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As Abby and I finalize our packing for our maiden trip to Dayton I thought I would reach out to the veterans of Hamvention to ask for some advice on what to bring.
Of course we’ve got our clothes (club wear, ARRL shirt and khakis), but what else have you brought that you’ve found useful? We are bringing small backpacks to carry around with us so that are hands are mostly free and we can carry snacks and water. We’ll also have a HT with us. We’ll wear comfortable shoes to roam the convention halls and flea market. Are we missing anything?
Thank you and 73,
Jamey, AC1DC and Abby, AB1BY
Looks like a good plan Jamey. I can’t think of anything else. Comfortable shoes will be important. Don’t forget to bring something that you can use to take pictures…
A couple thoughts: Business cards (or the equivalent). Something to hand out with your call/email/other info so you can stay in contact with people you meet if desired. (These are pretty easy to print. Get the blanks at Staples. Of course you can have Staples print them, but you probably don’t need as many as their minimum).
Check the weather. Consider an umbrella. Also boots or something if you want to walk around the flea market and it is wet. It’s not that far between most buildings (forum may be an exception) but most food vendors are outside. I think the forum building requires some walking outside also. And you will probably park remotely unless you come with someone who has a pass. That might require some outside walking.
Note on the ARRL Hamvention app. I got it and was kind of annoyed that I had to create YET ANOTHER account and password. But it might be useful for helping you keep track of what you want to do.
If I don’t see you at the club booth, stop by the AMSAT booth and say hi!
Burns, that’s a great idea to bring business cards – I think we’ll bring some QSO cards with us as well that has our information on it!
We’ll definitely stop by the AMSAT booth!
Thank you.
The backpack is a great suggestion.
Let’s have an informal NARS simplex channel at 446.025, PL88.5 to keep the radio quiet? Nothing formal, just a frequency we can check in to for lunch or dinner meets, or to get relief at the NARS booth.
I’ve never been there, but if it isn’t obvious, HT & phone chargers, extra batteries if you have them, EchoLink info if you use it, repeater guide (or look them up ahead to program), notebooks, pencils, voice recorder if you have one and like to take notes that way, maybe sun screen & first aid kit & Gator Aid or equivalent like for Field Day, death ray in case of alien invasion. Spare socks and shoes in case they get soaked unexpectedly. (A coworker on a business trip found this out the hard way.) Have fun!
Jamey,
I have never been to the Hamfest, but there are some other items you might think useful:
If I was going, a small first aid kit. , I would bring my favorite afternoon drink, I like teas and a snacks to go with it. Some energy food. I like raisins. Extra pair of sneakers or boots, just in case it rains. Something soft to sit on ( I’m older). If you are going to be there awhile. some thing to read ( non-technical). Enjoy, be comfortable.
73
Peter WolczkoKC1FNF
Another thing I just thought of. There is a “talk-in” channel on the DARA repeater and one alternate as well as (one way obviously) 1620AM. Worth programming.
- DARA Repeater 146.94 (-) 123.0 PL
- alternate 146.985 (-) 123.0 PL
- Traffic Bulletin Station on 145.525.
- Directions and assistance during Hamvention
- Traffic conditions and detours
- Begins – Thur 7am, Fri 5am, Sat 5am, Sun 7am
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