Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd.

Radio Clubs Worldwide: The Lifeline …Was the theme at this year’s Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio (May 14-16) and it’s a message which hits close to home for several locals who hold amateur radio license.

Dayton Hamvention is the world’s largest amateur radio gathering with 20+ thousand in attendance each year. It includes a huge flea market where ham operators can buy, sell and trade radio equipment. For some, it is the only place to find that elusive piece that cannot be found elsewhere.

The non-profit foundation FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur Intl. Radio Service, Ltd. - see box description) has operated a booth at the market at Hamvention since 1993. In foreign countries where FAIRS does goodwill work, items are produced which are exhibited and sold to generate funds for the Foundation. Popular items include hand-painted Ukrainian eggs, Matryoshka nesting dolls and tee shirts.  The booth is also a place for FAIRS members from around the world to meet and “catch up”. 

David (KK4WW) and his wife Gaynell (KK4WWW) of FAIRS, and Tom King (W4VZH), President of Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS) traveled to Dayton Hamvention with local operators Michael Herring (KE4RGY, Fairlawn) and John Hughlett (N4WRT, Floyd). John’s friend Kay Gordon was a great accompaniment to the group, and even helped Gaynell with FAIRS exhibit booth #412- she discussed FAIRS projects with the visiting public like a pro!

Many FAIRS members, foreign and domestic, made a stop by the booth to offer words of encouragement:  Alex Cosolapov (VE3VDX – from Barrie, Ontario in Canada), Jerry Haislip (K1SO – from Roanoke), Dave Kozikowski  (KO4UE – from Pembroke), Phil Roark (K4WFO – from Salem), and others.  Each one of these enthusiasts knows the value of service Foundations like FAIRS, and of local hams within communities -- what a great support they are in time of need!

One of the highlights of Hamvention is the DX Dinner which is a gathering of “senior” hams from all around the world.  Several operators were honored this year for who have made significant contributions to the Amateur Radio Service. FAIRS was also honored for exceptional works by Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA).  They not only donated the wonderful indoor exhibit booth (we have a great location near American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for Amateur Radio in the U.S., but they awarded a gift of funds as well, so that the goodwill efforts might continue through amateur radio!

Videos have been posted on YouTube at lcfvideo.com (search Hamvention 2010). Hand-painted Ukrainian eggs, Matryoshka stacking dolls and hand carved Ukrainian woodworks can be purchased at the Floyd Professional Center in the Village Green. All proceeds go to FAIRS.

View our photo gallery at http://www.fairs.org/galleries/fairs-at-dayton-hamvention-2010/

A trip to Dayton and fellowship with hams from all over the nation is inspiring for local operators to continue in service here at home.  Since their return, the hams of Floyd Amateur Radio Society have continued as a local “lifeline” – as it was termed at the convention:

They have continued in their pursuits within our local area by reaching out to neighbors, making necessary repairs or upgrading equipment and providing it for communications use, placing antennas – Hf beam- other apparatus near the town of Floyd and covering local events in a variety of ways.  Relief and aid services have even been offered to folks in neighboring communities.  Also, one ham in particular, Russ Abbey (KG4MAV) has offered his technical services as well as his time to teach students toward obtaining amateur radio license.

Visit Floyd Community Amateur Radio Station N4USA at Village Green, Suites 8 & 9 (Maintained by FAIRS and local hams)

You are welcome to stop by and view/operate the station as (or with) a licensed operator, using call sign N4USA.  You may be surprised at the friends you make using this “tried and true” technology.  It is hoped that interest in ham radio will increase, as many event stations, training courses and activities are planned. 

Coming up—

Saturday, June 19, 2010 is KID’S DAY, as part of Floyd Town Jubilee.  Beginning at noon, fun radio talk and activities for children will be held at Floyd Village Green, suites 8 & 9 – we will operate from community station using call sign N4USA.  This will be a great opportunity to introduce a young person to endless opportunities through amateur radio.  **All participants will receive a personalized certificate**

Throughout the weekend of June 25^th to 27^th, at the same location 201 E. Main Street, suites 8 & 9 in Floyd, Amateur Radio Field Day will be held.  Those interested in learning more about ham radio may come and operate!  If you have enjoyed tinkering with technology in the past, if you enjoy socializing in ways besides on the computer – wait until you see what you can do with ham radio!

Get more information at www.fairs.org.  Live streaming coverage of these events at n4usatv.com

Floyd Community Amateur Radio Station is home to Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS).  They hold meetings on Second Saturdays of each Month – for info, phone 540-808-2880.