Unlimited radio pleasure

They come from over the world and have one thing in common: The joy of world-wide communication. From Friday, 26th June to Sunday, 28th June 2009, the fairground in Friedrichshafen will once again turn into the Mecca for amateur radio enthusiasts. The main focus of the 34th International Amateur Radio Exhibition is the 60th Lake Constance Convention of the German Amateur Radio Club e.V. (= registered association) or DARC, with a special exhibition field-day of oldie campers and an extensive programme of lectures. But also encouraging ‘new blood’ will play an important role once again.

The HAM RADIO is Europe's number one exhibition of the industry and at the same time an inspiration and an important purchasing opportunity. Radio amateurs from all over the world gather here every year. About 170 exhibitors and organizations from 30 countries will provide a complete overview concerning the topic of amateur radio. In 2009, the DARC Lake Constance Convention will already be taking place for the 60th time. What started on the island of Reichenau in 1950 has now become an integral part of the HAM RADIO since 1976. "The anniversary will be the central theme of the lectures being offered and the programme on the activity stage", explained Stephanie Heine of DARC, responsible for the HAM RADIO. In 2009, the 34th HAM RADIO will also take place in conjunction with the HAMtronic. Radio amateurs and electronics enthusiasts will find technology and equipment in four halls: measuring instruments, antennas, auxiliary equipment and electro-technology as well as hardware, software, electronics and accessories. "Market leaders such as Boger Funk, Icom Europe, Kenwood Electronics, Waters & Stanton, Wimo or Conrad Electronic will once again be represented in Friedrichshafen", reported project manager Thomas Grunewald. Those who like tinkering and hobbyists will find inexpensive accessories and second-hand spare parts at the HAM flea market, which will extend over three halls.

Field-day with old-timers
The DARC is organizing a historical field-day with campers from earlier decades and in doing so will look back on 60 years of the Lake Constance Convention. Owners of old-timers, for example, a VW T1 or an Eberba Puck, will have the unique opportunity to camp on the open-area exhibition grounds in the midst of the Messe Friedrichshafen and to present their particular ‘gem’ to the public. "The ‘most pristine rig’ will be awarded a surprise prize. A demonstration of the classical "AMTOR" teleprinter is being planned in the midst of the old-timer field-day". Since the early 80's, this procedure has been increasingly used for amateur radio. The radio transmission resembles the teleprinter communication onboard ships, in common use for maritime radio.

Special exhibition of historical equipment
Together with the development association of the AFM (amateur radio museum) e.V. (= registered association) and the Messe Friedrichshafen, the DARC is planning a special exhibition to mark the anniversary celebrations. Amongst other things, historical equipment from the past six decades is to be presented.

Focus on 60 years of amateur radio
The HAM RADIO provides a versatile lecture programme for active amateur radio enthusiasts. As part of the Lake Constance Convention, visitors will experience a varied programme of 47 lectures and about 20 meetings. Emphasis will once again be on the 60th anniversary. For example, Dr. Christof Rohner, Chairman of the AFM, will look back on six decades of amateur radio history in his lecture. On Saturday, contemporary witnesses will gather on the activity stage in the Foyer West. Radio impressions from the Antarctic will also be on the programme.

First radio contacts for young people at the HAM RALLYE
On Saturday and Sunday, two days will be dedicated to activities for young people to wet their appetite for Morse coding, radioing and soldering. Children and young people between eight and 18 years will undertake a journey into the world of amateur radio at the HAM RALLYE, with its numerous activity points located in the halls and at the open-air grounds. Experienced amateur radio operators from the DARC will teach young participants how to handle a soldering iron and help to make first radio contacts. Meeting place is 10 a.m. at the activity stage in the Foyer West. The programme will be organized in close co-operation with the working group for amateur radio and telecommunications (AATiS) at the school.

HAM CAMP on the open-air grounds
Enthusiastic young amateur radio operators will meet at the HAM CAMP, which takes place from the 25th-28th June 2009 and offers more than just overnight accommodation. Young radio operators will experience an attractive social programme and participants will be able to radio to their heart's content at the club station DA0HC. Beginners can gain their first radio experience at radio training sessions. Due to its popularity, the ‘tinkering’ stand will also be extended to provide twelve individual opportunities. The DARC will offer SMD soldering workshops on several dates. Information and forms for registration are available in the Internet at www.hamcamp.de. The number of participants is limited; overnight accommodation costs 39 Euros including parking, fair admission and breakfast. Young people up to the age of 27 years can participate.

Advanced teacher training: Amateur radio operators at school
On Friday, teachers will experience how lessons with scientific and technical content can be made more interesting and exciting in workshops and lectures. The advanced teacher training is now taking place at the HAM RADIO for the third time and is very popular. A highlight is a lecture explaining how pupils can establish radio contact to astronauts in the space station ISS. Other emphases are the programming of micro-controllers in BASIC and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Together with the working group Amateur Radio and Telecommunications at School e.V. (AATiS) and the Messe Friedrichshafen, the DARC is inviting teachers from Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, as well as Switzerland to Friedrichshafen. Inquiries and registrations can be made via email to schule@darc.de.

HAM NIGHT with live music
On Saturday, 27th June 2009, the traditional HAM NIGHT with live music will take place starting 6 p.m. at the open-air area.

In retrospect: Visitors certify "good quality"
Three quarters of visitors bought or ordered something at the HAM RADIO 2008; this was the result of a survey amongst fair guests. 90 per cent of visitors evaluated the fair with "very good" and "good". Last year 17,100 visitors came to the HAM RADIO, and 91 per cent planned on coming again in 2009.

Opening hours
The HAM RADIO is opened Friday, 26th June and Saturday, 27th June 2009, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, 29th June, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A day ticket costs 8 Euros, reductions are 6.50 Euros. The 3-day ticket costs 15 Euros. For more information see www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de.