Dayton

[Richard Stouffer]

I kinda ask before, but I don't recall anyone giving a clear answer, so I'll try again. Is anyone going to Dayton Hamvention next month?

I wasn't so sure with the price of diesel fuel so darn high, but I rearranged my priorities and rationalized that I can afford the fuel by resolving to control my impulse purchases at the convention. If I only spend half as much on "must-haves" as I did last year I can handle $5.00 a gallon diesel- knock on wood.

WU5K

[KE5NWT]

If you can handle $5 diesel, my diesel truck will hold 90 gallons and my fuel trailer will hold 250 gallons. I'll be glad to bring them by for a fill

[Radio]

I have never been to Dayton in the 28 years I have been a ham.

I'm still saving for that 5th wheel, and life keeps happening. The good news is having saved a little bit, I can pay cash for "when life happens." But I guess I won't be going this year, either, so I can continue to squirrel money away for the trailer.

Maybe this year I'll get the trailer!

[Richard Stouffer]

Radio, your comments remind me of a plaque I saw many years ago on a toolmaker's bench. He was in his late 50's at the time and not in the best physical condition. The inscription read, "When you finally have the money to burn, you're too old to light the flame."

That's not my mantra, but it is an ingredient in my considerations in most of my tactical decisions.

But then, to your credit, you are clearly more disciplined than I am.

[Radio]

Originally Posted by Richard Stouffer

But then, to your credit, you are clearly more disciplined than I am.

Oh gee whiz! You must be in really sad shape if you have less disipline than me! What I lazy slob I can be!

It's Saturday, and raining, so I'm going back to bed!

See what I mean?

[k3mp]

Myself and AA3IX, Carl, went to Dayton last year after about 5 yrs...we were really disappointed in it this time. Oh, the inside manufacturers are great, but as far as the flea market...to much junk out there with high prices...people selling used HF rigs for just a little less than new rigs...but we still had a good time...it's the socialization that makes Dayton what it is...meeting those that you have talked to on the air for years and never met...if you go...enjoy yourself...73

[N7OQ]

Even though I have never been to Dayton Hamfest I have noticed that at the local Hamfests the flea markets have gotten smaller more junk and higher prices and I think a lot of this had to do with the Internet and ebay. I think a lot of the sellers from the past have found it easier to sell on ebay and save the gas. Some day I will go to Dayton if it is still going on by then.

[k3mp]

Hamfests in our area are dwindling....our club has not had one for three years now...can't get enough people involved to initiate a hamfest. I usually attend only two a year...one in March or April and then our last local hamfest in October...both these are about 30 miles from my QTH...then its more of a socialization event...really don't need anything anymore...and I just realized that I become a senior member with this post....wow, now I get a new Icom 7800 from the administrator, right !!!

[Andy N1ORK]

Oh yeah Mark,
I got mine last week. Great rig.
Know what you mean on the hamfests. We still have one ot two per year around here that are ok, not too many vendors though. It's still good for the eyeball QSOs and once in a while you find something at the flea market that you just can't live without.
73!

[Manual Garcia O'Kely]

Only been a Ham for a few years so I've not been to Dayton yet. To be honest, given the costs associated, I'm not sure it's worth it, but I've never been much for gatherings/convention like stuff unless it was work related and then it's required.

[Richard Stouffer]

Last year was my first visit and it was a treat. Only licensed for a couple of years, the visit was a tremendous learning experience. This year will I focus more on the social side seeking to meet those with whom I've QSO'd. After that my interest may taper off quite a bit, but for now it's still worth the effort and the expense

[Andy N1ORK]

Was able to go twice when my phone company training coinsided with Western Electric (remember them?) schools in Columbus OH. It was an experience and great fun!
73

[kd8wdave]

I live 21 mi from the Arena, so our club goes every year. We are in the flea-market. You can find a good rig if you look and 'haggle'. We also have one of the repeaters that operates there as well. It's open, so 'anyone' can use it.

cheers