A trip report from Hamvention 2024 while it's still fresh in the mind.
The ARROW bus from Ann Arbor was a success thanks to AC8TO who stepped up as cruise director. It was nice not to have to drive. We assembled at 430a in Ann Arbor, and stopped in Toledo on our way to Xenia. The bus was full enough to pay its own way.
This was my first visit to Hamvention but likely not my last. I described it to my family as 1 part technical conference, 4 parts trade show, 5 parts county fair and 10 parts flea market. The flea market covered the entire infield of the track (a horse track? there was a smell of horse). I wouldn't say that the quality of the goods was much different than other ham fests I have been to, but there was a whole lot more of it.
Nothing beats seeing things in person and talking to folks who are knowledgable about the products they represent.
I didn't buy anything, but I did come back clutching literature from Elecraft for their KX2 and KX3. The thought of having an HF radio compact enough to put into a backpack and take on my bicycle to the park is pretty compelling.
Looking forward to going back next year!
