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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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Are you going to the Dayton Hamvention
this year?
Posted: May 01, 2008
(1453 votes, 69 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Yes!
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15% (213)
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Maybe...
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2% (22)
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No.
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44% (635)
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Love to go but can't...
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39% (560)
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I'm an exhibitor...
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0% (7)
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Fleamarkets!
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0% (5)
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Only for the hamfest food!
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1% (11)
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Survey Comments
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smart Car
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I was lucky enough to have inside parking this year. My smart car was used in the NCG booth in the Main Arena. It was a great time answering questions and discussing the car with fellow Hams. I hope to see everyone in Dayton next year too.
Posted by
N8PGX
on June 4, 2008
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Day 2.....
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Another good day weather-wise. It was extremely breezy, even windy at times for most of the day. The sun was in and out, but out enough to give me a healthy sunburn. Buyers were there in force, but a lot of the vendors were missing from yesterday. Still there were good buys to be found, like the 300' of 1/2" Andrew Heliax I got for $200; that's $.66 a foot! I suspect that tomorrow morning will find a nearly deserted parking lot, with the buyers will inside. It's been another fantastic, rain free Hamvention, forth year in a row and the ticket problems are all but forgotten.
Posted by
K3GM
on May 17, 2008
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Dayton condx....
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Friday started out murky, and raw with a stiff breeze blowing. But by 11AM, the sun came out and by 1PM, it was T-shirt wx. It turned out to one of the most beautiful days in recent Dayton history; dry, breezy, and cool, and nearly cloudless skies. Flea market vendors are definitely down. Despite the ticket problems, we had the same spot we've held for the last few years, as did our neighbors. Inside is still great, and he place was busy. Seemed to be more DX than usual walking around perhaps due to the cheap dollar. So far, another good one.
Posted by
K3GM
on May 16, 2008
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Been there only once (a few years ago), since licensed in 1977, and it was a BLAST!!! Got some great rig discounts, met some nice people, and the weather was perfect. Took in the Wright Patterson Air Museum as well (fascinating!). All in all, a worthwhile experience!
Posted by
W8KQE
on May 16, 2008
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Dayton
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<The reason Dayton is so popular is that
it's in the middle of the country>
Is that the middle of the country from a Population perspective?? Certainly not Geographically!!!!
Posted by
K5UNY
on May 15, 2008
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> A couple of contributors to this forum
> favored having the activity at a different
> location each year. We don't have to have a
> "Dayton" each year. Why not a "Atlanta",
> a "Orlando", a Dallas", a "San Francisco",
> etc, etc? It seems to me we're in a "rut"
> with Dayton.
The ARRL National Convention does move
around. It was at the Huntsville Hamfest
(AL) last year.
The reason Dayton is so popular is that
it's in the middle of the country, and
the local hams do a lot of work to make
it successful. It's popular even when it's
not the ARRL National Convention.
Posted by
W5ESE
on May 15, 2008
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> A couple of contributors to this forum
> favored having the activity at a different
> location each year. We don't have to have a
> "Dayton" each year. Why not a "Atlanta",
> a "Orlando", a Dallas", a "San Francisco",
> etc, etc? It seems to me we're in a "rut"
> with Dayton.
The ARRL National Convention does move
around. It was at the Huntsville Hamfest
(AL) last year.
The reason Dayton is so popular is that
it's in the middle of the country, and
the local hams do a lot of work to make
it successful. It's popular even when it's
not the ARRL National Convention.
Posted by
W5ESE
on May 15, 2008
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Dayton
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Well, I just happen to live in Ohio, however I am still 3 hours away! The advantage is I have relatives in the area, and lodging is free! So, the YL and I take a long weekend, visit the relatives, and I take in the fest! Meet up with some friends, buy a few things, and enjoy! It is a shame that the fuel costs, and everything else that goes with that has gotten out of control, and is stopping some folks from making the trip this year! 73s to all!
