Hamvention

I went to the Dayton Hamvention last Friday. I ended up traveling by myslef, but it was a great time. With it being a one-day trip, I skipped the forums, and concentrated on what was going on in the exhibit halls.

My biggest purchase was a new Byonics TinyTrak4 and GPS. I told Byon that I didn't need a null modem, as I had one at home, and couldn't find it when I got back. I then realized that Walmart no longer carries any serial cables or other accessories. Same for many of the other department stores. I haven't had a chance to pop into my local electronics store.

I had one bum purchase...I bought a digital photo frame. I usually don't go for non-ham items at hamfests, but we've been wanting one, and these seemed like a good deal; new in box, great price. I got home and discovered that the fluorescent panel behind the LCD was not working. I ended up throwing it away. Yes, I could have messed with it...I have heard of people turning them into LCD projectors, other things, but I have plenty to keep me busy. I learned a lesson, and I won't buy open stock at a hamfest anymore. I sort of wish these guys would stop taking up space there.

Gas Prices and Hamfests

According to Gasbuddy, prices in my area today are averaging to $3.92 per gallon. My 300C gets about 24 mpg on the highway if I can believe the computer, so that makes my 320-mile round trip to Dayton cost $52.

Last year, a gallon cost $3.27, for a cost of $44. The 300C manual says to use mid-grade, but prices tend to track.

At any rate, I am not going to miss Hamvention for $8.

Another perspective is on Eham.net.