friends.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KC9AAE on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
-> The only thing that is really left at Hamfests is seeing friends or buying something too big to ship.
You answered your own question. To me, I would just enjoy going there to be among others that have the same interests. I really don't care about buying a bunch of stuff, since my budget would be shot just attending the event. It would just be fun. It's a chance to get away from the wife and kids, enjoy a trip with my friend and have a nice weekend.
Dana
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by G8UBJ on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Its a nice way to meet old friends (Even if it is finding that novice rig you sold years ago).. With ever increasing gas prices I think there's more potential for more local Hamfests?
As for ebay -
The Magnificent 7 deadly eBay sins -
1 - Passing of faulty goods and pretending they are 100%.
Shame on calling yourself a Ham and not being able to fix something so simple - double shame for passing it off as working!
2 – Overcharging for postage and packing.
And of course they won’t let you collect in person.
3 – Passing off goods with a dubious background.
Not much the buyer can do about this but eBay could be a bit more careful.
4 – Using a dodgy delivery system.
Its not that hard to post something..
5 – Taking ages to dispatch an item
If you don’t have time to send stuff, don’t sell on eBay or like the better eBayers state that delivery will take a bit longer. DON’T deliver it late and then try and blame it on the mail service!
6 – Bidding and never buying
This runs from new comers bidding too much and realising the mistake they made to a real toe-rag who actually claimed to have sent me a postal order. I think he was under the mistaken belief that I would send him the goods before I got paid. Of course he couldn’t provide a receipt for the order, but the retaliation cost me my only negative feedback.
7 – Leaving negative feedback as a means of retaliation.
“The lady doth protest too much, methinks”
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W4LGH on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well I was at Dayton last year at this time, and I was in Orlando this year. Dayton is #1 and I hear that Orlando is now #2. At both shows, I was surprised at the high prices ,both in the tailgate areas and at the NEW vendor booths. I suspect it will be the same way this year, very few true bargins.
However what could be a bargin after buying a roundtrip plane ticket, 3 days of rental car, and a 2 nite stay in a hotel to go to Dayton? Seems the deck
was already stacked against me. And then I paid $65 for a Diamond K-400 mount + TAX, that I could have ordered on line w/shipping for less. But it was a FUN trip and maybe I will do it again next year.
Orlando is only a little over an hour away, so I usually go to that every year, just to see everybody.
And I say Clean House & the Senate Too! (Think TERM LIMITS!) Its time is way past due!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KG4RUL on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The high cost of fuel and, travel in general, may herald the return of the smaller "Tailgate" or "Swapfest" type of Amateur events.
Events of this type will be held throughout the year in Moncks Corner, SC, Franklin, VA, Cary, NC, Durham, NC, Fayetteville, NC and Maysville, NC, to name a few. They will draw attendees and sellers from a 1-2 hour drive radius and will, in most cases, not have any large retailers in attendance.
But, they will offer a chance to meet with other Hams and, perhaps, pick up that connector, or radio or antenna, etc. that you have been longing for.
Dennis Raymond Zabawa - KG4RUL
ARRL SC Section, Public Information Coordinator
Berkeley County SC ARES/RACES, Information Officer
SC Army MARS - AAR4GC/T
Trident Amateur Radio Club(TARC), Charleston, SC
Community Emergency Response Team, Charleston, SC - Team C9B - Instructor
W4VEC Volunteer Examiner
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by WA9AFM on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
In recent years, my main purpose for attending a hamfest has been 1) eye-ball QSO with 'that voice coming out of the speaker', 2)attend programs, and 3)pickup that hard to find component/connector. Attendance at our local hamfest in Oklahoma City has hovered around 1,000 for years. A good event to which everyone looks forward.
I do think the days of the 'mega-hamfest' are fading, but I feel the smaller, local gatherings will still be with us and flourish.
In regard to EBay, I've been ripped twice; once for a GPS receiver and the second time the seller took forever to ship and we agreed to cancel the deal.
I do think Internet sales have cut into the hamfest market; the hamfest is the 'show room' where you go to look and 'twiddle' the knobs. Then you go home and check the reviews on EHam, surf the various dealers, close a deal, and arrange shipping all from the comfort of our easy chair.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N8EMR on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I am sure gas prices will hurt dayton this year as well as larger and medium size shows. I doubt it will hurt the few smaller local shows that have survived.
Heck I am in Ohio and Gas over to dayton and back would cost close to $70 in fuel alone. I would hate to see the fuel tab coming off the east coast or down south.
Ebay has changed hamfest, Mainly drove the prices up. Yo do save shipping cost going local, but by the time you drive and pay the ever increasing admission fee's unless you buy several items it would have been cheaper to ship in many cases. I use to hit just about ever fest in the state, now 2 or 3 and thats about it. I can find what I want on ebay or new online for the same or better than I can find at a fest. The fest I do goto are often more for the social and fourms that are at the fest, not the fleamarket.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N2UGB on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I don't want to deal with e-Bay for any large purchase...or sale. I did pick of some nice keys but have enough now.
Paying for shipping of heavy gear is very expensive, especially if professionally packaged.
I think hamfests can and should be useful to sellers of heavy, quality amateur radios. I will be attending some fests that are a reasonable distance from the home QTH. I will have my mint Kenwood hybrids with me.
