The QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo starts tonight (with a keynote speech by Dr. Scott Wright, K0MD, COVID-19: Amateur Radio’s Impact On Problem Solving To Create A Global Response To The Pandemic) and runs through Sunday. At first, I wasn’t too excited about this, but the closer we get to it, the more I’m liking it.
There really is a great lineup of speakers, on just about any ham radio topic, that you can think of, including contesting, CW, satellites, Heathkit, portable operation, and more. Here are some of the talks that I’m interested in seeing:
Saturday, 8/8 | 1600 Z | The History of Heath Company, the G.I. Bill, and Economics of Restoration – Paul Topolski, W1SEX |
1815Z | FlexRadio: An Introduction To Remote HF Operating – Michael Walker, VA3MW | |
Sunday, 8/9 | 1530Z | Youth Forum, including 5 Fun Things for Youth to Do with Ham Radio |
2245 Z | Getting Started with Amateur Radio Satellites – Tom Schuessler N5HYP |
I was given a chance to propose a talk, but silly me, I never got back to Eric, 4Z1UG, the main organizer. This looks like a great lineup, and I would have been honored to be a part of it.
In addition to the talks, there will also be “virtual” vendor booths. There’s quite a nice list of exhibitors, including Begali, Elecraft, Gigaparts, a bunch of podcasters, and more. It should be interesting to see how these work out. For example, the lure of the Begali booth at Dayton is actually being able to play with one I2RTF’s fantastic creations. The virtual booth doesn’t offer that experience.
Anyway, it all sounds like fun, and that’s what amateur radio is all about, no?