Impressions HAM RADIO
Picture gallery
Transmitting from Lake Constance to the entire world: From Friday to Sunday, June 24-26, 2011, HAM RADIO offers an international platform for telegraphy and Morse code and a meeting place for amateur radio operators from around the world. The theme of the 36th edition of the Amateur Radio Exhibition is "Morse code lives," putting this technology in the spotlight with everything from Morse code courses for beginners to presentations by telegraphy professionals. Approximately 180 exhibitors provide an overview of their current products. There will also be a Contest University to train amateur radio operators. On Saturday a balloon will be launched carrying an amateur radio transmitter, and it will be possible to establish radio contact with a zeppelin. The 62nd amateur radio conference at Lake Constance also features a comprehensive program of presentations.
In 2011, the 36th HAM RADIO will once again be held in conjunction with HAMtronic, and is the top European event in the sector. In three exhibition halls, amateur radio operators and electronics fans will find exhibitions of technology and equipment, with everything from measuring devices, antennas and electrical technology to hardware, software, electronics and accessories. "Market leaders like boger electronics, Hilberling, Icom Europe, Kenwood Electronics, hofi, Waters & Stanton, Wimo, YAESU, Luso and Conrad Electronic will be on hand along with large and small retailers, hobbyists and inventors," says project manager Petra Rathgeber. "At the HAM flea market, which extends across two exhibition halls, tinkerers and hobbyists will find second-hand accessories and replacement parts along with affordable new goods that are no longer available on the market." A total of approx. 180 exhibitors provide an overview of the latest technology and equipment.
DARC motto: Morse code lives
The German Amateur Radio Club (DARC) will be exhibiting in Foyer West under the motto Morse code lives: "Morse code is as indispensable as ever: Even today there is no other internationally functioning communications technology that works so effortlessly and requires so little energy," says Stephanie Heine from DARC, the organization behind HAM RADIO. "Particularly in emergency situations, Morse code can save lives." An exhibition in the Foyer West allows visitors to discover the fascination of Morse code. Furthermore, Morse code courses for beginners offer a playful opportunity to learn at least eight Morse signals, and there is a wealth of activities for telegraphing professionals. In October, the DARC chapter in Bielefeld, Germany will host the ninth High-Speed Telegraphy World Championship. An important aspect of the supporting program is the 62nd annual Lake Constance conference of DARC e.V., which features a wide range of presentations and meetings.
Balloon mission and radio contact with a zeppelin
On Saturday a weather balloon will be launched with an amateur radio transmitter and camera on board. During the entire flight, digital sensor data, position and voice information will be transmitted. A pursuit team on the ground will attempt to track the balloon and recover the payload undamaged. Radio contact with a zeppelin will be possible on Friday and Saturday when the airship takes off with an amateur radio station on board. Afterwards, all amateur radio operators will have an opportunity to make contact with the zeppelin and collect a coveted QSL card.
Radio contact for young people
Morse code, radio transmissions, soldering and tinkering: On Friday and Saturday, 24-25 June, young visitors between the ages of eight and 18 can log their first amateur radio sessions during the HAM-RALLYE. Children and young people can gain insights into amateur radio at countless stations in Rothaus Hall/A1. Participants will gather every morning at 10:00 a.m. at the promotional stage in Foyer West.
HAM campground on the open-air grounds
From 24 June to 26 June 2011, the HAM campgrounds offer up-and-coming young amateur radio operators far more than just overnight accommodation: The young radio enthusiasts can take part in an attractive supporting program and transmit to their heart's delight at the club stations. Information and registration forms are available online at www.hamcamp.de. There are a limited number of spaces available and it costs €45 per night, including a parking spot, trade show admission fee and breakfast. All young people up to the age of 27 can participate.
Teacher training courses - amateur radio at schools
This is the fourth time that HAM RADIO offers continuing education activities for teachers from Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Switzerland. Under the motto "from amateur radio operators to engineers," teachers learn in presentations and workshops how during natural science classes and technical instruction they can create practice-oriented approaches to electronics and information technology. The main topic this year is energy and communications - from the sun thanks to energy harvesting. The term "energy harvesting” refers to the generating of electricity from sources like ambient temperature, air currents, vibrations and electromagnetic fields. This usually involves tiny amounts of energy that, with the right equipment, can nevertheless be used as a source of electricity for electronic applications. Presentations will cover diverse principles and include simple relevant experiments. The continuing education program for teachers has been created by DARC e.V. in cooperation with the Working Group on Amateur Radio and Telecommunications in Schools (AATiS). Questions and registrations can be submitted by e-mail to schule@darc.de.
Contest University for beginners and professionals
Following last year’s successful event, the Contest University will be held once again within the scope of HAM RADIO in Friedrichshafen. This educational initiative aims to motivate beginners to engage in radio contests and help them build a solid knowledge base. In addition, amateur radio operators who love the thrill of radio competitions will gain further expertise and receive tips on how they can improve their performance at contests.
Opening hours
HAM RADIO is open on Friday and Saturday, 24-25 June 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, 26 June, from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday, HAM-NIGHT will take place starting at 6:00 p.m. Daily passes cost €9.00 and the reduced admission fee is €6.50. Three-day passes are available for €17. Parking spaces for motor caravans are available at the East 2 parking lot, which provides direct access to the exhibition halls.
