Coming up in a few weeks is the Charleston Hamfest and “Computer Show” (experienced hamfest goers will know the reason for “Computer Show”).
The Hamfest is February 1 at the Armory Park Community Center in North Charleston, just off East Montague Ave. Admission to the hamfest is $5 and doors open at 8AM. I’ll be helping out in the tailgating area this year. Hope the weather is a little warmer than last year and that there are more people tailgating this year than last year.
As with most hamfests, there are prize drawings: $400, $200 and $100 are the main prize drawings. There will also be other door prizes drawn as well. This year, one of the club members donated a Kenwood TM241 2m radio which will be given away as a door prize this year (I’m told you have to be present to win the radio and door prizes, but not the cash prizes).
VE testing will also be offered at the hamfest so if you’ve been thinking about getting your amateur radio license, start getting ready. Once you pass, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to buy everything you need to get on the air at the hamfest!
Charleston Hamfest is also looking for a forum presenter or two. If you feel like giving a presentation to a bunch of radio/electronics geeks drop a note and I’ll put you in touch with the People In Charge.
Last year I scored a lighted magnifier for the workbench that I’ve been getting a lot of use out of. Probably the best $5 I’ve spent in a long time. Hopefully I’ll find something equally good this year. I’ll have to think about what I want to acquire. Maybe some supplies for building antennas and some cable adapters.