DE..N3JJT
Posted by
N3JJT
on May 14, 2008
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I'd love to go, but unfortunately I can't for a variety of reasons. Just started a new job so can't get the time off. Was off work for over a year due to an off-the-job accident, no insurance so those bills have to be attended to first before any more Ham gear. Couldn't really afford the gas, meals, motel and wear and tear on my old jalopy at this time either. So the only thing I'd do once I got there is just drool a lot more at some of the new Ham Gear than I do now looking at magazines and on-line advertising. Someday I hope to get there, and for goodness sakes if it's being considered to move it around the country don't leave the Chicagoland area out of the running.
Posted by
NW9T
on May 13, 2008
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Ohio??
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Nope - I won't even go to Colorado to get my motorcycle fixed. One of the reasons I 'got into' radio, so I wouldn't have to travel half way across the country to meet folks.
Lost Wages - yea, that'd be a good place for a gathering. I like that idea!
Ohio? More than a bit "Out of my Area".
Posted by
KC7ZRU
on May 13, 2008
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I would love to go but fuel costs too expensive for me.
Posted by
WA0RJ
on May 13, 2008
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I wish
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I'd love to go, but I'm only 14. If I had a license, a car, and the money to go up there, heck yes I would. I've never been befor, It looks pretty awesome.
Posted by
KI4SXS
on May 12, 2008
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Been every year since 2001. I love it.
Posted by
N8IK
on May 12, 2008
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I'd LOVE to go but the wife said NO MORE HAM RADIO GEAR so im going to honor her wishes and stay home..
Posted by
KC9GUZ
on May 11, 2008
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What Does It Mean?
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With the "at-present" 82% not going to attend, what can we ascertain from that?
My take on it is this; the middle class has almost disappeared. All that is left are the rich and the poor. The rich are the only ones going to attend.
Posted by
N4VNV
on May 11, 2008
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Dayton Hamvention
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I was really looking forward to going again this year. I usually transport GAP antenna products gear up. Usually I take their booth, the hear it speakers, maybe a couple of antennas, and a bunch of literature about the various antennas they manufacture. But unfortunately I am having knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning, so will be unable to attend. I really hated leaving Rich in a spot like this but didn't have much choice, can no longer get around even with my cane. I did tell Rich that I would be in better form next year. Hope the Hamvention is as great as it always is. 73 all, if you are going enjoy it, make sure to stop by the GAP antenna booth in the main arena, say hi to Rich and Chris for me.
Mark AI4HO
Posted by
KI4CRA
on May 11, 2008
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Wow .... lots of No answers, including mine. In my own case
it's a simple matter of economics and distance.
Posted by
NS6Y_
on May 11, 2008
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Went in 06, this year doing MN RARE
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My ham licensed son & I did Dayton for the first time ever in 2006 and did it all in a Saturday (we were coming from his WDC post HS grad trip). It was a great one day visit to all of the indoor and outdoor exhibits, we about collapsed by 4pm. I wish we would have done more talks but we got a few small souvenirs and checked into a weekly 20m net from the IC7800 ICOM booth. We'd love to get there some year again but this year we are both helping and attending the Aug 8-9 Dakota convention (also DX/Contest/ARES/Hamfest) here in Rochester MN, also called the Rochester Amateur Radio Expo, which if we are lucky will be like a "mini-Dayton hamfest" for those of us in the upper midwest.
Posted by
K0VH
on May 11, 2008
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Dayton
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XYL (KC5EGP) and I went in 2006, and it was ok, but not great. The air museum was much better investment, as was visiting friends and relatives in Ohio. I would rather spend my money on a bluegrass festival and do some picking and a grinning. HI Once was enough for us, considering the junk there and the poor facilities, not to mention bad weather. Sorry guys, You LOSE!73 de W5ROY
Posted by
W5ROY
on May 10, 2008
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Been there many times, always had a great time. However, I must admit, Hara arena and it's surroundings are beyond tired..........the moon is smoother than the blacktop in the fleamarket area!!!!
