Ham Radio & Technology Fair

Jim (KA2IWK) is shown demonstrating a Software Defined Radio (SDR).

The Radio Association of Western New York has been dedicated to promoting the hobby of amateur radio to both young and old alike. For more than 30 years, RAWNY has been holding a Ham Radio and Technology Fair which features hand-on demonstrations of most aspects of amateur radio in addition to the sciences that are related to the hobby.

It’s a fact that Amateur Radio touches many aspects of science and technology. Whether talking to an astronaut on the International Space Station or a friend in the next county by using a microphone, Morse code, or digital data, adults as well as children find it fascinating to be able to communicate without a cell phone or Social Media sites. More importantly, in times of disaster when electrical lines and phone services are down or out of service, Amateur Radio operators are able to provide the necessary communications for emergency services.

Aaron (N2HTL) is demonstrating a Yaesu FT-857, while in the background, a Scout is making a contact on 40 meters.

Originally designed to assist Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in receiving their Communicator pins and Radio Merit Badges, the Ham Radio and Technology Fair serves as a perfect introduction to the hobby, and many curious people, regardless of their age or gender, have come away from the event with a strong desire to obtain their own amateur radio license.

Many of the demonstrations will be “hands on” so visitors can take part in the activities. Live demonstrations will include these specialties and more:

  • Worldwide Radio Communications using Voice, Morse code, Digital Technologies, and Satellites
  • Software-Defined Radios, Shortwave, and Utility Monitoring (public services)
  • Kit Building, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi applications
  • Radio Sport (Contesting), Transmitter Finding and the sport of GeoCaching

The date for the 2019 Ham Radio and Technology Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 10am until 2:00pm. Unlike previous years, the event for 2019 will be held at the West Canal Marina and Park on Tonawanda Creek Road in North Tonawanda, NY. We will be occupying shelter #4. 

Please note that due to the nature of the event being outdoors, it will be held WEATHER-PERMITTING. If you are in the Western New York area, tune to the BARRA repeater at 444.000 mhz for updated information which will be put out at regular intervals on the morning of the 19th. Likewise, please check the RAWNY/W2PE Facebook page for updates on whether the event will be cancelled due to uncooperative weather conditions.

Peter (K2RSK) is discussing DXing and exchanging QSL cards.

If you would like more information about the event, please contact Aaron (N2HTL) at oldhamradio(at)gmail.com, or Kevin (WA2FKV) at wa2fkv(at)arrl.net or 693-3917. Please note that in order to reduce the amount of unsolicited email which may come from our website, it will be necessary for you to change the “(at)” in the email addresses to the familiar “@” sign when composing your email.

Finally, the intended topics may change at the last minute so some areas of amateur radio may not be demontrated.

Below are some photographs of RAWNY’s Ham Radio & Technology Fair from 2018 and 2018. Many thanks to our exhibitors for their willingness to share their knowledge and love for amateur radio. Your dedication is very much appreciated.

Brian (KB2QIL) is demonstrating the many ways to send CW over the air.

Dean’s (K2KLB) demonstration of soldering techniques and kit building is always very popular.

Paul (N4NEH) and Rich (KG2OR) showcase RC Planes and drones.

Paul (WB2BEB) is shown demonstrating radio operations via remote control.

Unusual homebrew transmitters and receivers are part of what makes amateur radio fascinating.

Joe (N2ZDU) is shown demonstrating D-Star to Ray (KC2LEF).