On the amateur radio subreddit, someone complained about the amount of junk that one finds at a hamfest. I can’t seem to find the exact post right now, but the gist of it was that if you expect people to show up at hamfests, then there has to be something more than just junk for them to buy. The fellow opined that it wasn’t any fun going to hamfests and coming back empty-handed because all he could find for sale was junk.
I can’t say that I don’t sympathize with that argument. I realize that one ham’s junk is another man’s treasure, but the volume of junk at hamfests does seem to be increasing, and I’ve gone to many hamfests and returned disappointed that I didn’t find anything worth buying.
I’ve thought for quite a while that it might be possible to make a few bucks by selling microcontrollers, like Arduinos and Raspberry Pi Picos. Of course, I’d also have to sell related boards, such as audio boards, relay boards, etc.
I may just give this a go. Even if I don’t make much money doing this, perhaps it will spur others to start playing around with these things, and ultimately, have more fun with amateur radio.
What do you think? Is there a market for microcontroller stuff at hamfests? What would I need to do to be successful? What could other vendors sell that would make hamfests more fun?
There are a few groups that are already doing that, but not that common.
Biggest issue would be getting the PIs. AFAIK sales are limited to specific dealers and quantities are often restricted.
Hence, I believe, why you don’t see a lot.
The ones that I see focus on all the other parts around the processor.
Pffft. At the last hamfest a few weeks ago, I had 14 cardboard boxes filled with, well, things. I waited till 9 am, and then I put out the sign, ” Any one item is free. Limit one item per person per five minutes”. At 10 am, it was take what you want. I got rid of everything. I had two friends who were “hawking” my free stuff. I have 50 years worth of stuff downstairs. I didn’t throw that stuff into the landfill, I recycled it the best, and fun way. My buddies want to make it an annual event. Done.
Tom K8TB
Hamfests should give value to the people who attend. Interest groups that meet and informative sessions add value.
Having attended many Michigan Antique Radio Club swaps, I always wondered why one event the donation auction was not part of ham radio culture? I never wanted to bring stuff home that I brought to get rid of. Running a donation auction at the end of the swap would provide the opportunity for just that. You might not get the price you thought the stuff or item was worth but at least in a donation auction it would go to a good cause, the club. People love to buy a box of ” junk” for a couple of bucks.
A more serious auction of more valuable items could be run with proceeds going to the seller. You might not get what you thought it was worth but a new ham might get a starter radio and you wouldn’t have to endure the embarrassment of bringing home the same old radios, etc repeatedly. Many swaps are like display shows rather than a sale and I see the same old radios moving from swap to swap. Of course it would be up to the individual ham as to whether they wanted to be a seller or a transporter.
Here in the Tampa Florida area we have a zillion Ham Radio Tailgates vs formal Ham Fests.
Of course, we have the Orlando Ham Fest 60 miles away.
The Tampa Bay Hamfest is barely hanging on by a thread.
Believe it or not, the number one reason I always attended it was, the awesome Potato Soup that was always sold there!
But, for some reason they no longer sell that awesome Potato Soup!