It was wet…very wet but most of the water was outside the Arena… The roof does leak a little but for the most part it was dry inside… Thanks to the Rideau Lakes ARC for a good time…
Anyway… I met up with VA3GFD and XYL just after 0730 at Timmies and we were on our way shortly after that… The weather was not the best with various levels of rain riding along with us for most of the trip there… Once we arrived at the arena we found the parking lot packed and we were forced to park on the street.
When we walked in to the arena and paid our entry fee they let us in right away and did not have us wait till the advertised 0900 opening so we got in a bit early… The only drawback to that was that there was quite a large bunch inside before we got in so in effect I paid my money to get what the early birds did not want… As I was going for the social side of things I really did not care but if I was heading down looking for toys and I got there at 0900 for the advertised opening to find 100 people ( or so )in before me then I might of been a “bit” upset…
Personally I enjoyed not having to wait in line and just casually walk in…
As usual some of the pictures did not work out so if you saw me take your picture or your table and you don’t see yourself… SORRY… no offence intended…
Lee from Durham was there with his little black trailer and the VW Porcupine Mobile I had mentioned in my write up of the Iroquois Hamfest. I still think the only way he could get more antennas on that vehicle is to buy a bigger car…
Every time I tried to get close to the Durhams table it was packed. Looks like they were having a good time. I did see a couple of what I would call “big ticket” items get picked up with many amateurs taking advantage of the call ahead and place your order to save on the shipping…
In addition to Durham I did see Harold MacFarlane (HC MacFarlane Electronics Ltd) set up there along with Sheldon Harvey (Radio HF) from Montreal. Honest Bob was there with the crew from Maple Leaf Communications.
Armitron Power Products who was also in attendance at Iroquois also made it to Smiths Falls.
And back in Eastern Ontario after their visit last Month to the OVMRC April Meeting was ELKEL from Trois Rivieres QC.
but they were so busy I could not get anyone to pose for a picture… but the booth was manned…
We had a GREAT TURNOUT from RAC with Vice President Norm VE3LC, Assistant Director Steve VE3LWX along with Chris VA3SM all in attendance.
VE3LC Norm with Steve VE3LWX in the background
Steve VE3LWX
Chris VA3SM
So you can see that RAC was very well represented at this event. Concidering that this event also conflicted with CANWARN Training in Ottawa I saw a few from the local ARES groups in attendance as well. Might of seen a few more if not for the CANWARN event…
One of the first things I noticed in the parking lot when we arrived was the abundance of HF Antennas on the Vehicles. I saw several really impressive antenna arrays on the roofs and most of them were mounted really good in a non magnetic sort of way. Unfortunately no pictures of these turned out but I was really impressed with VA3RDC’s new mobile with a screwdriver antenna that looked really good on a trailer hitch mount. Darrell also was busy manning a table trying to sell some treasures and make some room in anticipation of his return from Dayton with new toys…
VA3RDC in the center
In addition the 3730 group was well represented with (sorry no pictures) VA3MPM Mike, VE3SKP Steve, VA3UI Dave. All the local Ottawa clubs has a good attendance level with members of the WCARC, OVMRC, OARC and MARG all looking for the deals…
My purchases were limited to a MFJ Power Bar:
Hopefully this purchase will help clear up the Ratsnest of wires that seem to come out of the rear of my power supply. It sure makes it easier to connect new stuff so it is a good thing.
There were lots of HF and VHF rigs in the used market this time and a few were at good prices and a few were really overpriced. But as I have said before its up to the buyer and seller to agree on a price and if you do the deal takes place and if you don’t then you keep looking…
I also noticed several Amateurs from the GTA area and the Barrie area selling at this event. Good to see that people are travelling from so far just to sell their toys.
Anyway as Don (who was driving for this one) had another pressing engagement for later in the morning we saddled up and headed back in time NOT to dissapoint his grandkids. I had a great time and saw old friends and got a new toy… Not too shabby for a rainy Saturday in the Falls…
73bob
Tags: amateur radio, amateur radio hamfest, RAC, Rideau Lakes ARC
