June 27, 2025
Technology, exchange, and telegraphy reach new heights: From June 27 to 29, 2025, Ham Radio will once again see amateur radio fans from around the world converging on Friedrichshafen. Under the slogan “Remote Radio – Connecting the World,” Europe’s largest amateur radio fair will showcase digital radio communication using Internet-based stations. The event will also serve as the launch platform for the German Amateur Radio Club’s (DARC) new nationwide remote project, presented on stage in Foyer West. At the same time, the community will commemorate two significant anniversaries: 75 years of DARC and 100 years of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), each of which will be honored with special tributes during the fair. With 380 exhibitors and attendees representing more than 35 countries, the fair provides everything an amateur radio enthusiast could wish for. “We will be exhibiting both the latest technology and unique flea market finds, complemented by a top-notch supporting program in collaboration with our longstanding partner DARC. I’m especially excited about the world record attempt by the young Romanian Alexandru Ianis Scutaru, who aims to establish new benchmarks in Morse code speed on Saturday,” says Show Director Petra Rathgeber.
At Ham Radio, more than 150 commercial exhibitors and 230 flea market vendors will be presenting their diverse range of products and educational offerings throughout four exhibition halls and in Foyer West. In Hall A2’s conference rooms, DARC and the Working Group on Amateur Radio and Telecommunications in Schools (Arbeitskreis Amateurfunk und Telekommunikation in der Schule, AATiS) will once again hold teacher-training sessions, united by their commitment to sparking interest in computer science and electronics among the members of the next generation. These sessions provide methods and ideas for teaching science and technology. The popular flea market in Halls A3 and A4 is both a treasure trove and a bargain paradise. This market offers a wide selection of historical radios, transistors, radio devices, and other technical accessories for electronics enthusiasts, makers, and radio fans.
Two anniversaries and the launch of the nationwide 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 ability to remotely control radio stations throughout the world has revolutionized our hobby. It opens doors for people who may not have space for their own antenna or are unable to operate a station due to health or location constraints,” explains Christian Entsfellner, Chairman of the Board of DARC. 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. IARU also has reason to celebrate: founded 100 years ago, it has represented the interests of amateur radio operators worldwide ever since. In Friedrichshafen, visitors can look forward to an “Innovation Zone,” where everything will revolve around the latest technologies, open-source innovations, and open discussions and live demonstrations on the future of amateur radio.
High-speed telegraphy record attempt
At 1061 characters per minute, Alexandru Ianis Scutaru has already set new benchmarks in Morse code speed. As someone who has been named world champion in high-speed telegraphy several times, he demonstrates what can be achieved through dedication and training. Starting at 10:30 am on Saturday on the Action Stage in Foyer West, he will attempt a new record in the Morse Runner software live in front of the crowd.
When technology becomes sound: Saturday’s sonic performance highlights
This year will feature a special live performance on Saturday: Composer and media artist Antonio Bras, also known as Binar, will present a sound installation featuring industrial and ambient elements at the Tettnang Electronics Museum booth on Saturday. Using 4- and 8-track tape loops, sequenced synthesizer sounds, and cinematic textures from software synthesizers, he will craft an immersive sonic landscape in Zeppelin CAT Hall A1. From 2 to 3 pm, the performance will feature modular and electroacoustic devices to create striking sound textures.
Young talent with smart ideas
The importance of education and early encouragement is exemplified by the science fair project of “Jugend forscht” award recipient Luisa Ehrler. She won the special prize “Presentation at the international amateur radio exhibition Ham Radio in Friedrichshafen” at the regional competition in Heilbronn-Franken in April. Sponsored by DARC, she now has the opportunity to showcase her project “Smart In-House Intercom System – DOMCOM” at the trade fair and interact with attendees.
Tickets and opening hours
Ham Radio will take place from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 29, 2025, and will be open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, as well as from 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday. The day ticket is available online for 14 euros at: https://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/besuchen/oeffnungszeiten-tickets. Tickets for school groups are available for 5 euros per person and can be purchased only at the gate.