On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:

This year is the first time for me.  It's been great meeting some of the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara Arena is.  It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect they weren't so great then!  Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.  Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not really a boatanchor kinda guy.  Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference.  I'm also interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by the mass of humanity, so it could have been me.  I did order the Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light.  Tried to attend the Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.  Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest .DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that.  I bought my first K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz Carlton anytime real soon.

 

73

Steve KL7SB

 

p.s.  An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4 attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get there.  I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would ...not have been good.

 

On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowman jmlowman@... [Elecraft_K3]" <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:

 

I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only 
experience with Dayton in 2013.
At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for almost 50 
years.

I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my 
advantage.
I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to part the 
way for me.

The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall 
told her, "This one actually flushes."
Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake presentation was 
held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy, dimly-lighted arena.

We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bob robertlarson@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
> Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low end truck stop
> food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that status.
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K2TK
>
>
> On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgerald kd0bcf@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who is more than
>> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis???? Let the
>> stoning begin! :)
>>
>> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is held is ugly and
>> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get from one end
>> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long lines for filthy
>> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot dogs, single
>> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience is taxing. All
>> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The flea market area
>> needs to be visited on Friday morning <x-apple-data-detectors://1> for good
>> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>>
>> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>>
>>

Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
contracted with Hara for the next several years.

On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
<mailto:sbloom@...> [Elecraft_K3]
<Elecraft_K3@... <mailto:Elecraft_K3@...>> wrote:


This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
.DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
Carlton anytime real soon.


73

Steve KL7SB


p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
...not have been good.




On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
<mailto:jmlowman@...>[Elecraft_K3]"
<Elecraft_K3@... <mailto:Elecraft_K3@...>> wrote:

I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
experience with Dayton in 2013.
At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
almost 50
years.

I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
advantage.
I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
part the
way for me.

The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
told her, "This one actually flushes."
Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
presentation was
held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
dimly-lighted arena.

We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
<mailto:robertlarson@...>[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
> Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low
end truck stop
> food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that
status.
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K2TK
>
>
> On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...
<mailto:kd0bcf@...>[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who
is more than
>> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????
Let the
>> stoning begin! :)
>>
>> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is
held is ugly and
>> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get
from one end
>> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long
lines for filthy
>> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot
dogs, single
>> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience
is taxing. All
>> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The
flea market area
>> needs to be visited on Friday morning
<x-apple-data-detectors://1> for good
>> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>>
>> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>>
>>

 

The Hara is about the same as last year.. VERY wet floors in the bathrooms.. part of which is a case of "bad aim" - and the rest humidity finding nice tile surfaces to condense on. but with it running out of the door way, I suspect more splash and less drop....

Sharp elbows are required.  People (some on a scooter) will stop without warning to drool in the middle of an isle, even while others are trying to get through that section.  Outside?  They stand there until soaked... (Yep, heavy rain occasionally.)

LOTS of keys on display everywhere.. almost enough to get me to learn code...

 

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!

---

From: "Alan Bloom alan@... [Elecraft_K3]" <Elecraft_K3@...>
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Fun times at Dayton this weekend!

 

Yes, when I went back for the Hamvention a couple years ago I did notice
that the Hara Arena had gotten noticeably dingier than what I remember
from when I lived in the Dayton area back in the late 70s. But I didn't
find that it detracted from the experience. I don't go there to admire
the decor! :=)