The old barn needs some $$$$$ badly. A modern convention center is needed for this event. More attractions for the non-ham spouse and kids would be a plus.
But, until a new home is found, those three May days in Dayton are still king when it comes to Amateur Radio!!
73
KC8ZEV
Posted by
KC8ZEV
on May 9, 2008
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Cheesecake on a stick is reason enough to go :)
Posted by
N8FZ
on May 9, 2008
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Too far from VK
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Its a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll (peculiar Australian saying)
Posted by
VK2ACD
on May 9, 2008
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Dayton
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As I had said in a previous post, I have never been to Dayton. All I know about it is what I've read here and some older articles. Based on this forum it seems like going there is a "crap-shoot". Some think it's the greatest thing since "pork chops and apple sauce" and others a waste of time and money. Living near Knoxville,TN, while not across the country, the expense for gas, food, and lodging would be substancial. The outlay of that much money, and having a miserable time, would be upsetting.
A couple of contributors to this forum favored having the activity at a different location each year. We don't have to have a "Dayton" each year. Why not a "Atlanta", a "Orlando", a Dallas", a "San Francisco", etc, etc? It seems to me we're in a "rut" with Dayton.
There are at least a dozen or more ham feasts within easy driving distance from my QTH each year. True they may not be of the same calibur as Dayton, but I feel for what it would cost to go to Dayton I could go to one of the locals AND bring home some "goodies" for the shack. I think you can get a better deal, and safer purchase, at a local activity.
Right now the only benefit I see to going to Dayton is to be able to say "I've been there".
73
Ken
KK4BH
Posted by
KK4BH
on May 9, 2008
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Can we move it to Vegas?
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Dayton.. hmmmm can we move it to Vegas? Much easier to get family there, combine vacation, food is better and more plentiful, cheap(er) hotels, service is better and no lousy mid-west weather! AND there is something to do in the area. Not that Dayton isn't just fabulous however, few attractions and not much to keep non-hams occupied. And NOTHING for the kids!
Of course, there's lots' to see if you excuse the venue, which is really interesting, I think they call it a "Cow Palace" and it shows!
Some of out of the way HARA hits - in the bar hangs several pictures of out of date rock bands from the 70's and 80's that toured too Hara.
The invention of the $6.00 hotdog and $3.00 pop.
Tradition only goes so far... to attract younger hams, hams with young families, newbies and the curious a better venue would help.
Posted by
W7NWH
on May 8, 2008
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Dayton 2008
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I have been a ham since 1956, but I never got to Dayton until 06. I went last year and will be there this year as well. The equipment, the people and the atmosphere is like nothing else I have seen. I spend too much, and take a lot of time for Dayton, but you only go around once.
Posted by
W4LWZ
on May 8, 2008
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Dayton 2008
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I have been a ham since 1956, but I never got to Dayton until 06. I went last year and will be there this year as well. The equipment, the people and the atmosphere is like nothing else I have seen. I spend too much, and take a lot of time for Dayton, but you only go around once.
Posted by
W4LWZ
on May 8, 2008
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Who can afford to go? If the cost of gas and food keep going up Dayton, and the like, will soon die.
Posted by
WB6MMJ
on May 7, 2008
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Why?
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Why go?
Posted by
WI7B
on May 7, 2008
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Never Again
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Once
was
enough
for
me.
Posted by
N4CQR
on May 7, 2008
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I first went to Dayton in 1999. I am not sure why I waited so long but realized what I was missing. I have gone every year since and enjoyed it each time. I meet up with friends I have made and we stay together in a motel on the north side having a grand time. I spend most of my time inside looking and talking to the new equipment vendors. Although I cruise through the flea market area, I have never bought anything. I use Dayton as a time to decide what new modifications I want to make to my station over the coming year and then act on it later when I return home. I have bought new equipment that was sale priced just for Dayton but prefer to wait and think about it. I also enjoy the forums and usually learn a lot. I consider Dayton as a vacation (it takes me two days to drive there) and save my $$$ over the year to pay for it. Like several other posters, I thoroughly enjoy my time at Dayton and plan to return until I am no longer in the upright position.
