|
A Youthful Look at the Dayton Hamvention
The 2026 Dayton
Hamvention took place on May 15th through May 17th.
at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio
Fellow BARA members Randy KE2EMU and Haley KE2EVX made the
pilgrimage to Dayton, for the world’s greatest ham radio gathering and
came home with stories, memories and the kind of enthusiasm that only
Hamvention can generate. With more than thirty thousand attendees filling the
fairgrounds and the traditional mix of sunshine, rain and thunder rolling
through, the event once again proved why it remains the premier destination
for amateur radio operators from around the world.
|
|
For
Haley, this Hamvention was especially meaningful. Not only was it her first
time attending, but she was also invited to speak at the Radio Club of
America Youth Forum. She was the first youth presenter of the day and her
talk began at about the twenty-one-minute mark in the recording on the left.
|
The energy was high from the moment the gates opened and this
year’s forum lineup delivered everything from technical deep dives to
youth-focused inspiration. Their weekend was filled with meeting other
operators, exploring the massive vendor halls, attending youth socials,
participating in the Youth Rally and discovering how welcoming the ham
community can be.
|
|
Rather
than summarize everything here, we encourage you to watch Haley’s
presentation at our recent club meeting, where she walks through her
Hamvention experience with photos, stories and the kind of enthusiasm that
reminds all of us why this hobby matters.
|
Antenna Activity Day
Saturday, June 6, 2026 • Start Around 10:00 AM • Weather Permitting
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY
Join us for a “Hands-On Antenna Day”, where
everyone is encouraged to stop by, lend a hand, or simply enjoy the
opportunity to learn something new. Whether you are building your first
antenna, tuning an existing design, troubleshooting a problem, or comparing
notes with fellow operators, this will be a relaxed and collaborative event
focused on practical skills and real-world experimentation.
The day is not intended to be a formal antenna course or
large-scale antenna fabrication workshop. Instead, the emphasis will be on
practical solutions, demonstrations, troubleshooting and operating
experience. Mobile installation SWR checks may also be available, depending
on equipment and volunteer availability.
Cortland Hamfest & Technology Fair
Saturday, June 13, 2026 • 7:00 AM to Noon
Cortland County Fairgrounds, 4301 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortland, NY
This annual event offers a wide range of equipment, components
and electronics available for sale or trade. Admission is just $6 per person,
with children 12 and under admitted free. Outdoor flea market space is
included with your admission and indoor flea market space is available for $10.
BARA Monthly Club Meeting
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY
All are welcome to attend our monthly meetings. Whether you
are licensed, studying, or simply curious, you are encouraged to join us.
Meetings offer a chance to connect with local operators, exchange ideas and stay
informed.
Unable to
attend in person? Click Here to Join via Zoom
Please note: Our next Volunteer
Exam (VE) Test Session will be held at Noon on Saturday, June 27th,
during Field Day weekend, rather than before this month’s club meeting.
Please plan accordingly.
Doug's Fish Fry Fundraiser
Thursday, June 18, 2026 • 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tractor Supply Co., 154 Vestal Pkwy West,
Vestal, NY
Support our friends at Vestal Fire Department Company #2 by enjoying a delicious meal from
Doug’s ToGo! Fish Sandwiches, Shrimp Dinners, Scallop Dinners and
on Thursdays, Onion Rings are offered on the menu.
Alan Jones Vestal XX
Saturday, June 20, 2026 • 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Vestal Senior Center, 201 Main St., Vestal, NY
The Alan Jones Vestal XX remains a cornerstone of the Southern
Tier running calendar. Volunteers, spectators, and athletes come together
each year to celebrate fitness and camaraderie. Runners will once again take
on the scenic, rolling hills of Vestal, a route known for its beauty,
difficulty, and unmistakable character.
The 20-kilometer distance offers a rare and rewarding
challenge, one that has drawn competitive athletes, dedicated club runners,
and community participants carrying forward a legacy that stretches back to
the 1930s.
If you are interested in helping with radio communications,
contact Ford AB2HS on the 146.865 repeater. You
will need to arrive on-site between 7:30 am and 8:00 am as the run starts
promptly at 8:00 am.
Please note: The Alan Jones Vestal XX
occurs at the exact same time and involves so many of our members; therefore,
it was decided that our breakfast for this month at the Blue Dolphin Diner should
be cancelled.