Alan N1AL

On 05/15/2015 06:07 PM, 'Gordon P. Howell, Jr.' geep@...
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>
>
> Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
> the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
> it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
> contracted with Hara for the next several years.
>
>> On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
>> sbloom@...> [Elecraft_K3]
>> <Elecraft_K3@... Elecraft_K3@...>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
>> the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
>> CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
>> hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
>> Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
>> they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
>> crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
>> Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
>> really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
>> chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
>> bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
>> interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
>> than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
>> the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
>> Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
>> Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
>> Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
>> .DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
>> it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
>> needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
>> I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
>> K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
>> that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
>> contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
>> Carlton anytime real soon.
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Steve KL7SB
>>
>>
>> p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
>> attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
>> there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
>> stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
>> ...not have been good.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
>> jmlowman@...>[Elecraft_K3]"
>> <Elecraft_K3@... Elecraft_K3@...>> wrote:
>>
>> I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
>> experience with Dayton in 2013.
>> At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
>> almost 50
>> years.
>>
>> I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
>> At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
>> advantage.
>> I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
>> part the
>> way for me.
>>
>> The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
>> told her, "This one actually flushes."
>> Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
>> presentation was
>> held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
>> The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
>> dimly-lighted arena.
>>
>> We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.
>>
>> 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
>> robertlarson@...>[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> > Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low
>> end truck stop
>> > food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that
>> status.
>> >
>> > 73,
>> > Bob
>> > K2TK
>> >
>> >
>> > On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...
>> kd0bcf@...>[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> >> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who
>> is more than
>> >> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????
>> Let the
>> >> stoning begin! :)
>> >>
>> >> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is
>> held is ugly and
>> >> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get
>> from one end
>> >> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long
>> lines for filthy
>> >> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot
>> dogs, single
>> >> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience
>> is taxing. All
>> >> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The
>> flea market area
>> >> needs to be visited on Friday morning
>> for good
>> >> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>> >>
>> >> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

 

The Hara is about the same as last year.. VERY wet floors in the bathrooms.. part of which is a case of "bad aim" - and the rest humidity finding nice tile surfaces to condense on. but with it running out of the door way, I suspect more splash and less drop....

Sharp elbows are required.  People (some on a scooter) will stop without warning to drool in the middle of an isle, even while others are trying to get through that section.  Outside?  They stand there until soaked... (Yep, heavy rain occasionally.)

LOTS of keys on display everywhere.. almost enough to get me to learn code...

 

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!

---

From: "Alan Bloom alan@... [Elecraft_K3]"
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Fun times at Dayton this weekend!

 

Yes, when I went back for the Hamvention a couple years ago I did notice
that the Hara Arena had gotten noticeably dingier than what I remember
from when I lived in the Dayton area back in the late 70s. But I didn't
find that it detracted from the experience. I don't go there to admire
the decor! :=)

Alan N1AL

On 05/15/2015 06:07 PM, 'Gordon P. Howell, Jr.' geep@...
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>
>
> Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
> the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
> it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
> contracted with Hara for the next several years.
>
>> On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>>
>> This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
>> the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
>> CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
>> hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
>> Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
>> they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
>> crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
>> Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
>> really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
>> chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
>> bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
>> interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
>> than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
>> the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
>> Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
>> Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
>> Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
>> .DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
>> it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
>> needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
>> I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
>> K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
>> that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
>> contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
>> Carlton anytime real soon.
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Steve KL7SB
>>
>>
>> p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
>> attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
>> there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
>> stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
>> ...not have been good.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]"
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>> I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
>> experience with Dayton in 2013.
>> At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
>> almost 50
>> years.
>>
>> I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
>> At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
>> advantage.
>> I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
>> part the
>> way for me.
>>
>> The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
>> told her, "This one actually flushes."
>> Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
>> presentation was
>> held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
>> The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
>> dimly-lighted arena.
>>
>> We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.
>>
>> 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> > Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low
>> end truck stop
>> > food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that
>> status.
>> >
>> > 73,
>> > Bob
>> > K2TK
>> >
>> >
>> > On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> >> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who
>> is more than
>> >> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????
>> Let the
>> >> stoning begin! :)
>> >>
>> >> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is
>> held is ugly and
>> >> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get
>> from one end
>> >> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long
>> lines for filthy
>> >> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot
>> dogs, single
>> >> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience
>> is taxing. All
>> >> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The
>> flea market area
>> >> needs to be visited on Friday morning
>> for good
>> >> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>> >>
>> >> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

 

The Hara is about the same as last year.. VERY wet floors in the bathrooms.. part of which is a case of "bad aim" - and the rest humidity finding nice tile surfaces to condense on. but with it running out of the door way, I suspect more splash and less drop....