Hamfests can serve a useful purpose. Depends on what you want it to be.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KJ4AGA on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I thought the Birminghamfest was great.....maybe because it was my first one (HiHi!). I'm loking foward to the next one.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by RADIOROY on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Dayton is a sham as far as a hamfest. I will be traveling to Amarillo,Tx on Saturday for a tailgate affair that is still a great little gathering.I will meet old friends, and make new ones. BUT, the big deal is the BBQ dinner served by Desperados. It is only about 120 miles, but still a fair amount for the transportation. Retired, fixed income, and watching my pennies. Hope all enjoy their chosen hamest or tailgate. I know I will. 73 de W5ROY
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N4KC on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KG4RUL's prediction is probably closest. Small swap meets with lots of socialization will continue to prosper, partly because one bad year due to weather or energy prices doesn't put them out of business. I'm thinking of Dalton, GA, as a prime example of successful flea-market-driven gatherings, in addition to those RUL listed. Then I believe we will continue to have several "national" events--Dayton, Orlando, Visalia, and, yes, Huntsville, AL--keyed more to time of year, at which manufacturers will exhibit and important, personality-driven forums will be held. There will be less opportunity to socialize and flea markets will not be the primary draw (though both will continue to be factors). Discount dealers will offer bargain "show specials," distributors of parts and accessories will thrive because of one-stop shopping, manufacturers will debut new gear and support loyal customers and early adopters, and we will all have the opportunity to learn from experts and take in top-line presentations by the "stars."
Certainly the economy and energy prices (as well as the Internet) affect any event. We see it in trade shows now. A major book publishing house just pulled out of the industry's two major shows. Now they bring their key accounts to a big shindig at their place where they can control how they wow them and have their undivided attention, and save money in the process. The annual radio broadcasters' show now has more exhibitors than attendees and could be on its last legs. Vendors are better off paying for customers to fly to their factory than sending scores of people and tons of equipment to a convention.
Call it Darwinism, but the shows or events that offer what people want will do fine. Those that try to operate and rely on the the same draws as they did in 1965 will likely fade away.
Don Keith N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.n4kc.blogspot.com
(An open blog devoted to rapid technological change and
its effect on life, society and amateur radio)
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K0KNX on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Seeing a lot of junk on ebay lately as well, not to mention the 25+ year old rigs going for extraordinarily high $$. That's ok but ebay is definitely a sellers market, there's a whole lot of people running around with cash burning holes. The problem is, ebay in some used markets, sets the price standard and ham radio is certainly one of them. Most, if not all, of the shops selling used equipment will search ebay to see what the average price sold for any particular rig, this will be their price. It's mighty tough to come across a good deal these days on ebay or with the retail shops.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W4VR on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Every hamfest I've ever been to, whether it be Dayton or the local Manassas VA hamfest, has been a disappointment. People want too much money for their junk. Some of the junk they sell looks like it went through a basement flood/mud disaster. The last time I went to Dayton I spent two hours there, met a few folks at the Alpha Power booth, then went on to visit the Air Force museum. The flea market area is a joke, and on a rainy day the inside of that arena is so packed that you can't navigate. I doubt the economy is preventing people from traveling to Dayton this year. It's getting to the point where you can buy just about any equipment you want at a decent price on the internet. The only good thing about hamfests is that it's a meeting place to see that face you've been talking with over the past 40 years.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W5ESE on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I always have a great time at ham swapfests. A
highlight is the opportunity to associate a face
(and a voice) with others that I've only chatted
with in morse previously.
Like the author of this article, I've purchased
aluminum sheet, knobs, bnc chassis connectors,
mike cords, blank 2 sided pc board, all kinds of
junk. Sometimes you can find treasures like 5 or
10 turn pots, air variable caps, and vernier
dials with turn counters. Guys with tube rigs
can sometimes find replacement tubes, or something
to homebrew a simple mopa type rig with.
I agree that the local hamfests may enjoy a
resurgence, as many will be more reluctant to
drive beyond adjacent states.
73
Scott
W5ESE
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KC5NYJ on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
on eBay, beware:
"Worked fine last time I used it"
(translates to: "Stopped working, at which point I technically wasn't actually using it anymore")
"Don't have any way to test"
("Doesn't work, so technically I can't test it")
at Hamfests, beware:
Vintage casting reels. They usually have a bad gear.
Conair brand one piece telephones with the plug missing. First of all, Conair was originally a hair dryer manufacturer, secondly, that brown goop on the earpiece probably won't wash off.
Snack bar food. It might be from last year.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N2EY on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KG4RUL has it right; the smaller local 'fests will probably be the best.
Those who need money will probably be more inclined to sell what they don't need, and at lower prices. Those with money will benefit from the bargains.
The way to deal with gas prices is to go with a couple of buddies and share the cost.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by AD5JN on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I won't be going to Dayton this year becouse of the cost and travel time. I do try to hit the hamfests within 100 miles or so of Oklahoma City. I go mainly to be with friends and eat some BBQ.
-Ronn
AD5JN
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K1CJS on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Even the smaller hamfests are declining in the quality of the tailgate items--less ham gear and more general electronic stuff, and the proliferation of items not even electronic in nature and just plain junk offerings is way up.
I can agree than a local or regional hamfest will probably fare better than the big 'national' hamfests as a place to meet or to run into hams you may know. If, however, you're looking for a place to get ham equipment, forget it. You'll do better buying from dealers on the web or from ham radio stores (if you're lucky enough to be in driving distance of one) than anywhere else. Remember too, that ham radio stores usually have 'second hand' equipment in the store for sale.
Oh, and forget e-bay altogether--try the ad section of ham radio sites to get good deals on used equipment. E-bay has changed from an internet auction site to an internet 'mall' that uses auctions to sell items with dubious background at outrageous prices.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W9LVM on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Sure, buy on Ebay! Pay shipping charges and get a radio that may or may not work! Plus Ebay has no problem letting CB'ers sell amps listed as ham radio 10 meters! Hamfests are a time to see what you are buying and see the person selling it, not just a name!
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KT8K on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Ah - the lure of the hamfest is, for me, the chance to see so many neat and wierd techie objects in one place, not to mention the pleasure of the unexpected and irresistable impulse buy. I do, too, greatly enjoy seeing old and new friends and talking with the more interesting sellers about their stuff.
