Delaware Amateur Radio Operators to hold expo and convention in Georgetown April 22

Sussex Amateur Radio Association is sponsoring the Delmarva Amateur Radio & Electronics EXPO and ARRL Delaware State Convention Saturday, April 22, at the CHEER Community Center, Georgetown.

American Radio Relay League is the national association for amateur radio in the United States. Sussex Amateur Radio Association, with over 100 members, is the largest amateur radio association in Delaware.

SARA President Dell Palmer, K3AXR, and ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF, will present awards to Delaware Technical Community College electronics students Kevin Solares-Vasquez and Jason Carl for their first and second place projects in the Capstone Project.

The Capstone Project is a two-semester process in which Solares-Vasquez and Carl pursued independent electronics research with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Also known as a hamfest, the EXPO is an annual, regional gathering of the more than 1,600 amateur radio operators (hams) and electronics enthusiasts from Delaware and surrounding areas. It is an opportunity to receive updates on radio and electronic technology, socialize, and visit with the many new and used equipment vendors at the event.

Cory Sickles, WA3UVV, will discuss System Fusion, a high-performance system which allows a wide range of radio amateurs to implement digital voice and data over amateur radio bands.

New technology being featured at the EXPO includes a demonstration of MESH networking by Paul Milazzo, K3PGM, and Brenden McNeil, W3VD.

MESH is a wireless router-based network in which data can be transmitted between nodes in the system. Nodes are of relatively low cost, and transmitted information can be in the form of voice, image, or computer data.

This technology is invaluable for amateur radio operators, as real-time information can be shared during public service and emergency events.

FCC Amateur license testing will be held at noon. All applicants must be seated by 12:30 p.m.

There will also be a variety of exhibits, an auction, raffles, and plenty of food and fun.

The outdoor electronics flea market begins at 8 a.m., and doors to the inside venue open at 8:30 a.m.

For event schedule and updates, go to www.radioelectronicsEXPO.com . For club information, go to www.sussexamateurradio.com.

CHEER Community Center is located at 20520 Sand Hill Rd., Georgetown, DE 19947

Sussex Amateur Radio Association is a 501c 3 corporation, and is an affiliated club of the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), the national association for Amateur Radio in the US.

For more information contact Vic Gumper, chairman, 302-628-3060 or email vwg615@yahoo.com.