Sharp elbows are required.  People (some on a scooter) will stop without warning to drool in the middle of an isle, even while others are trying to get through that section.  Outside?  They stand there until soaked... (Yep, heavy rain occasionally.)

LOTS of keys on display everywhere.. almost enough to get me to learn code...

 

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!

---

From: "Alan Bloom alan@... [Elecraft_K3]"
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Fun times at Dayton this weekend!

 

Yes, when I went back for the Hamvention a couple years ago I did notice
that the Hara Arena had gotten noticeably dingier than what I remember
from when I lived in the Dayton area back in the late 70s. But I didn't
find that it detracted from the experience. I don't go there to admire
the decor! :=)

Alan N1AL

On 05/15/2015 06:07 PM, 'Gordon P. Howell, Jr.' geep@...
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>
>
> Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
> the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
> it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
> contracted with Hara for the next several years.
>
>> On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>>
>> This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
>> the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
>> CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
>> hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
>> Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
>> they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
>> crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
>> Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
>> really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
>> chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
>> bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
>> interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
>> than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
>> the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
>> Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
>> Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
>> Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
>> .DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
>> it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
>> needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
>> I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
>> K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
>> that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
>> contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
>> Carlton anytime real soon.
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Steve KL7SB
>>
>>
>> p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
>> attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
>> there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
>> stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
>> ...not have been good.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]"
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>> I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
>> experience with Dayton in 2013.
>> At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
>> almost 50
>> years.
>>
>> I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
>> At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
>> advantage.
>> I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
>> part the
>> way for me.
>>
>> The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
>> told her, "This one actually flushes."
>> Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
>> presentation was
>> held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
>> The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
>> dimly-lighted arena.
>>
>> We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.
>>
>> 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> > Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low
>> end truck stop
>> > food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that
>> status.
>> >
>> > 73,
>> > Bob
>> > K2TK
>> >
>> >
>> > On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> >> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who
>> is more than
>> >> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????
>> Let the
>> >> stoning begin! :)
>> >>
>> >> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is
>> held is ugly and
>> >> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get
>> from one end
>> >> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long
>> lines for filthy
>> >> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot
>> dogs, single
>> >> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience
>> is taxing. All
>> >> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The
>> flea market area
>> >> needs to be visited on Friday morning
>> for good
>> >> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>> >>
>> >> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

-- 
73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org

************************************************ 

 

One of the guys in my contest club, who had multiple tours in Afghanistan, summed it up nicely:

             You know it's bad when bathrooms in Afghanistan are nicer than the ones here at Hara arena! 

Does anyone remember the raw sewerage spewing out of the parking lot about 5 years ago?  I think it was due to some "bathroom" plumbing issues.

Yes...the facility sucks.  Don't get me started on the guys with the scooters.  Another friend was run into a couple years ago and ended up with an infection and some serious medical problems.

The problem is that the DARA has no other choice in Dayton.  If the Hamvention were to move somewhere else they would lose their cash cow overnight.

On 5/17/2015 4:44 AM, 'Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz)' billblomgren@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:

 

The Hara is about the same as last year.. VERY wet floors in the bathrooms.. part of which is a case of "bad aim" - and the rest humidity finding nice tile surfaces to condense on. but with it running out of the door way, I suspect more splash and less drop....

Sharp elbows are required.  People (some on a scooter) will stop without warning to drool in the middle of an isle, even while others are trying to get through that section.  Outside?  They stand there until soaked... (Yep, heavy rain occasionally.)

LOTS of keys on display everywhere.. almost enough to get me to learn code...

 

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!

---

From: "Alan Bloom alan@... [Elecraft_K3]"
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Fun times at Dayton this weekend!