Posted by
K5ADF
on May 6, 2008
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Going Again
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I wonder why I am going too. But, I am because I don't want to miss it. There will be four of us driving from Kansas, splitting the cost, and have a good time. Fellowship, food and fun makes for a good long weekend at Dayton. Still pays to drive...cheaper than air fare. Looking forward to seeing friends and the same old junk that was there the last 10 years. Dayton is just fun...to much to pass by.
Lee - K0WA
Posted by
K0WA
on May 6, 2008
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Going, but wondering why......
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Going to visit my parents on Sunday. So I may as well spend the $20 for the ticket and drive over early.
Having been to my first one in 1973 and going off and on since then things have changed, but in reality nothing stay the same. If you are wearing the same shoes you wore 35 years ago you may need help....
Get over eBay. eBay just opened an avenue for all hams (so inclined) to sell the goods for what they are worth.
What I find amusing is I swear that some of the junk that people were trying to sell in 1973 is still there. But maybe the cost of gas will keep people from hauling the garbage.
Food is a crap shoot (pun intened) as to if it is edible. Eat before you go; also use your own facilities. Best not to eat at all and have a nice meal when you get home.
The buildings aren't all that bad, nothing has changed in 35 years; except maybe the restrooms. At least the roofs don't leak when it does rain.
I do think that the asphalt in the flea market will be reclaimed by Mother Nature in a few years. I'm supprised that DARA hasn't been sued for hadicap access; it would be impossible to push a wheel chair in the flea market.
For the past few days I hear people talking after buying sommthing that they should have waited for Dayton for the "deep discounts". Maybe it was one of the years that I missed the "deep discounts".
So, I will go, not see anything I really need, buy a few Anderson Power Poles to justify the trip, endure the smell, endure getting crashed into by people who just walk aimlessly and wonder why at the end of day why I went......
73,
Carl - W9PMZ
Posted by
W9PMZ
on May 6, 2008
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went in 1996, wife told me to go and enjoy myself. was my
first dayton hamvention, was excited and had a pretty good
time there. when i got back the bitch served me with papers
and divorced me. now my new wife told me that if i really
wanted to go i should go and have some fun, hard to do
again because of the first time going sour. but i am sure
that someday i will do it again. was a great time.
Posted by
WK4RC
on May 5, 2008
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Dayton
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I was licensed back in 1958,and have never made it to Dayton hamvention.and i have no intention of ever going.i had an invatation to go a few years ago in a brand new 32 foot motor home which would not have cost me a dime, and turned it down.the one thing i would love to see at Dayton would be the Air Mueseum.one year a couple of friends rented a plane and flew out,glad i did not go with those guys, the pilot contracted diarrhea,moma mia,can you imagine being in that situation.only two hamfests i enjoyed was the York hamfest and the rt.30 east Lancaster hamfest years ago.i am now 81years of age.ill stick close to home.so to all of those folks going to the Dayton hamvention gl.hve.fun,enjoy. 73.kg3q lou DeAngelo.
Posted by
KG3Q
on May 5, 2008
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Dayton
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I attended in 2006. Yes this was my first time. I can't go this year cuz my daughter is graduating high school in San Antonio. I had to make a decision, drive from Iowa to Texas (a must for dad), or go to Dayton (an option).
As for where to stay, I stayed with a group of friends I had met through a ham acquaintance I had while stationed in the Azores. We stayed at University of Dayton. Cost is very inexpensive and yes there are 4 - 6 people to a suite, but if you plan ahead, you can bring food and other implements and cook/eat in the suite.
I am planning on going in 2009 though, and gas prices will most likely be higher then than now, so will plan for that. That way I can renew friendships with those who I've met there before....