For ten years I went to almost every swap within a hundred miles of my home, and my buddy and I developed a game of sorts called "What the H#$% is THAT?!?!" We would even buy odd items to put on our table because they had the potential to inspire such a reaction. A vacuum condenser on a silver-plated pedestal looked more like a 1/24 scale streetlamp, for example. Of course, we would figure out what the thing was so we could tell people before they scratched a hole in their head ...
I have found real "gold" at swaps - things I never would have thought of on my own, but could definitely use, and I've learned a lot at swaps. You just can't get that via eBay or any other on-line system. For a lot of reasons, swaps are a lot of fun.
Hope to C U at one of them soon. 73 de kt8k - Tim
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W4JBR on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This excerpt says it all....
Certainly the economy and energy prices (as well as the Internet) affect any event. We see it in trade shows now. A major book publishing house just pulled out of the industry's two major shows. Now they bring their key accounts to a big shindig at their place where they can control how they wow them and have their undivided attention, and save money in the process. The annual radio broadcasters' show now has more exhibitors than attendees and could be on its last legs. Vendors are better off paying for customers to fly to their factory than sending scores of people and tons of equipment to a convention.
Thanks Don.
Having been involved in putting together a Regional hamfest in 1995 (Ham Radio '95)in Atlanta I can speak first hand that to get major dealers to anything but a National show is very difficult. Travel costs, shipping costs, booth space costs vs sales revenue is much worse now than 10-12 years ago so it's no wonder that the majors are more interested inviting customers to their place to showcase their wares.
That works well from the "wholesale" side of the equation however, from the "retail" side where you are trying to sell products to the end user (hams) then the issue becomes much tougher. The magazines and their own websites offer the best venue for showcasing their wares....but there is still no substitute to having the ability to "put your hands on the hardware".
We should all give a large vote of gratitude to the Retailers: HRO, AES and others plus the multitude of local and family-owned stores across the US who still believe that we would rather play with the product before we buy it.
Next time you consider that new piece of gear, give your local radio shop the opportunity to sell it to you before you go online to save a few $$$ only to leave it in the hands of UPS or FedEx.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by AB2NM on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Ray,
Interesting observation regarding gun shows [" ..When times are good, guys aren't looking to unload stuff but looking to collect it. This means the only thing they bring to a gun show is trash. But when times are bad ... you see better-looking items at more affordable prices."]
I have noticed that used equipment prices drop during election years, especially years where there is no clear 'front-runner'. Yet another factor is the number of recently deceased SKs. I do not wish to be morbid, or disrespectful, but when a number of nicely maintained estate items appear on the market, or at the same hamfest, it is bound to impact price. I wonder how those factors (election years and an aging population) impact the used fireams market.
Generally I will continure to attend my favorite 'fests as time and funds permit. I enjoy the social aspects, treasure hunting in the flea markets and the occassionally interesting demonstrations or presentations.
Don
AB2NM
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KB2DHG on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I never considered Dayton HAMVENTION as a HAM FEST. To me it is more of a convention with an added bonus of a megga ham fest. However, as far as HAM fest go. I find it hard to spend the money in travel and admission going to a regular ham fest. BUT this is my opinion and finance situation... So don't bite my head off... Since the age of internet auction sites I find it much better to sit at home and taking the vertual HAM FEST tour. 45% of my station has come from these sites mostly EBAY... Even with the cost of shipping it is still better than trucking out to a fest. Years ago it was a thrill going to a ham fest and finding that rig or apparatus that was hard to find. My EICO 723 CW transmitter was one of those finds. BUT going to a fest was also a gamble, once purchased you really had no means of tracking that seller down if you purchased a peice of junk. At least with the auction sites you have some recourse... So far I have never been cheated with a purchase on the net but even if I was I would have a way to get intouch with the seller and make restitution.
The only down side to this is not migaling with fellow hams and having that ocaisional eyeball with a past contact.
OH YEA, I did love going to ham fest BUT in our world of escalating cost of fuel and accomidations, I rather spend it on getting that prized Collins on line...
I do have to agree with the authur, it does depend a lot on the economy...
At $4.05 a gallon here in NY, I am finding myself spending more time on the air than in it!
No matter what, do what makes you happy, LIFE IS TOO SHORT and this hobby has so much to give... Just do it!
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K5BZH on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I wish that I were attending Dayton this year, am a bit envious of those of you who are going, but it would have been hard for me to fit it into my plan, so I will be at the small event in Amarillo this weekend. Later in the year I will make Oklahoma City and Albuquerque.
It seems to me that many are simply overlooking that the pain of today’s fuel prices can be reduced by combining some things, especially if you are traveling across the country to catch an event like Dayton. Adding a few days and making a short vacation may increase the expense, but can bring about that needed short vacation.
I have been amazed that most hams going to the Dayton Hamvention tend to skip taking the opportunity to visit the Wright Patterson Air Museum while in the Dayton area. Wright Patterson is one of the most awesome museums of its type in the nation. The first time my wife and I went, we only allocated a few hours and just got to the 1930s in aviation.
Ohio itself has a lot of wonderful scenery, especially along the river. The Columbus Zoo may be small, but it is an outstanding zoo. Carol and I love the Cincinnati area.
Many hams ignore the forums. Whatever their interest, be it DXing, contesting, QRP, vintage radio, digital modes, you name it, there are usually forums to cover the topic and do it very well. They are another place to meet folks that share the same interests.
Many of those little items needed in the hamshacks for repairs or home projects can be found at the larger hamfests, especially Dayton. These days with WRL, Allied Radio, and Walter Ashe being history, it is hard to place an order and in a few days have the parts you need.
Some of you complain about many sellers asking an arm and a leg. I have been aggravated when encountering that attitude too. On the other hand don’t expect to purchase a mint Collins 30L-1 for $300 either.