 

Yes, when I went back for the Hamvention a couple years ago I did notice
that the Hara Arena had gotten noticeably dingier than what I remember
from when I lived in the Dayton area back in the late 70s. But I didn't
find that it detracted from the experience. I don't go there to admire
the decor! :=)

Alan N1AL

On 05/15/2015 06:07 PM, 'Gordon P. Howell, Jr.' geep@...
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>
>
> Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
> the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
> it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
> contracted with Hara for the next several years.
>
>> On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>>
>> This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
>> the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
>> CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
>> hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
>> Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
>> they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
>> crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
>> Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
>> really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
>> chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
>> bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
>> interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
>> than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
>> the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
>> Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
>> Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
>> Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
>> .DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
>> it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
>> needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
>> I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
>> K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
>> that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
>> contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
>> Carlton anytime real soon.
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Steve KL7SB
>>
>>
>> p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
>> attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
>> there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
>> stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
>> ...not have been good.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]"
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>> I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
>> experience with Dayton in 2013.
>> At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
>> almost 50
>> years.
>>
>> I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
>> At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
>> advantage.
>> I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
>> part the
>> way for me.
>>
>> The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
>> told her, "This one actually flushes."
>> Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
>> presentation was
>> held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
>> The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
>> dimly-lighted arena.
>>
>> We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.
>>
>> 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> > Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low
>> end truck stop
>> > food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that
>> status.
>> >
>> > 73,
>> > Bob
>> > K2TK
>> >
>> >
>> > On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> >> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who
>> is more than
>> >> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????
>> Let the
>> >> stoning begin! :)
>> >>
>> >> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is
>> held is ugly and
>> >> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get
>> from one end
>> >> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long
>> lines for filthy
>> >> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot
>> dogs, single
>> >> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience
>> is taxing. All
>> >> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The
>> flea market area
>> >> needs to be visited on Friday morning
>> for good
>> >> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>> >>
>> >> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

-- 
73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org

************************************************ 

 

One of the guys in my contest club, who had multiple tours in Afghanistan, summed it up nicely:

             You know it's bad when bathrooms in Afghanistan are nicer than the ones here at Hara arena! 

Does anyone remember the raw sewerage spewing out of the parking lot about 5 years ago?  I think it was due to some "bathroom" plumbing issues.

Yes...the facility sucks.  Don't get me started on the guys with the scooters.  Another friend was run into a couple years ago and ended up with an infection and some serious medical problems.

The problem is that the DARA has no other choice in Dayton.  If the Hamvention were to move somewhere else they would lose their cash cow overnight.

On 5/17/2015 4:44 AM, 'Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz)' billblomgren@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:

 

The Hara is about the same as last year.. VERY wet floors in the bathrooms.. part of which is a case of "bad aim" - and the rest humidity finding nice tile surfaces to condense on. but with it running out of the door way, I suspect more splash and less drop....

Sharp elbows are required.  People (some on a scooter) will stop without warning to drool in the middle of an isle, even while others are trying to get through that section.  Outside?  They stand there until soaked... (Yep, heavy rain occasionally.)

LOTS of keys on display everywhere.. almost enough to get me to learn code...

 

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!

---

From: "Alan Bloom alan@... [Elecraft_K3]"
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Fun times at Dayton this weekend!

 

Yes, when I went back for the Hamvention a couple years ago I did notice
that the Hara Arena had gotten noticeably dingier than what I remember
from when I lived in the Dayton area back in the late 70s. But I didn't
find that it detracted from the experience. I don't go there to admire
the decor! :=)

