TROTWOOD -- The world's largest amateur radio gathering is back in the
Miami Valley for another year. Hamvention is celebrating its 63rd year,
attracting HAM radio operators from around the world. This year's
convention features presentations on new software development, 3D
printing and more.
The event has grown every year. This year's
event at Hara Arena is expected to draw nearly 25,000 people from 42
countries and generate $6 million.
''It started off as a little
thing for a couple hours and it has grown over the years to what it is a
2 1/2 day worldwide event.'', Louis Long, the Dayton SkyWarn
Coordinator told us.
The timing of this years Hamvention is pretty ironic since a tornado ripped through Cedarville just two days before.
"There
are so many ham radio operators and when you think about it, even when
cell phone usage goes down because of catastrophes and crises, ham radio
operators are very often the ones who are able to get through and
communicate in emergency situations," said Jacquelyn Powell president
and CEO of the Dayton Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"When
all else fails radio is there," said Renaldo Leandro who visited all
the way from Venezuela. "We can use solar power. We can use wind power.
We can use battery in our car if something goes wrong you are always
able to communicate."
When tornadoes touch down like the one we
had in Cedarville on Wednesday. Often times the National Weather
Service depends on Ham sky warn spotters.
"We were very busy Wednesday night," said Louis Long of Dayton.
"HAM's
are ears and eyes on the ground for the National Weather Service and
they can see the stuff that the radar can't see," said Hamvention
chairman Henry Ruminsky. "Typically there's enough of us around that
someone is going to be fairly close to whatever it is it's happening.
We've had some weird weather for Hamvention. This is the first time
we've had a tornado so close. I think it just reminded everyone that
HAMs play a vital part in keeping the public informed on what's going on
with the weather."
"We had friends that were chasing the tornado
as it was happening and then providing communication for the relief
efforts immediately after," said Kevin Thornton, a licensed amateur
radio operator from Arkansas who just dealt with their own EF4 tornado
three weeks ago.
So While hamvention may be a lot of fun, it's also very necessary.
"I'm a weather junkie and a radio junkie," said Long. "I like the rush and I also like helping people."
"Amateur
radio has the opportunity to communicate when other options aren't
available," said Andy Holmes who is also from Arkansas. To communicate
in those situations can ultimately save lives."
Hamvention will continue on at Hara Arena throughout the weekend.
- Fox45 News
