Connecting for fun, connecting to help: Hamvention returns for 67th year,
spotlighting service to the community. When I was a little girl my father had this old, metal box. The front of it had maybe 10 dial knobs and this tiny screen that eased a needle around in a semicircle. He would pull the box out on clear nights, when we could see every star in the sky. Sitting outside, the backyard illuminated only by the light of the moon, he would pull a small microphone to him. With a single click, audible to only me and him, he would then transmit his voice out into the world.
5 reasons Hamvention is one of the most unique events on Dayton’s calendar. Dayton Hamvention 2018 is happening at the Greene County Fairgrounds through Sunday. The event is in its seventh decade, draws thousands and provides an economic boost to the Dayton area. Here are five things to know that make Hamvention special and unique.
Convention highlights community service. The world’s largest amateur radio operator gathering is embracing the theme “serving the community” this year. Ron Cramer, KD8ENJ, Hamvention General Chairman, said the theme acknowledges the role that ham radio operators play in their communities, especially during emergencies.
Women are in radio, too. Ham radio isn’t just for men. And the Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) will tell you just that. “This organization provides a network and support in a hobby that has been dominated by men,” Anne Manna, WB1ARU, from Massachusetts, said. Manna is the secretary of the YLRL. The YLRL was founded in 1939 and, as Manna says, supports women in amateur radio around the world. “Women are getting involved in all aspects of the field — technology, robotics, digital media, building, friendships, contests — just like the men,” she said. “We have girls as young as 9-10 and as old as 100.”
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