Alan N1AL

On 05/15/2015 06:07 PM, 'Gordon P. Howell, Jr.' geep@...
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>
>
> Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
> the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
> it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
> contracted with Hara for the next several years.
>
>> On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>>
>> This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
>> the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
>> CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
>> hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
>> Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
>> they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
>> crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
>> Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
>> really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
>> chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
>> bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
>> interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
>> than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
>> the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
>> Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
>> Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
>> Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
>> .DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
>> it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
>> needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
>> I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
>> K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
>> that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
>> contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
>> Carlton anytime real soon.
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Steve KL7SB
>>
>>
>> p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
>> attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
>> there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
>> stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
>> ...not have been good.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
>> [Elecraft_K3]"
>> <Elecraft_K3@... > wrote:
>>
>> I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
>> experience with Dayton in 2013.
>> At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
>> almost 50
>> years.
>>
>> I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
>> At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
>> advantage.
>> I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
>> part the
>> way for me.
>>
>> The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
>> told her, "This one actually flushes."
>> Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
>> presentation was
>> held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
>> The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
>> dimly-lighted arena.
>>
>> We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.
>>
>> 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> > Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low
>> end truck stop
>> > food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that
>> status.
>> >
>> > 73,
>> > Bob
>> > K2TK
>> >
>> >
>> > On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...
>> [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>> >> I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who
>> is more than
>> >> familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????
>> Let the
>> >> stoning begin! :)
>> >>
>> >> "Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is
>> held is ugly and
>> >> run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get
>> from one end
>> >> of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long
>> lines for filthy
>> >> bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot
>> dogs, single
>> >> slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience
>> is taxing. All
>> >> just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The
>> flea market area
>> >> needs to be visited on Friday morning
>> for good
>> >> old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."
>> >>
>> >> You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

--
73,


Gary K9GS


Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org


************************************************ 

The Hara is about the same as last year.. VERY wet floors in the bathrooms.. part of which is a case of "bad aim" - and the rest humidity finding nice tile surfaces to condense on. but with it running out of the door way, I suspect more splash and less drop....

Sharp elbows are required. People (some on a scooter) will stop without warning to drool in the middle of an isle, even while others are trying to get through that section. Outside? They stand there until soaked... (Yep, heavy rain occasionally.)

LOTS of keys on display everywhere.. almost enough to get me to learn code...<sigh>

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!

From: "Alan Bloom alan@... [Elecraft_K3]" <Elecraft_K3@...>
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Fun times at Dayton this weekend!


Yes, when I went back for the Hamvention a couple years ago I did notice
that the Hara Arena had gotten noticeably dingier than what I remember
from when I lived in the Dayton area back in the late 70s. But I didn't
find that it detracted from the experience. I don't go there to admire
the decor! :=)

Alan N1AL

On 05/15/2015 06:07 PM, 'Gordon P. Howell, Jr.' geep@...
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:

Takes a sharp set of elbows and an uncaring attitude to make it through
the crowds. The farthest bathrooms generally aren’t too bad, but then
it’s been ten years since my last appearance. And I think they are
contracted with Hara for the next several years.

On May 15, 2015, at 8:46 PM, sbloom@...
<mailto:sbloom@...> [Elecraft_K3]
<Elecraft_K3@... <mailto:Elecraft_K3@...>> wrote:


This year is the first time for me. It's been great meeting some of
the guys I've worked (especially the Contesters and the folks from
CWOps), Contest U rocked ..and it is worth the flight just to
hear W3LPL chat ...but they weren't kidding about just how bad Hara
Arena is. It's best days were forty plus years ago ..and I suspect
they weren't so great then! Foul bathrooms ...a lot of areas were
crowded and hot and ummmmm ..some hams do NOT have the best hygiene.
Didn't see much of real interest in the flea market ...but I'm not
really a boatanchor kinda guy. Elecraft booth was very busy ...got a
chance to look at the K3S ... on a purely visual level ...it looks a
bit .cleaner/tighter ...but not a huge difference. I'm also
interested in a SteppIR ..found their rep to be more ..salesman-ish
than technical ..but to be fair ..I was just generally irritated by
the mass of humanity, so it could have been me. I did order the
Expert Amps 1.3K ...man that thing is light. Tried to attend the
Antenna forum, but it was SRO and I was just out of patience.
Hamvention seems like a great place to see the latest and greatest
.DXEngineering has all sorts of stuff I'd like to check out .. but
it's hard to get much time to play with anything and to be honest ..my
needs are specific enough, that I want to take time and care with what
I buy ..and the enrionment isn't conducive to that. I bought my first
K3 at SeaPac a couple of years ago .I don't think I would have taken
that step here.The hotel I'm at (The Crowne Plaza) is the host for the
contesting events ...it's not going to be competing with a Ritz
Carlton anytime real soon.


