[SFDXA] Orlando HamCation Report

[Norm Alexander]

The Orlando Hamcation continues to attract good crowds.  Although there were a few empty spaces in some of the 'out' buildings, the reports I had from the organizers was the booth/table count was up this year over last.  WX was fantastic with warm sun but cool  breeze that made  outdoor Flea Market very pleasant.  Lots of Boat Anchors and a few good buys.  If you like D-104 Mic's there were dozens of them   The disappointment was the Kenwood booth with nothing to show on the new 990.  Each time I went by there I did not even see a representative.  The hot equipment booths were Yaesu, ICOM and Flex with some impressive displays of the new Flex 6000 multi-receiver output displays.  Orders were being taken, but delivery info was pretty sketchyin my opinion.  


The 'surprise' was the no show of Alpha.  They cancelled out at the last moment and even asked for their money back.  The call came from their controller.  Other rumors has 'Molly' removed from her position, and now charge with getting the software cleaned up on the 9500 (she was the author, but it seems that it is poorly organized).  Other changes maybe in the offing.  Financial issues are being speculated as the problem.   

M2 was their but there seemed to be little activity; SteppIR was NOT there this  year and again Tennadyne/Cubex was absent.  When that happens I get cornered alot on why or what  is going on with Cubex.  Ham Radio Deluxe logging/control program had an impressive highly visible booth.  Lots of interest in the new promised product upgrade that will have to be purchased.  There is a migration cost plan for existing holders as I understand it.


Attendance look strong and the promoters were happy with ticket sales.  I was surprised to see the line to 'buy' tickets ran from the booth all the way to the road, and seemed like it was that level for an hour or more..   Saw quite a few SFDXA members, ex-Motorola troops and several old  friends and a few on the air acquaintances who came for the first time from as far away as Arizona and N.C.  The hamfest appears to be earning its reputation of being Number 2 only to Dayton, plus being more fun.   


The FCG Friday dinner had a large gathering and many variations in cold "807's", and ample food servings.  Another gathering place to see old friends and meet some of those you hear but have not met.

The XYL and I enjoyed the event and expect to go again next year.

I was reminded by the West Palm guys that their hamfest was March 8th and the MCARA Stuart guys hamfest follows on the next weekend.  I think both are worth attending albeit they are small compared to Orlando.

I would be interested to read other comments and observations of those who also attended.
 73,


Norm W4QN