Journal-News.com

TROTWOOD — The largest amateur radio gathering in the world is set to begin Friday, and is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors to the Dayton area.

Hamvention will run through Sunday at Hara Arena. This year's advance ticket sales have been slightly ahead of last year.

Some ham radio enthusiasts will journey across the country or around the globe to attend Hamvention, with one special guest travelling all the way from outer space.

NASA space shuttle veteran and International Space Station Expedition 12 commander Bill McArthur will be on hand to greet visitors at Hara Arena Friday.

During his six months on the space station, McArthur, aka NA1SS, communicated via ham radio with people from all 50 states and seven continents.

In addition to McArthur's appearance, visitors can attend some of the 48 forums being held throughout the weekend. Topics range from basic techniques to ham radio use in emergency services.

Those looking to shop can peruse the more than 500 indoor and outdoor exhibits and 2,500 flea market vendors. On display and on sale will be ham parts, supplies and souvenirs, as well as the newest technologies in the world of ham radio.

"That's one of the big draws," said Henry Ruminski, spokesman for Hamvention.

"People come to see the latest and greatest technological advances."

Hamvention manages to draw large crowds year after year. The inaugural 1952 convention at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Dayton boasted seven exhibitors and a crowd of 600, double the expected attendance. Since then, Hamvention has grown into not only the largest Hara Arena event of the year, but the largest ham radio convention in the world.

Last year's attendance topped 20,300. Visitors came from all 50 states and 36 foreign countries.

Convention committee member Ron Moorefield has been to all 55 Hamventions.

He said this year's event will not be the largest ever — 10 years ago the convention drew a crowd of nearly 32,000 — but said ham radio use is becoming more popular.

"Getting an amateur license is a lot easier now that you don't have to know (Morse Code)," Moorefield said. "That's bringing a lot more people in."

How to go

What: Amateur radio convention

When: Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Outdoor exhibits open at 8 a.m.)

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Hara Arena Conference Center at 1001 Shiloh Springs Road in Trotwood

Parking: $10 a day parking is available across the street from Hara Arena or Park and Ride from Salem Mall on Salem Avenue, and only pay for a bus ticket.

Cost: Admission is $20 in advance or $25 on convention days. Bus tickets are $8. Both tickets are good for all three convention days. Advance tickets are available at the Hara box office; Debco Electronics and Computers Inc. in Cincinnati; Universal Radio in Columbus; Midwest Surplus in Fairborn and R&L Electronics, Hamilton.

For more information: www.hamvention.org