Posted by
KE0J
on May 5, 2008
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One trip a year, but not there
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No, I won't be going. Too far, and the exhibits and lectures are duplicated at other venues. Besides, I take my family on a vacation trip every year, and the vacation fund goes for that. Sure, there is more of everything at Dayton, but that includes the headaches too. The chief reason, however, is the family isn't interested in the 'fest--their happiness come first.
I'll be going to the New England convention in August, and try to get to the hamfest in Connecticut every year, but Dayton is too far and too costly, and the advantages just aren't there for me.
Posted by
K1CJS
on May 5, 2008
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Headed there
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Going..despite the fact there is no county hunter forum for the first time in 20+ years...or longer.....they economized us out of the schedule or some of their pet programs got priority.
2000 miles round trip.....6 or 7 days on the road.
Don't know how long will do it..depends upon how many others show up!
The place we had the county hunter dinner (Ryans Steak House) now defunct. That's the second place we closed down. Was a nice buffett place near the big parking area/shuttles. That closed down 3 years ago. Dayton is still in serious economic trouble. Stay at cheap motel just south of Dayton. Haven't found too many bargains, but still good to meet the old friends and county hunters.
Posted by
N4CD
on May 5, 2008
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Go Go Go!
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Nothing else like it. I've been attending since my 16th birthday and haven't missed one yet. I'm 44 years old now. Let see thats 28 years!!! The Ebay factor has hurt the flea market over the past few years and you have those jerks who insist on selling their equipment for more than they are getting for the same item BRAND NEW in the arena but heck that is not uncommon at any hamfest lately. Yea bathrooms stink, it can be muddy, it can rain, there is no unpaid parking within walking distance, the food is overpriced and if it rains everyone runs inside and it SMELLS of dirty human BIGTIME! Oh well, THATS DAYTON! Don't be such a prude.
Randy AB9GO Milan, Indiana.
Posted by
KB8ASO
on May 4, 2008
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Dayton has the "WOW Factor"
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First one I attended was in 1968. Only about 5,000 hams, but even back then, it was HUGE! I look forward to going each year, and have missed only a couple since the late 70's. It's hard to beat the total immersion into amateur radio that Dayton affords. Yes, Hara Arena has seen better days, the flea market isn't quite what it used to be, the food (if you can call it that) is pretty bad, and 9 times out of 10 the weather stinks. But, there's only one Dayton. If you've never been, go. It's an experience not to be missed.
Lou, W0FK
Posted by
W0FK
on May 4, 2008
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There's more than just the Hamvention at Dayton
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I went last year and had a great time.
Apparently the flea market is not as good as 20 years ago.
So what ? It's the biggest one around now - stop living in the past.
Not all of the forums will suit everyone. But most hams should find several that will inspire and maybe start some new ham activities.
There are plenty of events on in Dayton over the same weekend. AMSAT, TAPR and The Contest University are all worth attending.
My priority is the 'Four Days In May' event organised by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International.
Yes it's QRP, it might not be your main interest in ham radio but it covers operating, contesting, building, theory, games, socialising and a whole lot more -
details at http://www.fdim.qrparci.org
and also http://www.qrparci.org
Everyone should try to get to Dayton for 2 or 3 days every now and then. What with the flea market, the traders in the arena, the forums, the affiliated groups, the USAF Museum etc you're going to be busy the whole time.
My only criticism is the 'food' at the arena. Stale bread with fat and ketchup ! Take your own !
73
Steve, G4GXL
Posted by
G4GXL
on May 4, 2008
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Re: Nothing Like It!!
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"Look for me there, I will be the fat guy that smells bad! with a call sign hat."
K9NZ
ex:wk9
Perry,
You're going to have to be more descriptive than that. It's a stereotyped description that fits about 90% of hams. Just kidding of course. 73 and have fun, Ken, KK4BH
Posted by
KK4BH
on May 4, 2008
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Keep going till I can't
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Missed only 4 in 47 years. I'll keep going till I am physically unable. Yea, it's crowded and often the weather stinks and usually the flea market prices are way too high, but it still is only one of a kind.