Fuel costs can often be significantly reduced by leaving the pickup or SUV at home and taking the smaller family sedan. It may not be as comfortable, but it also won’t be as demanding on the pocketbook.
I want to wish all of you a good time at the swapfests this year, enjoy yourself, try doing something different, and maybe taking an excursion and making it a real pleasure for your lady too.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K9CTB on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well, stuff goes in cycles -- sorta like sunspots. Once people get tired of paying three times what a piece of gear is worth on E-rip, hamfests will be popular again.
Fellowship is fellowship. E-rip is E-rip. People will eventually get it.
73 de K9CTB
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by NV2A on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Many of you mentioned the odd stuff you find there. Heck, I'd be happy to go just to see the tent full of nuts, bolts and misc hardware. I always drop a small fortune in that tent !!
Mangled ankles are keeping me away this year but next year I'll be there with the travel trailer.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by AE4FA on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Dennis is dea-on with the note about local swapmeets. Our club started one - a tailgate session at a city park. Between 70 and 90 folks showed up and lots of parts, connectors, and used gear traded hands.
Some in the club want to do another in the fall, but others don't mind waiting 'til next April.
73
Bob AE4FA
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W1RKW on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I exchange parts with a close circle of ham radio people who I consider friends and real hams. That is the AM community. I get parts for free or a very modest price. Help is always on the way when needed. Unlike the typical SSB whacker type or the one thinking of making a quick unhonest buck instead of helping fellow brethren out. I'd rather associate myself with people who are notoriously known for keeping the ham tradition alive and their generosity and who will help out a fellow ham.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KD0AGV on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I am at Dayton, this is my first time. Today several local gas stations raised their price to $4.099 for regular gas. Most of the Hotels in and around Dayton have raised their prices. Some of the vendors were rather truce. They do not get my business.
The mens' room STUNK. There was an overflow of (well you know what). A bottle of water $2.50. Considering the cost of gas, and the associated expense of traveling to Dayton, I have not seen what I call good prices. In some cases the price is more, because now you pay Ohio State Tax (7%). There are a few vendors who have some hard to find items. And some fellows have followed threw with their dreams and produced some neat little items.
ARRL, Kenwood, Yaesu, and a few other companies put on a good display. Others were short handed, crowded into little spaces. Much like trying to put 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound bag.
Traveling 1200 miles (one way) or more is too much of a trip to support such an endeavor. Some need to be reminded "Who is the Customer".
Ken
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W7ETA on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"But when times are bad and a guy still wants a new SWR bridge or amplifier, he is more willing to do without some items he might have kept otherwise. Hence, you see better-looking items at more affordable prices."
You must be thinking of new hams, those that are in the process of setting up a station.
I don't remember the last time I was at a Hamfest.
I went to a few when I first moved here in 1989.
73
Bob
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KB9RQZ on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
the economy might slow the decline of hamfests but I hardly go to them for gear (Peoria being which I make for soclail and buying purposes farily often) we ( my wife kd8ctl and I go to hamfests to socialize mostly maybe see some newer to consider buying (the AES fest is one for that for us and it is mnear my father inlaw so I can vists and have plenty of distartction form dealing with him the entire trip)
an interesting set fo thoughts but realy the hamfest is firmly up against the demographics and ecomnomics of the se day not the ecomonmies ups and downs
after all gunshows as I understand the matter can't go online the same way due the license requirements on shipping and such
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N5EAT on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The original poster had a theorem that the downswing of the economy will force hams to bring more of their good stuff to the hamfests in order to generate more cash, and conversely during good times they will tend to take the "trash" to hamfests because if they accidently sell some junk - it's just gravy.
I think that the goods at hamfests during hard times may be better during the first year or two of hard times. If times get so hard that good stuff is nearly as cheap as trash - it's too late to buy or sell.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KK8ZZ on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well, I too am at Dayton tonight. I had a booth in the flea market, sold gear that I knew was working, bargained with most everyone who made me an offer on things, and had a great day. Local gas was as low as $3.83 (not that THAT is low, but compared to $4.03 another posting here said it was all over Dayton, it is... The porta-johns were pumped at about 2 pm (I know, I used them) and the restrooms indoors were generally clean and relatively odor free. When you have 10,000 guys sharing the facilities, it just ain't gonna be a rose garden anywhere in there ! BUT, I found them generally clean and acceptable. Prices seemed mostly fair on used equipment. I found one good bargain, but newcomers have to remember that hardly ANYONE bargains much on the FIRST DAY of the HamVention... that's what Saturday is for! The prices for slightly older ham gear have risen nationwide over the past 2 years following the increased interest of new licensees and Techs who have upgraded. Thus TS-830S radios still fetch a price of $300-$350 or so. IC-718s have risen from $385 or so 2 years ago to near $500 now, and that's true whether you're at Dayton or on eBay.
Dayton is largely what you make of it. If you're friendly and pleasant, most everybody you meet here will be too. If you're a crab, amazingly enough, the place is filled with people who seem to react to you in the same way.
Today (my 11th year at Dayton) I sold a few things, bought a few things, found good prices on some parts and cables I needed, found a couple of surprises and had a great time. I'm looking forward to tomorrow - Saturday - to do it all over again. I think you'd like Dayton. It rejuvenates my ham spirit every year.
73 -- de KK8ZZ
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by VA6SZ on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Are you guys kidding...?? With the price of gas this year, I have cancelled all plans to attend Dayton.
I'm not sure where the majority resides, but up this way we grow the dam stuff in the ground. AND IT'S STLL TOO EXPENSIVE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE.
Have fun folks!
de VA6SZ/VA6TTT
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KC9MAV on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I will be on 40 meters all of tomorrow for all you people going to Dayton so you can try an audio test with me!
73
Dave
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by AA5JG on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"And I say Clean House & the Senate Too! (Think TERM LIMITS!)"
