Amateur radio fans to reunite on Lake Constance

Friedrichshafen – What do the South Pole and the International Space Station have in common? Both are at times inhabited by radio enthusiasts, and both can use appropriate equipment to send radio signals all over the world. So after a two-year break, it was a natural choice to use the slogan of “Seeing Friends Again” for the 45th Ham Radio International Amateur Radio Exhibition, which will be held from June 24 to 26, 2022. “We’ve been waiting a long time, and now the time has finally come – fairs are allowed to take place again. Starting at the end of March, we returned to our event implementation activities with a tried and tested safety and hygiene concept. Together with our exhibitors and partners, we are looking forward to a long-awaited get-together with the international amateur radio industry,” says Project Manager Petra Rathgeber.

Planning for Europe’s largest amateur radio exhibition is in full swing, and anticipation for the upcoming fair is building among amateur radio operators and exhibitors. After a break lasting two years, DARC e.V. is organizing an interesting and varied supporting program and looking forward to the radio community finally being able to meet again. DARC Chairman Christian Entsfellner, DL3MBG, explains: “This year we chose the slogan ‘Seeing Friends Again’ because that is exactly what we’ve been missing over the past two years of the pandemic in particular. Despite all the difficulties, the amateur radio operators still managed to keep in touch during the pandemic. This demonstrates how valuable and helpful the amateur radio operator community is. It’s high time for personal contact again – with due attention to the safety of each individual, of course.”

International meetings

The 45th edition of Ham Radio in Friedrichshafen will differ from previous fairs held on Lake Constance. While there are still some free registration spots available for dealers and manufacturers, the flea market is filled to the brim, and the international guests in particular have already reserved their accommodations. Back in December, the uncertain pandemic situation prompted IARU Region 1 officials to postpone the interim meeting planned for April in Vienna until June and the days leading up to Ham Radio. IARU Region 1 Secretary Mats Espling, SM6EAN, provided relevant details online. This gives the fair a special international charm and also makes it possible for it to host additional interesting speakers from the preceding conference. “International understanding and community are top priorities in amateur radio, and the visitors to the fair can again look forward to meeting up with radio friends from all over the world”, says DL3MBG.

DARC supporting program

There will again be opportunities for the next generation of radio operators to engage in interactive activities at several booths in the DARC center in Zeppelin Cat Hall A1. The members of the Board of Directors, the District Chairs, and the speakers will also be looking forward to face-to-face discussions with members and other radio enthusiasts. The reunion to take place on Lake Constance is of course seen as a key event in this year’s amateur radio calendar.

The 71st Lake Constance get-together

As at previous events, amateur radio fans will find an extensive and fascinating program on the action stage in the foyer on all three days of the fair. A major attraction of the 71st edition of the radio gathering on Lake Constance will also be the wide-ranging supporting program. Tom Perera, W1TP, will be attending as a speaker at Ham Radio for the eighth time, providing information on “The Enigma and Other Famous Cipher Machines” at 4 pm on Friday in the Austria Room. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet famous radio amateurs, including Prof. Dr. Michael Hartje, DK5HH, who will be available beginning at noon on Saturday at the SDR Academy in the Berlin Room as well as elsewhere during the event.

Educators will find just what they are looking for during a visit to the AATiS and DARC teacher training program on Friday. Organizers Prof. Dr. Roman Dengler, DK6CN, and AATiS Chairman Harald Schönwitz, DL2HSC, are looking forward to multifaceted presentations on the topic of “Science and the Environment in STEM Education – A Contribution to Global Understanding” in Hall A2, Room 2. In particular, the presentation by Werner Dreckmann, DH4KAV, entitled “‘Seeing’ by Listening – Bioacoustic Monitoring of Bats with Ultrasonic Detectors and Acoustic Loggers,” promises outstanding insights into hands-on teaching and an interesting approach to implementing Citizen Science and school projects on biodiversity. To register, send an e-mail to schule(at)darc.de with the address and location of the activity by May 28.