Seems I've seen vendors selling stuff outside that I saw them trying to sell 20 years ago. Actually, it's good to see some things don't change.
Neat to reminisce about all the old gear and visit with hams I haven't seen in years.
Posted by
K8CXM
on May 4, 2008
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Hamvention - Ohio
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Never been, probably never will. To far, and costs to much.
Posted by
AD7KC
on May 4, 2008
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Even living in Dayton...
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I live about 15 miles south east of Hara Arena (where the hamvention takes place) and I am in deep procrastination on whether to even go to the "Big One" this year. That's pretty sad but, from what I am hearing on the bands as well as in commentaries on line attendance will be pretty poor this year. I enjoyed the flea market, the inside exhibits and new equipment demonstrations and of course the fellowship with other hams a great deal, many many times, at previous years of attendance. Seems like the whole thing may be a waste of the ticket price and an even bigger waste of time this year with the forecast of an all time low attendance. Not to mention for the past several years the "wheeling and dealing" with flea market vendors has all but stopped. I lost count of how many times I heard other vendors refuse an offer on something and state they would just as soon take the thing home and sell it on eBay for the now too typical ridiculous price. What ever happened to the good ole' days? But, still for this year it's a big MAYBE.
Posted by
N8NSN
on May 4, 2008
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Fom 1972 through 1978 I never missed the Hamvention. 3 or 4 of us would share expenses for gas (1,000 mile round trip) and lodging. Back then the Hamvention was always magical and what was offered were wonders to behold. Almost everything there was a bargain and we would spend freely. Always brought home some goodies. My last trip to Dayton was in 1990 and I hope to get there at least 1 more time.
On the other hand hams I know who had been there in recent years tell me that it is not close to the same as it was in the 70s and 80s. The largest complaint was way over priced items in the flea market.
Every ham should make at least one trip to the Hamvention. Unfortunately, the way the gas, lodging, Restaurants, admission, and used ham equipment prices at the fest are going up it can become a hard choice to attempt to budget money for the event.
73
George
K3UD
Posted by
K3UD
on May 4, 2008
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Go @ Least Once!
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Drove to Dayton from St Louis once in the early 80s. Had a blast but will probably not go back. The idea of rotating the event is really thinking outside the box. I'm sure the vendors would follow the venue. I don't think it would take a massive think tank to make it happen.
Posted by
KA4AQM
on May 4, 2008
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Nothing Like It !!
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Sure it can be expensive, But there is nothing like it any where. I look forward to it more than anything else each year.
As for the smells and mud and all else, That is Dayton, It makes a great war story on the air! my 20th time and dont plan on stopping. Look for me there, I will be the fat guy that smells bad! with a call sign hat.
K9NZ
ex:wk9l
Posted by
WK9L
on May 4, 2008
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Dayton Hamvention
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Will stop attending only when they lower me into the ground. Even then I'll be there in spirit. Have never missed in 32 years, no intention to start missing now. Yes the costs are up, gas ain't cheap, hotel rooms are pricey, etc, etc, but then again I am making a hell of a lot more money than I did the first time I went. Quit being so cheap people. This ain't your stupid little local swap, this is the big time!!!
Posted by
VE3ES
on May 3, 2008
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Always regret going
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I have been several times and have always left regreting that I spent the time and money to go to the Dayton Hara Arena Dumpfest.The parking is muddy and exspensive.This place is so crowded that you will smell more b/o than in a third world country.The rest rooms are on par to a stench factory.They always stink and the toilets are gross too.Save your money and don't go to this overated event.I feel sorry for the vendors that have to deal with that dump.Dayton Hara Arena just down right blows.I think that the Orlando Hamcation is better suited to be the main event of the year.Time for a change.Before the hobby totally dies.
Posted by
KB4BJM
on May 3, 2008
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I have never attended and would love to but the cost of transporation from the west coast is too high.
