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Charles L. Cotton wrote:

oohrah wrote:Did you attend any seminars? Will you go back, perhaps next year? I really want to go, but unless it's a lot better than some hamfests I've been to lately, it won't be worth the drive to Dallas..

If you're into DX'ing, contexting, AMSAT/space satellites, or QRP, the forumes are usually pretty good. Download the Ham-Com brochure to see a list of the ones offered this year and remember that Saturday is the day of the forums. Moh, and the National Weather Service always offers a SkyWarn training session with usually both Basic and Advanced being offered. I'm not sure if they offered Advanced this year, though.

There were a lot of flea market tables that were available both Friday and Saturday. I think that was because a lot of the people who normally purchase flea market spots outdoors didn't do so this time, seeing that all of the flea market was indoors in the main hall. I know a couple of folks, me included, who might have done an outdoor spot but held off to see what it would be like at the new venue. I'm guessing there'll be less vacant tables next year.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:The signing of HB910 was the reason I couldn't go. I couldn't say that earlier.

Chas.

Kinda figured that ham radio would take a back seat to that event. Perhaps next year.

First off, yes, Ham-Com has moved to the Irving Convention Center -most likely permanently (they've got the next three years's dates already firmed up and announced on the Ham-Com website.

Of great import to this group, not a 30.06 sign in sight! It is NOT posted! There is a "Unlicensed possession of a weapon..." TABC alcohol sales on property sign, judt like you see at most convenience stores, but nothing else.

Quite a few folks there, today -Fridays are usually pretty slow. All of the presentations are usually on Saturdays, and many of the smaller vendors and indoor flea market types (all of the flea market is indoors here in Irving) don't show up till Saturday morning. That was the story today -quite a few flea market tables were empty. A few more vendors than I remember from recent years at Plano, I think. Should be a good crowd tomorrow.

Finally, kudos to the City of Irving for their Convention Center. It's a bright, well-kept site, very un-cluttered (as opposed to the hallways at Plano), and there is a LOT of walking space between the aisles (again, as opposed to Plano's crowded main hall).

If you've been to Ham-Com at Plano, or Arlington, or if you started going when it was held at Northpark... I think you'll like the new venue. I know I do!

And Charles, sorry you're not going to make it. Maybe next year.

73 DE N5WD