[Milsurplus] Dayton Final thoughts

[Ray Fantini]

Couple last thoughts on the Dayton Hamvention. This was the first time I
attended on Sunday in about twenty years, always left on Sunday morning
without going over to the fest, but had to pick up stuff to return to
AMSAT lab so was there. Sunday at Dayton is about the same as most small
ham fests with only about ten percent of the sellers being there.
Companies like Mendelson and the other big lot dealers were there
selling their stuff but can see why I normally do not stay. Friday and
Saturday are definitely the days to be there. I only saw one new seller
on Saturday and all the good deals were gone by noon on Friday. If
you’re going, plan on being there Friday. Myself, I did not buy
much Friday. Did pick up an old Collins 180K3 antenna tuner for Mr.
Smith to use with his 18S1 for $30 but other than that, did more selling
than anything else. I did sell almost everything I brought with me by
two that afternoon. People were buying there. On Saturday with nothing
left to sell I spent much time walking around before the noon net. I did
pick up some Andrew hard line connectors for another friend and some
terminal strips from Mendelson Mega Tent, after the two o’clock 51.0
net did another walk around and picked up a old and abused BC-229
receiver with a couple coil packs. It needed a good home and only cost
$15 so although I did not need it bought it anyway, had to buy
something.  If anyone knows anything about the BC-299 let me know, it
appears to be some type of RU series receiver except its not painted.
One last comment, the Harra complex appears to be getting worse by the
year. They used to make a big deal about not putting holes in the
blacktop, I think it would be almost impossible to find six square
inches with out a hole or crack going thru it. The entire parking lot is
in terrible condition. The buildings are just about in as bad a shape.
It appears the owners have no desire to spend any money on paint or
maintenance of the facility. Don’t misunderstand me on this, its still
the largest ham fest you can attend, there are still many bargains there
and its about the only place you can see some of this stuff and I fully
intend to be there next year. Also I have to note that there were a
couple of the hotels that were in the area that have closed, and the
community in general doesn’t look too healthy.  Maybe the state of the
complex reflects the state of the community?  Perhaps someone local can
comment on this.
I will be posting a web page soon with the pictures and comments. 
Ray Fantini KA3EKH