Sandy KD6UWP
Posted by
KD6UWP
on May 3, 2008
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dayton hamfest
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I would like to go BUT with that money spent on the trip, I can buy the equipt I need and have it shipped not worth it.. ka9hdd
Posted by
WD9GEH
on May 3, 2008
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I would love to go this year but I went last year and have to go somewhere else this year with my wife so will have to miss it this year. I always have a good time and even won a nice prize last year.
Before I ever went for the first time I was almost scared away by all the sour grape talk about the place. Really way off base. The facility is old but so am I. It does the job. I doubt there could be a like event in other areas.
We used to have a Hamvention like event here in my area each year. It went over two days with guest speakers, forums, exhibiters, testing and a big dinner on the last day. It was a real nice event sponsored and held by one of the big clubs. But as the membership got older and older it gat almost impossible to get guys to work on the many committees and task forces that had to be in place each year. It required a lot of volunteer time by each member. As the event was a way for the club to provide funding for itself, it was found that the profits were greater in holding a simple one day flea market which they still do to this day.
The folks in Dayton I am sure can not, and would not be able to float around the country to do Hamventions at other locals. It is not a big time business. So the idea of having Hamventions in other areas is probably not feasible. But if your club or organization would like to try to have one as nice as the one in Dayton in an area close enough to me so that I do not have to sell my home to pay for fuel, I would gladly attend.
Posted by
W3OZ
on May 3, 2008
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Hamvention reality
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I'm a Hamvention veteran -- having been 31 consecutive years and this will be number 32.
For the past six years, my job (unrelated to ham radio) has seen me plan and coordinate every aspect of two large conventions a year, each for 600-800 people.
That gives me a newfound respect for putting on a show like Dayton. My two-day conventions, twice a year, are nothing compared to Dayton's 3-day event for 20,000 people. Nearly every member of the Hamvention staff is a volunteer, with the exceptions being the chairman and maybe vice chairman.
Considering volunteers from the Dayton area do most of the work, I don't see how the Hamvention could be rotated around the country -- even though that's a desirable idea. Dayton is no local hamfest. It's a major undertaking and putting its coordination in the hands of untested and inexperienced volunteers would create many problems. A full-time paid staff is the only way Hamvention could be rotated around the nation, in my opinion, and I doubt it generates enough profit to do that. In fact, I believe the running of the Hamvention was outsourced a few years ago and the results were disappointing so they went back to the all-volunteer staff.
It sure looks to me like Hara Arena, which is privately owned, is nearing the end of its life expectancy. No doubt, the land it sits on is very valuable and it's only a matter of time before it's sold and razed for something new. While that might seen like a good time to move the Hamvention elsewhere, why would the group in Dayton that started the Hamvention in the 1950s want to move it far away from where they live? They probably don't and I don't blame them.
73, Dave, N4KZ
Posted by
N4KZ
on May 3, 2008
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Dayton
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I went once and it was worth it just to see all of my fellow hams in all their glory.However I beleive it should rotate locations each year so more can experience it.How about one year in AZ, next PA , next FL etc -you get the idea.
Posted by
KC2CBA
on May 3, 2008
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Dayton
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HI I would like to go. However this year budget has been cut since a new arrival. Maybe next year?
73 from Steve
Posted by
KI6ADA
on May 2, 2008
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Not this year...
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Been there every year from 1973 through 1988, and then again in '89 and '93 but haven't been there since.
It's an expensive trip at a bad time of year.
After my kids are all out of college it will be possible once again. I hope it's still running in 2012!
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on May 2, 2008
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Dayton
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It'd be great to have the Hamvention in a different location each year so more people would have exposure to this event.
Posted by
W1DY
on May 2, 2008
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Gonna make it one more time
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I'm gonna make it one more time at least. Only live 75 miles from Dayton so I've got get there. Now that I'm getting older (59) the fleamarket beats me up pretty bad these days. But since the Hamvention has been moved to May the rain that seems to fall almost every year is somewhat warmer than in April.