Already have term limits-they are called elections!
73s John AA5JG
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W4LGH on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AA5JG said..."Already have term limits-they are called elections!"
Aw but you see only smart people know this, but the SMART people are out numbered by the DUMB one 1000 to 1! Hmmmm..maybe that to much credit...10,000 to 1~!
So the 2 4yr term limits would HELP the Dumb ones, while we smart people can NEVER out number the dumb ones, make the decision to elect NEW people.
While I still believe this is the Greatest Country in the world, it sure is filled with STUPID people!
Enjoy your Hamfest, wherever it may be..there is always FUN to be had there... Just stay away from the B-B-Q...it will stay with you for a week!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KU4UV on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Only hamfest I really even go to anymore is Dayton. This is my 4th straight year for going to Dayton. I usually go with my twin brther who is also a ham. We just go back from Dayton, and it looks like they have a pretty good crowd up there this year. I am also planning on going back up to Dayotn on Saturday, despite the high gas prices.
73,
Mioke KU4UV
Lexington, KY.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KI6JUU on May 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
A "good hamfest" is one where you find exactly what you have been looking for and at a price your willing to pay. A "lousy hamfest is one where you can't find anything that you want/need.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by G3PNJ on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
After reading the wide variety of opinions on the current state of the Hamfests in the USA, I thought it might interest W-land with a run-down of the European situation. I have been to a number of Hamfests in the USA - over the past 25 years, the most recent being Buffalo earlier this year (not very impressed). I've never managed to get to Dayton unfortunately.
These comments relate to the German Hamfests, since I spend most of my time in that country, I rarely get to a UK event unfortunately. I suppose that I'm lucky to reside in Friedrichshafen - home of 'Ham Radio' (Die Nr1. in Europa!) and have managed to attend that show some 23 times in the past 25 years for all of the 3 days it's open!!
Compared with the UK events I had managed to get to prior to moving to Germany, it is really an eye-opener. The number of visitors is incredible and they seem to come from all over Europe and beyond. One thing that should be noted is the food and beer available is superb quality at the show and elsewhere. No BBQ casualties.
In the earlier days, the show and its immense Flea Market was generally pure Ham related. Yes, there was a large amount of 'junk' - some of it unusual and interesting. As the years progressed, the show changed perceptibly - the advent of the PC and Cell phone items saw to this. There also has been a steady influx of non-ham related bits and pieces, fortunately not overwhelming. One thing that has always struck me as strange has been the high prices of test equipment - albeit all in exceptional condition and professional quality. There are always examples of the earlier Rohde and Schartz spectrum analysers (SWOB 1 and 2 etc.). However these are rather large for the present day shack! However, there are many bargains to be found. Over the years I've found and bought various items at reasonable prices - last year a Fluke 77 in as new condition with case for only $30 equivalent. Even earlier, a transistorised megger for a mere DM 22. The only item I regret not buying was a late model Swiss made Enigma machine - complete and in pristine condition. Sadly, I didn't have DM1000 available.
The fall of the Berlin wall opened a very different era. A huge amount of Eastern manufactured equipment appeared - all kinds of tempting goodies! Naturally, I acquired some useful items. The supply is slowly drying up, being replaced by a variety of more domestic electronics (and a lot of far east rubbish). One thing that has become apparent is that some of the larger German ham outlets have disappeared - it seems the hobby has declined in popularity somewhat over the years - but at least there is representation by the usual larger manufacturers and occasionally some new ones too.
In common with many of the comments to this article, the junk prices are high and quality/condition can be poor - you get what you pay for. However, in general, the show is very worthwhile visiting. There are other shows/hamfests in Germany and neighbouring countries. I try to get to those that are within 3 hours driving - especially if there is a 'critical' item I need - must have an excuse! These local or regional Hamfests always seem to be worth visiting - it is rare that I leave empty-handed.
The Friedrichshafen show is always on the last weekend of June - Friday to Sunday, this year 27 to 29th June. I intend to be there (slavery permitting, I may have to visit the USA just before the show....). See you there perhaps?
73 de John DJ0MBK and G3PNJ
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N6JSX on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The first day is completed. It looks like gas prices have had an affect. The swap meet has a few filled stalls the prices are still higher than expected byt by late today the prices ill drop as rain will be setting in.
There are fewer inside vendors this year and I did not see any real sale prices that want me to buy.
There are many many more electric scooters that are in everyones way with a rental agency making a killing. I even saw scooter drag races in the swap meet with no regards to lowly pedestrians. There is an obvious increased presence of uniformed law enforcement moving around the events.
I've heard numerous complaints from sap meet and inside vendors of disorganized chaos in getting their booths/stalls.
Day one started almost cold, cloudy, and windy and turned into a nice short sleeve >68F, mild breeze, and bright sun shine (a sunburn afternoon).
Day two looks to be starting out cool 55F, breezy, and going to rain by the PM.
The fun is in seeing old friends and new toys while walking my feet off while gaining a serious back ache standing on the hard pavement all day. Hara parking lot is a mess of potholes and uneven patches - nothing changes from year to year!
But is is Dayton - fun fun fun - maybe.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KI4WAF on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Our local hamfest was a resounding success this year. After bottoming out in 2005 (when the economy was rocking & rolling), we have seen growth every year since. We sold out all of our tables.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KC8WUC on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
My experience with hamfests has been very negative, although perhaps I just went to the "wrong ones". The hamfests I have been to have either been proliferated with incense, candles, cell phones, personal computers with Linux os or other esoteric software, and just about anything else you could imagine that is unrelated to amateur radio. I have been to some hamfests that were pretty decent and showed some effort to really promote the hobby and continuation of ham radio (allowing vendors to sell only ham radio gear and related paraphernalia), but these seem to be in the minority. While IMO the vendors selling their unrelated shill have no place at a hamfest, I understand why they're allowed to put up their booths: money. It costs a lot to rent space, pay for security, make arrangements for parking attendants, pay for insurance, and promote hamfests. Given the schizotypal perception of ham radio by a good deal of the general public, it's hard to get a good draw into a hamfest by anyone but the most enthusiastic or dedicated of operators or newbies looking to pick up a bargain. Anything that the promoters can do to defray expenses, they will. I haven't found anything at a hamfest that I couldn't do without,really had my heart set on, or that I couldn't walk away from without wanting to kick myself. Most of my ham equipment has been bought either from the stores new (usually AES) or from classified ads on eHam, with only a few things from eBay.