The 93rd Rochester Hamfest
Saturday, June 20, 2026 • 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Barnard Fire Department Park, 410 Maiden
Lane, Rochester, NY
|
|
One of Western New
York’s classic summer gatherings and a great excuse for a road trip
and a full day of radio fun. Expect a full outdoor flea market, free
license testing, door prizes, raffles, food, tech talks and ARRL awards
checking.
|
|
Hosted by the Rochester Amateur Radio Association
|
ARRL Field Day - Volunteer Exam
(VE) Test Session
Saturday, June 27, 2026 • Noon to 1:00 PM • Walk-ins are Welcome
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY
|
|
Please
create an FCC account if you do not already have an FRN number. fcc.gov/coresWeb/regEntityType.do
Bring your FRN number (for upgrades, a
photocopy of your current license) to the test session, along with a photo
ID.
|
While our exams are offered free of charge, the FCC requires a
$35 fee for new licenses, license renewals and vanity call sign requests. This
fee is not collected at the VE test session and must be paid directly to the
FCC. After passing your exam and your
application is processed, the FCC will send you an email with instructions
for submitting the required payment.
ARRL Field Day
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
to Sunday, June 28,
2026 at 2:00 PM
Kopernik Observatory & Science
Center, 698 Underwood Rd,
Vestal, NY
Join the fun at BARA’s largest operating event.
Be sure to let us know if you plan to attend or have any
questions.
Click here to complete the BARA Field Day Survey
Wilkes-Barre
Hamfest and Computerfest
Sunday, July 5, 2026 • 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Polish American Veterans, 2 South Oak Street, Plains, PA
Admission is $10 and children under 16, as well as XYLs, are
admitted free.
Each paid admission
includes one tailgate space, with additional spaces
available for $5 and
pavilion tables available for $10 on a first come basis.
The event
is held rain or shine and features the buying and selling of
new and used radio
equipment, computers and electronic gear,
along with door prizes
throughout the morning.
|
|
Amateur Radio Licensing
Interested in obtaining or upgrading your Amateur
Radio License? Learn about the different license classes, the requirements
and how to get started on your journey.
|
|
|
ARRL Membership for Students
Full-time students aged 21 years or younger have the
opportunity for a no-cost student membership. As an ARRL member, you will
learn skills and make connections that may advance your education and
future career goals.
|
|
|
BARA Brochures
The club has printed out about 100 BARA Brochures to
help spread the word about our organization.
|
|
|
BARA Discord Server
Discord lets you communicate through voice and video
calls and text messaging. You can chat privately or join virtual
communities called servers.
Join us on Discord and be part of the conversation.
|
|
|
BARA Logbooks
Each BARA member can receive a FREE Logbook as a gift
from BARA. This offer is limited to one logbook per member, not annually. Families
get one for each licensed member.
See Steve KA2YRA to claim your copy.
|
|
|
BARA Stickers
Show your support for BARA with our exclusive BARA
Stickers.
Priced at just $3.50 each or 3 for $10.
See our Treasurer Greg KE2CAV to get yours.
|
|
|
Broome County Live Scanner
Feed
Stay connected to Broome County’s emergency
services with ScannerNerds.com. Listen to live Motorola P25
transmissions delivering real-time, accurate and timely audio directly from
the first responders who protect our community.
|
|
|
Callsign Light Displays
Discover these beautifully engraved and colorful Callsign
light displays crafted by our very own Bill Jakaitis, KB2SIN and other
fantastic ham radio-related gifts.
|
|
|
New Ham Cheatsheet
Alongside the QRZ Jumpstart Program, Frank Heaney W2FJH
has developed a “New Ham Cheatsheet.” This handy guide is
designed to help newly licensed hams get started on their amateur radio
journey with ease.
|
|
|
New Ham Jumpstart Program
Are you a new ham who obtained your amateur radio
license within the last 6 months? Apply now for the QRZ Jumpstart Program
and receive a fantastic welcome package.
|
|
|
Ham Radio Dashboard
A fast, privacy-first dashboard offering HF band
conditions, space weather, DX spots, POTA/SOTA activity, grey line maps,
contest calendars, a Morse trainer and simple logging tools, all in your
browser with no account required.
|
|
|
Ham Info Map
An interactive map showing licensed amateur operators
across the U.S. Useful for exploring nearby hams or planning contacts.
|
|
|
Hear Ham Repeater Directory
A centralized, easy-to-navigate repeater directory
with frequency, offset, mode and system details.
Works on desktop and
mobile.
|
|
|
Radio Station World
Your gateway to discovering radio stations from every
corner of the globe. Whether
you are exploring local
|
broadcasters, streaming stations, or specialized radio
services, this directory
brings the world of radio
together in one place.
|
|
Seven 3 Dot Net
A social network for hams by hams started in the
Southern Tier of New York as a means for hams to spread the word about
anything and everything ham radio related.
|
|
|
Swap and Shop
Here, you can buy, sell or trade ham radio equipment
with fellow enthusiasts. Discover the latest listings and snag some
fantastic deals.
|
|