73

Steve KL7SB


p.s. An elderly gent with a walker took a fall ..it took us 3 or 4
attempts to get him help ..and 12 minutes for paramedics to get
there. I think he will be ok ...though they did take him out on a
stretcher ..but ..if that was a cardiac or cerebral event ..that would
...not have been good.




On Fri, 15 May 2015 16:51:29 -0700, "Jim Lowmanjmlowman@...
<mailto:jmlowman@...>[Elecraft_K3]"
<Elecraft_K3@... <mailto:Elecraft_K3@...>> wrote:

I have to agree with your friend, Bob, based on our one-and-only
experience with Dayton in 2013.
At that time I had been licensed, General-class or higher, for
almost 50
years.

I will add that there were a lot of guys riding those electric carts.
At first I found them to be an annoyance, but later used them to my
advantage.
I would follow one from place to place, allowing the driver to
part the
way for me.

The XYL's report on the restrooms: One woman who was leaving a stall
told her, "This one actually flushes."
Oddly, the mens' room over by the room where the Drake
presentation was
held, was kept fairly clean, considering the amount of traffic.
The one that the XYL had used was in the main, dingy,
dimly-lighted arena.

We vowed never to return until DARA finds a better facility.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 5/14/2015 9:58 PM, Bobrobertlarson@...
<mailto:robertlarson@...>[Elecraft_K3] wrote:

Your friend is almost 100% correct. He misses the mark on "low

end truck stop

food". It would require considerable improvement to reach that

status.

73,
Bob
K2TK


On 5/14/2015 2:00 PM, Tom Fitzgeraldkd0bcf@...

<mailto:kd0bcf@...>[Elecraft_K3] wrote:

I couldn't resist posting this commentary from a ham friend who

is more than

familiar with the Dayton event...anyone share this analysis????

Let the

stoning begin! :)

"Dayton is a crowded madhouse too. The arena in which it is

held is ugly and

run down. Ya hafta inch your way though the dense crowds ta get

from one end

of the giant facility to the other. There are often very long

lines for filthy

bathrooms and the food sucks. Overcooked hamburgers and hot

dogs, single

slices of pizza, low end truck stop food. The whole experience

is taxing. All

just to look at Icom's or Yaesu's latest $20,000 radio. The

flea market area

needs to be visited on Friday morning

<x-apple-data-detectors://1> for good

old stuff. By Saturday there's only junk and lots of it."

You just can't make this stuff up! I believe him!

--
73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association:
http://www.gmdxa.org

Society of Midwest Contesters:
http://www.w9smc.com

CW Ops #1032
http://www.cwops.org


************************************************

 

On 2015-05-17 7:18 PM, Gary K9GS garyk9gs@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
>
> The problem is that the DARA has no other choice in Dayton. If the
> Hamvention were to move somewhere else they would lose their cash cow
> overnight.

It's been a while since I lived in the area but I strongly suspect
DARA could find facilities capable of handling Hamvention at the
University of Dayton (UD Arena) or Wright State University (Nutter
Center) and adjacent facilities. It might cost more and they might
need to change the date but I certainly believe they could find
suitable space in the Dayton area to replace a decaying Hara.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-05-17 7:18 PM, Gary K9GS garyk9gs@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
> One of the guys in my contest club, who had multiple tours in
> Afghanistan, summed it up nicely:
>
> You know it's bad when bathrooms in Afghanistan are nicer
> than the ones here at Hara arena!
>
>
> Does anyone remember the raw sewerage spewing out of the parking lot
> about 5 years ago? I think it was due to some "bathroom" plumbing issues.
>
> Yes...the facility sucks. Don't get me started on the guys with the
> scooters. Another friend was run into a couple years ago and ended up
> with an infection and some serious medical problems.
>
> The problem is that the DARA has no other choice in Dayton. If the
> Hamvention were to move somewhere else they would lose their cash cow
> overnight.
>

-- 
73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org

************************************************ 

 

Mostly there are negative comments here. There have been issues, but not with the consistency implied. I've been to Dayton a dozen times or more, and fully intend to return.

---

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