As far as eBay and Internet sales goes, I prefer to deal with local businesses like AES, even if they are part of a national company that also offers Internet sales. I find that making the face to face contact with a salesperson who can answer your questions and allow you to try out a piece of equipment is more rewarding and, to a certain extent, exciting, than waiting for your package to arrive by FedEx or UPS, who leaves it on your doorstep while you're at work. As another poster to this blog noted, the price of radios on eBay remains fairly high, probably because the sellers know that if someone wants their radio, they'll keep bidding upward until they either win or decide it's too much. People, whether they sell on eBay or in person, generally tend to think that their property is worth more than it is (market wise) because it was their's and don't figure in either depreciation due to wear and tear or normal amoritization over time. For those purchasing on eBay, I pity the fool that buys a radio off of Chen's Ham Radio and Motorcycles and pays >$600 for a 718 without the DSP option installed and pays for both shipping and insurance when you can get it from AES, Burghardt, or HRO for considerably less.
While I reside only four or five hours away from Dayton, this is still a bit of a haul for a few days, not to mention time off work. Given the fact that I am now paying $3.89 a gallon and dropped $200.00 alone on gas and drove 1800 miles to upstate New York (roundtrip)last week to pick up some supplies for my smithy (blacksmith shop), and dropped a buttload of money on tools, I really couldn't justify or afford driving to Dayton this weekend.
I may go to Dayton next year if I can get time away from work and have a little extra money.
73 de KC8WUC
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by AD7KC on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I went to (and still do, though not as much as I use to) gun shows because I could get some pretty good deals. There was somebody selling off Daddy’s collection, for a good price. There were people selling parts, barrels, hammers, frames, springs, sights, ect. One time I got a Rand tune up kit for a 1911 for $50 – new barrel and slide. There was reloading supplies (except the powder). Gunsmith tools, lubricants and so on.
You could talk guns all day. I could always find somebody that could give me information on an old pistol or rifle I was working on. How to machine something, a different way. Those were the good days.
Then the gun dealers (stores) showed up. Went down hill from there. This pretty much set the price of everything (fire arms). All the good stuff started disappearing. Then they turned into flea markets – and an out let for gun dealers (stores). The used guns got snapped up, before the show started. Now it’s, ‘if you don’t want to buy it – move on’. Most of ‘them’ have know idea what they are selling, or how it works. So I don’t go, that much, any more.
Hamfests? Once, maybe twice, a year. Not enough to matter. No deals. Ask somebody how this or that works, and it’s – ‘you figure it out, you’re suppose to know it anyway’ (I figure it is because they don’t know either). Mostly, to be fair, they just don’t know. My other half has noticed this too.
So, screw them. I can get better deals (and treatment) from the local Radio Clubs. They usually have used gear for sale. If I need to know something, I’ll (usually) find it on line. I don’t really care if I go to a Hamfest, or not. If I want to look at the ‘latest and greatest gear’, I can find it on line. I call the manufacture, they are usually pretty talkative about their products.
And…. There are the reviews, here, on eHam. So what do I need with Hamfests anyway? There are better things to spend what little money I have, to spare, on.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N0AH on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Just post it on ebay and target people with euro's............now go get some pancakes at IHOP!
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N9VO on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Here at Dayton and having great time. Both yesterday and today. Well I did not see any gas for $4+. Actually saw several at $3.72. Passed them yesterday and today.
I thought flea market prices were a bit high and a real scarcity of used hf equipment (newer). Just like always, plenty of computer junk and rough looking motorola equip.
Absolutely NO rain at all today. Great weather. Sorry you couldn't be here!!!
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by N9DG on May 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
What I've noticed the last few years I'd been to Dayton is that the amount of generic computer stuff is way down from what it was 10-15 years ago. That's mostly true of other hamfests that I go to as well. Hauling that stuff to hamfests just isn't worth the effort when you can by brand new PC with all the horsepower you can actually use for $400 or less. So that old clunker that's 100x slower and that someone's trying to sell for $50-100 is just a waste of money.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KA5ROW on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
E-Bay is the biggest threat to the local hamfeast. I see a lot of used stuff on e-bay bring 90% of new cost. I even bought a Kenwood TS-711A and sold it a year later on e-bay for $100.00 more than I paid for it. Prices at the hamfeast are going though the roof. With the idea if I don't sell it today I will list it on e-bay. So the bargain that once was, is now no more.
KA5ROW.COM
Jesus is God.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by WA2JJH on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
If you stick with Hamfest within 2 hours away, you may find ham-bliss.
If you are on the EAST COAST, GUITHESBURG MD. is a winner! It is near the AFB.
It occures before and after Dayton. So many items you passed on, will be at a reduced price at Guithersburg.
You will certainly not find schlock like pet turtles and goldfish their!!!
I am sure on he WEST COAST, there are REAL hamfest before and after Dayton too.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by NS6Y_ on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The big Dayton-like hamfest on the West Coast I'm familiar with is Pacificon. Which kicks ass.
There's a biggie up in Oregon or Washington too, but I never had time/money to go to it.
Gas prices are definitely making things more local. And Ebay isn't the screamin' deal for the sellers it used to be. HIGH fees, and it's a huge time-sink.
www.powerserllersunite.com is a good site for impartial discussions of the latest Ebay happenings.
