Thoughts from the abyss

No, a “Hamvention” isn’t a feast of ham (the meat), it’s an amateur radio convention. Yes, I’m a geek… I was introduced to hamventions a few years ago by a friend and a ham operator. Although I’m not a radio operator, here you’ll find soooo much computer stuff, and thus the reason for my attendance. That and the food and accommodations for sure don’t suck.  I travel around to these things at least four or five times a year, but Dayton is the biggest of them all.

You can think of it as a computer/radio flea market. Today was the first day and I never even made it into the buildings. The weather was perfect for walking around outside all day, and stopping for a few beers here and there, makes for a better time also. I bought a bunch of stuff I really don’t need, but that’s sort of the purpose to go to a hamfest. Add the great restaurants in the area, with a hot tub in the Marriott, and it’s definitely fun for a geek wrapped up into a weekend.

What never ceases to amaze me is the crowd these things draw. Most people don’t even know what a ham operator is, but yet they are so important during times of crisis. They lack getting credit for many things that they should. For instance, during and after hurricane Katrina, ham operators provided key communications to emergency services throughout the region. Without hams at the healm of radios, many things wouldn’t have gotten done. I myself never realized the importance of radio operators during emergencies, until I met one. Although I don’t have a huge interest in the radio things, they still earn my respect. People don’t realize what a radio can provide in terms of helping others when in need. All of these people do it as a hobby as well, so it makes it even more interesting when you think about that.

Anyways, a little history of hams above gives you a little idea of it all. Tomorrow is day number two, and Saturday at Dayton is usually bigger than today. As the group of friends I attend these things call purchased items, we’ll see what “treasures” are located tomorrow. “Hamfest” or “geekfest,” whatever you want to call them, it makes for an interesting and fun time. Too bad that eventually they will die and come to an end, like all good things. But until then, we’ll be here.