May 13, 2025
From June 27 to 29, 2025, international amateur radio exhibition Ham Radio will be returning for its 48th edition in Friedrichshafen, showcasing the vitality, innovation, and forward-looking spirit of the amateur radio community. Under the slogan “Remote Radio – Connecting the World,” the exhibition will spotlight remote stations that expand the range and accessibility of amateur radio. With around 380 commercial exhibitors, associations, and flea market participants spread across four exhibition halls and Foyer West, the show will offer a wide variety of programming, products, and services that appeal to both newcomers to the hobby and seasoned radio experts. This year again, the aim is to spark a passion for technology among children and young people. “Ham Radio will once again serve as the global hub for technical innovation and professional exchange within the radio community. We’re thrilled that HamCamp remains so popular, helping us inspire the next generation of amateur radio enthusiasts. Around 100 young participants and their mentors are expected,” says Project Manager Petra Rathgeber.
Alongside networking and shopping opportunities, hands-on experiences and collaborative learning will be central to the three-day event. A wide range of workshops and training courses, organized by the event’s non-commercial partner, the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC), will allow attendees to gain more in-depth knowledge and try out the latest developments in amateur radio firsthand.
Starting signal for the DARC remote project
Radio operation via the internet without the need for a personal antenna system – that’s what DARC’s remote project makes possible. The nationwide test phase begins in mid-April with a limited number of test users per remote station. The official launch will take place on the Ham Radio stage in Foyer West. This year also marks DARC’s 75th anniversary, a milestone that will be celebrated in style, including the rollout of a new open-booth concept. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) also has reason to celebrate: founded 100 years ago, the association has represented the interests of amateur radio operators worldwide ever since. Visitors can also look forward to attractions in Friedrichshafen that include an “Innovation Zone.”
Practice makes perfect
This year’s event once again offers a comprehensive program for young people and teachers. Half of the overnight spots at the popular HamCamp have already been booked by young radio enthusiasts: In Hall A6, participants will be able to connect with like-minded peers and expand their knowledge under the supervision of experienced mentors. In partnership with the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE), a special contingent will be made available for young VDE members for the first time. Information and online registration for HamCamp are available at https://www.darc.de/ajw/hamcamp. A hands-on, tech-themed challenge by the name of the Ham Rallye also invites participants to think and explore while solving clever technical puzzles along the way. Another highlight will be presentations by “Jugend forscht” science fair prize winners, who will showcase their projects and encourage others to get involved in school working groups that encourage scientific research.
This year’s teacher training program at Ham Radio will open with a talk by Dominique Haas, the “Jugend forscht” science fair ambassador from Baden-Württemberg. His presentation “Jugend forscht science fairs – I can do them too!” will outline the competition format and provide information on support options for school faculty mentors. Teachers will find both stimulation and motivation in the training courses provided by the Working Group on Amateur Radio and Telecommunications in Schools (Arbeitskreis Amateurfunk und Telekommunikation in der Schule e.V., AATiS). Under the slogan “From Radio Amateur to Engineer,” participants will gain practical insights and inspiration for incorporating current scientific and technical topics into their lessons. This year, the speakers will focus on “Facets of Communication” and take a closer look at topics such as supporting gifted children and using cryptography tools. You can register at https://events.darc.de/.
Exams and licenses
Germany’s Federal Network Agency will administer amateur radio exams for classes N, E, and A on the Friday and Saturday of the fair in Room Rome. U.S. FCC-ARRL Amateur Radio Exams for all license classes (Technician, General, and Extra) will also be available in Room 5A of the administration building. The DARC’s AJW division will offer a Shortwave Listener (SWL) exam. Assignment of a German call sign with a certificate will cost five euros and can be paid on site in cash or by bank transfer.