In four years in the SF Bay area, I noticed local farmer's markets doing just a little better, year after year. Ham swapmeets have gone downhill a bit but that was mainly due to less surplus "stuff" around, and the swaps kept changing locations and that always sheds customers at each move. BUT.... friends of mine were starting to sell stuff at the swaps instead of Ebay, because of the much smaller hassle factor. And I cleaned up by cleaning out my small stuff and slow-movers on Ebay for generally a "buckeach" no matter what the stuff was lol.
Then everything became a slow-mover on Ebay - sales plummeted in mid-2007 and I'm not sure if they've recovered.
So I'd not start working on a eulogy for the small, local swaps and the large, national-level fests yet.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by WA2JJH on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
jUNKFEST'S are one decent description.
I have a few of my own.
Schlock-o-ramas.
General flea markets flavored with ham equipment.
Bitter? Yes!
I miss the pre-PC junk days, circa 1987.
It would be most fun and profitable for me to fly into Dayton early with $5000 cash.
Buy up all the bargains on the two dealer only set up days.
The rest of my crew would arrive with their and my HAM stuff to sell.
We would treat our self's to the top steak house in Dayton. (The Grub Steak RIP)
We would make money hand over fist. I would purchase a 5 year old rig used after rigorous testing.
All the stuff I purchased on dealer days, I sold for a healthy profit.
Had great times playing practical jokes on each other in the hotel.
I would fly back with my original $5000 + 1-2K in profit. I would put the Newly purchased HF rig in carry on. The other 2 bags that had my crummy hamfest cloths were filled with electronic goodies.
The real heavy stuff went back to NYC in the designated drive team pool. Of course all their expenses were paid and they had "first dibbs" on stuff we impulse purchased.
Ask a few around. Many flights back, the fight folk could not stop 200+ hams from using their newly purchased dual banders from communicating between rows of seats on the aircraft!!!!!
We proved that ham gear does not mess up avionics!!!
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy solutions????
|
|
|
by WA2JJH on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I would agree with NS6Y. Do not throw in the towel yet!
E-BARF has reached saturation. Hams are wising up to bidding against each other and the ultra big buyers that sell to international markets.
I have had much better dealings with EHAMS free classifieds too.
Kenwood is out of business making hgih end flag ship radio's. Perhaps Kenwoods TS-850's and up may appear at the hamfests again.
I purchased a ts-850 at Gaithersburg a few years ago.
Dang, I had to buy 3 TR-7 junkers off of ebay to make one good radio!!!
Perhaps when biofuels can be made at home, people can drive long hauls again.
Perhaps Hamfests/alt energy fests might make a good combo and hamfest comeback!!
Perhaps you will buy polymer film solar tape and ultra high efficiency inverters with your new rig???
Perhaps your ride back will be from the oil the french fry vendors through out???
Hams have always been into high tech stuff since radio was high tech.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W2KYM on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Myself and another ham plan on going to the the Butler,PA hamfest on June 1st. Now to make it more affordable, we decided to get a coach bus. It would have cost $27.00 for each person to cover the round trip. We needed 47 people to cover the entire bus rental (fuel, driver and time). We could only muster up 4 people. We eventually canceled the whole trip. Now we'll have to drive down in our own vehicles and most likely have to pay more for the total fuel cost.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by W6RKC on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The last and final time I went to Dayton was 2000. My buddy made motel reservations in November 1999, confirmed the reservation on Wednesday before we flew in, when we got to the motel on Thursday, the claimed the had no reservation, no confirmation, there were no rooms available and we were out of luck. They were renting out rooms $80 more than the confirmed price on our confirmed reservation. This was a franchisee of a major national chain. We ended up at some dump off of Little York Rd. near Walmart that was undergoing "renovations". This had been going on for years. The year before, they tried to add an $80 "surcharge" per person to our bill. They relented just before the police were called.
My first trip was in 1980 and we made it 20 straight years --- never again. It has gone downhill since the late 80's. Rip off artists everywhere in the Dayton area jacking up prices for the weekend to make money off of the rubes from out of town.
It was funny the year the guy from the Ohio State Tax Board was going through the flea market making vendors buy permits or something. He wasn't back the next year. Don't know why.
We even complained one year to the Chamber of Commerce who had a booth setup at the Air Force Museum at Wright-Pat - they were "SHOCKED", shocked I tell you!
As far as I am concerned, they can kiss my Royal Irish Arse.
I can find junk at the local radio club flea markets and if I really need something, I shop online.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KG6DNY on May 18, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Here in metro Los Angeles, we don't have annual hamfests that I'm aware of. Instead we have monthly ham swapmeets. The old standby, the TRW swapmeet, still called that even though the company is now known as Northrup-Grumman. Thankfully even after the N-G takeover, the company's ham radio club still holds its swapmeets, the last Saturday of each month, rain or shine (even on Christmas!!!) at their Space Park facility in El Segundo. Vendors are divided in 2 classes, recurring dealers that book their spaces months in advance, and day vendors that show up early that morning and wait in line for any available spaces left over. I've seen the same recurring regulars each month I go there and they usually cart the same old stuff out there month in and month out. This tells me one of two things... either the items are unwanted, or grossly expensive. Then there are the "surplus" dealers, the ones who buy odd lots and palletloads at auctions. Unfortunately, they drag out equipment "retired" from aerospace, telecommunications, bio-medical and other local industries. I doubt Mr. or Mrs. Average Ham wants to buy a used HP pH meter or a ex-telco Switch Load Tester or some other piece of specialized/esoteric/useless test equipment. I always wondered why these companies even bothered bidding on this junk unless they directly turned around and recycled it for its scrap-metal content. I see these vendors pack this stuff back up on its pallets and load it back on the truck, take it back to the warehouse, and bring it back to the swapmeet the next month. Truly an exercise in futility IMHO. There might be a few regular vendors that might have some interesting stuff at a reasonable price. And there are the day vendors, chances are they actually might have something worth the trip out there.