Cul
Larry WA8QNN
Posted by
WA8QNN
on May 2, 2008
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Dayton
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Maybe seeing as I am youth op and the om kb9qxe wants money and thats a far trip from chicago! MAYBE
Posted by
KC9MAV
on May 2, 2008
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Dayton
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I started attending the Dayton Hamvention in 1978. I have attended at least 10 times over the years. If you have never been, then it is a "must see" for any active amateur who can afford the trip. I am sad to see the smaller vendors gone due to being "priced out" by greedy management that must now now wonder why the have lower attendance, so many open spots ,and a much smaller flea market than in years past.." DX NEVER SLEEPS" WK3N
Posted by
WK3N
on May 2, 2008
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dayton.
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have heard it is the 'woodstock' of ham radio . would love to go, but bills,gas, family obligations ,mabey someday.. radios and being near a skyline chili parlor could change my mind tho !!!! 73 onely thing i miss about cincy and mt heathy .. since 'reds' are in toilet but would be fun to go ... kg4ymc..
Posted by
KG4YMC
on May 2, 2008
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Not worth the effort & expense
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For me the Dayton hamfeast would be a once a life time event. For most hams, if it is more than a 8 to 10 hr drive it would not be worth the effort and expense. In fact I can't see driving more than 2 to 3 hours at the most to go to any hamfeast. I attend two hamfeast per year neither one is more than a 50 mi. trip, and in about 2 hrs you have seen every thing twice get board and go home. Now saying this tells you I have never been to a big hamfeast, but not to say I would not like to go. I hope to go to Dallas someday and see what a big event is like.
God Bless
Posted by
KA5ROW
on May 2, 2008
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Not Going
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No, I am not going. I might someday but not this year.
There are two reasons, maybe three, why I am not going.
One, it is too far. Ohio is like on the other side of the
planet, well, maybe not that far.
The last time I was in Dayton, about 35 years ago, I was
consulting the Air Force on database design (I worked for
Control Data at the time and their database was used CDC
hardware and software). On that trip, there was fog all
over the place but it was hot and muggy. I haven't been
back since.
Another reason for not attending is that I already have a
conference to attend in June and really could not swing
the cost of another discretionary trip for my own hobby.
The June conference is the Apple Mac Developer
conference in San Francisco (which, as a city will win over
Dayton any time). Of course, my conference registration
fees alone will pay for the Dayton trip but this conference
is a business expense and Dayton wouldn't be.
And, the remote third reason is that the excitement of
wandering around the hallowed halls of the exhibition and
visiting the flea market just doesn't measure that high to
motivate me into going. Maybe I will change my mind
someday.
Posted by
K7PEH
on May 2, 2008
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Dayton
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Dayton is the best by far. The commercial area is massive. The flea market is huge. With airfares and gas at record high's I can understand why many will not go. Do yourself a favor and save up and go just once. It's a trip to remember.
Stop by and see us at the Buddipole antenna booth. (#16 & 17 in the main arena)
73 all, Dan WZ1P
Posted by
WZ1P
on May 2, 2008
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hamvention costs
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Used to go every year, but I have had to cut back.
With ticket prices and transportation cost as high as they are, I only go every second or third year. Or only if I am looking for something special.
Didn't we just have this question recently???
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
Posted by
K9ZF
on May 2, 2008
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After 47 years of hamming I still haven't made it there. Always something keeping me from going. Finances, family crisis, you name it. Retiring next year and hope to make it then, before "checking out".
73
Ken
KK4BH
Posted by
KK4BH
on May 2, 2008
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It wouldn't be May without attending the Hamvention!
Posted by
K3GM
on May 1, 2008
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Can't get there this year, but am making plans to go next year. It's been about 14 years for me since the last visit.
Posted by
N9GXA
on May 1, 2008
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It has been 13 years since I went last. Then I lived in Missouri, now I am in Arizona. Just a bit too far now days. Maybe once more before I die.
Dan/NØFPE
Posted by
N0FPE
on May 1, 2008
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