Along with the Dayton Hamvention, I try to attend the Ten-Tec hamfest every year. Not only is it one of the hamfests nearest my home base, but also their “radios only” free tailgating is the source of many great quality radio finds. In the past, I’ve purchased several “boat anchors” and Ten-Tec radios at this event’s tailgating.
This year I’ll be joining the ranks of tailgaters as well, as I reluctantly part ways with my trusted OMNI VI+ in order to pay for some shack upgrades. If you come to the hamfest, be sure to stop by and say hello.
Moreover, this year Ten-Tec has invited Rob Sherwood (NC0B) of Sherwood Engineering to a speak-and-greet. I know Rob; he’s a great presenter, and you’d be hard pressed to find a guy more knowledgeable about receiver design. His free presentation will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday. (He will also host a forum Friday night at the W4DXCC–see below).
Here’s the Ten-Tec Hamfest presentation schedule (see full details on their website):
Friday Afternoon Forms:
1:00 PM John Occhipinti will speak about the Ten-Tec user nets followed up with a 40 meter SSB net beginning at 2:00 PM direct from the TEN-TEC Homecoming Hamfest.
Saturday Morning Forums:
9:00 AM Learn about the new FG-01 Antenna Analyzer by You Kits (Jim Wharton, NO4A)
10:00 AM Learn what makes a quality receiver (Rob Sherwood, NCØB)
11:00 AM Learn about the many features offered with the TEN-TEC 506 Rebel (Craig Behrens, NM4T)
…and QRP @ W4DXCC
Each year, the W4DXCC coincides with the Ten-Tec Hamfest, and I always try to attend this excellent event, too. My buddy Dave Anderson (K4SV) is the new president of the W4DXCC, and does a fantastic job putting together an informative, fun event. I’ve made many friendships there over the years.
Though the W4DXCC is a DXer/Contesting convention, that definition isn’t strict, so don’t think for a moment that QRP doesn’t have a place there–! Indeed, my good friend, Vlado (N3CZ), is opening the convention with a presentation on QRPer operation. I do hope he will also display some of his homebrew QRP transceivers (one of which was built into a USB keychain!); no doubt his presentation will be very interesting.
If you’re planning to attend the Ten-Tec hamfest, consider spending the remainder of the day at the nearby W4DXCC. At $30 at the door, it’s a bargain, and I promise you’ll return home with new friends and an even better understanding of DXing. Come join the fun!
I wish I could join you for both events!
Although I didn’t (won’t) go to the Shelby ‘so-called’ Hamfest, Rick WK4R states the FREE Ten Tec Hamfest had a larger flea-market than Shelby. I only saw one table with non-radio related items being sold, and she was on the back row. Did see two or three 10-4 good buddy tables. No ambulance equipment, no furniture, no children’s toys.
98% the way a hamfest is supposed too be… Realize this, you pay to enter the Shelby event. Once you’re inside you notice that it’s not a hamfest, but a community flea-market event. It’s like buying a ticket to go see a Clint Eastwood movie, but the theatre shows Mary Poppins instead.
Maybe this is the reason the Ten Tec event continues to grow, while the others shrink?
“Did see two or three 10-4 good buddy tables. No ambulance equipment, no furniture, no children’s toys.”
There should be ZERO 10-4 good buddy tables at any hamfest. It’s a ham radio swap meet, all hamfest sponsors should ban any/all CB stuff IMHO.
“98% the way a hamfest is supposed too be…”
Totally agree!
“Realize this, you pay to enter the Shelby event. Once you’re inside you notice that it’s not a hamfest, but a community flea-market event. It’s like buying a ticket to go see a Clint Eastwood movie, but the theatre shows Mary Poppins instead.”
Although I have never been to Shelby, I do attend Dayton almost every year. Even though Dayton sponsor’s numbers say attendance is up each year, my eyes say differently; more empty spaces in the flea market, WAY fewer attendees inside & out every year for the last three. I remember the days of hardly being able to take a step on the main floor of Hara (and most other areas) without bumping into someone, and next to NO empty spaces outside. Last three years, I’ve been able to walk through no problem. I think the community flea market phenomenon is bring many of the fests down.
“Maybe this is the reason the Ten Tec event continues to grow, while the others shrink?”
Yep, yep!