There was the Pomona Ham Swapmeet, but alas, no longer around. I heard the group who hosted the swap lost the use of the parking lots from the University that had let them use it. Another swap started in Chino, but that's even farther than Pomona. So, that limits my ham swapmeet participation. I go to TRW occasionally to look and laugh at all the junk, and socialize with some friends. Heck, I've even taken the light rail from near my house, 3 trains later, I'm a block away from Space Park. Sure dissuades me from bringing boatanchors home! An all-day ticket for Metro Rail & Buses is $5, less than the gas to drive there and back. So, that's the state of Ham Junquefests here in La-La land.
73,
Lynn KG6DNY
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by NV2A on May 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KK8ZZ, thanks for the appraisal. That's more what I expected it would be like. If you still got the fire of being a ham in your belly you are going to like going to Dayton, even in 12" of snow !!! It's what we do.
For some, the glass is always half full. For others, they accept some change from year to year as not being all bad.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by WX4O on May 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I'm lucky... I have a good friend in Cincy that I visit once a year and stay with for a week during the Dayton time period.. free room and board. Dayton was very packed on Friday the 16th. I'm interested to see what the total turnout was. The only other 'huge' fest I've been to was Friedricshafen (sp?) years ago. This Dayton all I bought was a $30 straight key kit and a slice of pizza, but it was great as always seeing all the neat new rigs (wish Kenwood had a new HF rig or 2). I'll go again in a couple of years. Always worth it. An 'adventure'.
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KE7FD on May 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hamvention 2008 is now behind us. I drove the 4+ hours each way (not as far as a great many others traveled to get there) and felt the whole trip and event was worth the time, effort and expense. While there, I attended several meetings, and forums which justified the effort of going to Dayton. I do not go to Dayton every year so when I do go, I can compare and contrast what I see with the last time I went. Rumors abounded on our 2 meter chats prior that the anticipated traffic and weather would make for a miserable weekend. On the contrary! The traffic was no big deal at all. The weather compared to Dayton '95 (a very wet April that year), was this year quite nice (not perfect, but quite nice). Two of us carpooled over, splitting the cost in half for each of us.
And now, a few lines of some low-end analysis. On one hand, did we save enough money to cover the cost of going? No. Did we find everything we were looking for? No. Did we win any of the prizes? What do you think? No. On the other hand, did we learn new things? Yes. Did we make new acquaintances and renew old ones? Yes. Did we eat too much? Hmmm, but we still had a good time and both agreed “Dayton” was worth the trip as we stood in my driveway when we got back.
A comment for the very hard working organizers of the Hamvention: Is there anyway to keep the trinket and junk dealers that have nothing to do with radio out or at least in another section? I found one item I was looking for but only after visiting every table in the flea market, including those that had nothing to sell but cheap plastic toys and knick-knacks. While any tailgater could have any sort of radio related items, the junk sellers were in greater abundance than what I have encountered in the past. And speaking for myself, this crowd does not add to the experience but rather dilute it. If I knew that the back section (or the front section) of the flea market was where the non-radio tailgaters were located, I may have found more of my items and spent more money outside AND inside. I wouldn't expect such a change to happen by next year or even the next, and like anything, people resist change even if the end result helps them, or in this case improves the event. I didn't go looking for knick-knacks nor did I buy any. Peppering these venues throughout the whole only dilutes the Hamvention experience, and might even turn-off a "purest" altogether.
And along that same train of thought, even some radio stuff looses its usefulness and should be relegated to the dumpster. I know it is hard for some hams to throw anything away, but come on guys, you can’t take it with you and there’s a good chance the next guy can’t either. We have all heard that one man's junk is another man's treasure. But if we are treasuring junk, what impression are we giving to those around us not in the amateur community when we try to invite them to join our ranks? Grit your teeth, swallow hard and pitch it. Now, didn’t that feel good?
So, gas prices permitting and knick-knacks not withstanding, I hope to be at Hamvention 2009.
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by K0BG on May 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You guys have no idea! It took several of us (no names or numbers please), 21 hours to drive there (1,300+ miles). The total fuel cost was just under $2,800! After all, low-sulphur diesel fuel is averaging $483.9, and your average 48 foot RV gets about 6 mpg.
Now, if you compare this to numerous guys (again, no names or numbers) riding and sharing the driving duties, against the cost of providing lodging (water, towels, lights, etc.), it is most assuredly, a bargain!
If I have a complain, it is this; I really didn't need another SGC amp, or another Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu, product. But the price was just too good to pass up!
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
|
| |
|
RE: Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KI4YMD on May 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This was my first hamvention. I drove with another ham from Atlanta.
I was impressed by the size but not by the deals. I guess there was nothing I truly needed that I found any good price on. At the hamfest in Stone Mountain I got a 10a power supply for $15. A freq counter for $25. HRO had some real discounts. I found nothing there that was really a deal.
There were many vendors selling junk outside.
I would have to say that the choice of electrical components was very nice. Not many meters though. I've picked up meters for $1/ea. The cheapest I saw in Dayton was $5.
It might be the fact that since there are so many people the prices can stay a bit higher than smaller fests.
If the gas price falls next year I'll be going back.
Chris
|
| |
|
Hamfest Quality and the Economy
|
|
|
by KA5ROW on May 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hamfeast pet peeve.
I am amazed by the junk at hamfeast. In my old age (51) I some times get sarcastic and say to the owner ( I would be ashamed to bring this to a hamfeast, If I were you I would haul it to the dump.) It's just plane junk, that has no salvageable value, and they haul it in by the trailer load.
|
| |
|
