Some folk have no patience

I've done lots of reviews of the Friedrichshafen event over the years and, to be honest, not a lot changes because it's a well run event that works well. So, off we go.
Firstly, the weather. I did warn you that rain was forecast and I wasn't wrong. I arrived on the Thursday during rain, it rained on and off through Friday and Saturday and decent weather only appeared on the Sunday. Despite this the camping ground coped well and although there were a few puddles they were easy to avoid.
A few retailers were missing this year including Donau Electronics who used to provide some useful stuff. Other stands were moved around with, for example, the RSGB now closer to the center of the hall. It was busy on the Friday and amazingly crowded on the Saturday with some stands such as Elecraft five deep.
The flea market was up to the usual standard and I managed to find about two thirds of the items on my shopping list. I spotted lots of familiar faces on the flea market stalls and, as usual, it took me most of the day to cover both of the halls. Most stall holders were prepared to bargain but transceivers and test equipment were on sale for prices that were way too high. Why pay 275 Euro for a signal generator that is for sale at 150 Euro on Ebay?
The Maker Faire was cancelled and the hall on the other side of the grassed area was empty. This is a shame because they were an interesting group of folk with wide ranging skills (not all of them technical). Another thing that was missing was the small farm on the edge of the camp ground. Sometime over the last 12 months it was demolished and the space has been used to extend the camp ground.
Food was up to the usual high standard, tasty and in large quantities, but one restaurant was closed for renovation. The stall selling apple cake was also absent which is a shame because I was a dedicated consumer

The ham spirit was however lacking in some. On the Sunday morning I suggested to the East European ham camping next to me that we should tie a drying line between our two cars to help dry the tents. "No, not possible" was the immediate reply but a passing Italian ham heard the conversation and decided to help. We went home with dry camping equipment but the other fellow probably had problems.
Other highlights?
On my trip around the flea market I saw a massive reel of copper wire. A couple of hours later it was in the arms of a young man who could only just carry his purchase. I asked him what he was going to do with the wire and he replied "make a REALLY BIG magnet".
The lineup of Collins gear on one stand, there must have been seven or eight pieces of gear and all in mint condition.
And finally........
The full bag of ham radio parts that will be enough to keep me active until next year's show.
See you next year!!
Peter DL8OV