ICOM announcements at Hamvention

 This was a video of a live stream to the media at Hamvention.

Hamvention next weekend

A reminder that next weekend sees the Hamvention in Ohio, USA.   This is, I think, the biggest amateur radio gathering on the planet.  

It is often the place where new radios are seen for the first time. Often these are very early prototypes to test the market.

I have never been and probably never will now.

See https://hamweekly.com/

New ICOM mobile transceiver?

Hamvention is now only a few weeks away. It is often the place where new rigs are announced. ICOM has announced a new concept model called the X-026 which may be an HF/VHF/UHF mobile transceiver although details are sketchy. Often these annoucements pre-date release by some time.

 

Hamvention 2025

This is now well and truly over. 

Dayton, Ohio, USA (where it is held) is probably the biggest ham gathering on the planet and often the place where new rigs are announced. I am not aware of anything from the major Japanese companies.

Often visitors come from other countries. It would not surprise me if foreign visitor numbers are down this year.

Few new radios at Hamvention 2024?

Apart from the hint about the ICOM X60, I have not heard rumours of new radios on the horizon from the likes of Yaesu and Kenwood. If my thoughts are correct (I hope I am wrong!) both these are having thoughts of getting out of the amateur radio market. 

Personally, it is my view that Yaesu has lost its way.  Nearly a quarter of a century after the launch of the FT817 the world is still waiting!! Personally I think they have, sadly, missed the boat again.

New ICOM HF transceiver?

On John's blog he mentions a new concept radio from ICOM called the X60. This is on show at the Dayton Hamvention this weekend. The main unveiling will be at the Tokyo Ham Fair later this summer.

The Dayton Hamvention is probably the biggest amateur radio show in the world. 

I have not yet heard if Yaesu will announce anything. Personally, I think they are in a total muddle and it would not surprise me if Yaesu and Kenwood leave the amateur radio market within 5 years.

See https://hamvention.org/

Reminder - Dayton Hamvention

This is a reminder that the Dayton Hamvention is this coming weekend.  Dayton is in Ohio, USA 🇺🇸.

As far as I know, it is the biggest amateur radio gathering on the planet. It particularly attracts visitors in the USA, but is also a meeting place for overseas visitors too.

It is often the place where new products are announced. I am still waiting for the FT817 true successor, although I fear it is now too late!

See https://hamvention.org

Dayton Hamvention - Ohio, USA

This is probably the biggest ham gathering in the world. Many (who can afford it!) like to go there to see the gear and meet old friends. It is on this weekend. 

It is often the place where new rigs are launched. You can imagine the panic in many labs in the run-up!  As yet, I have not (yet) seen any major announcements, but this is the place to do it.

See https://hamvention.org/ .

In my honest view, this is a last chance for some manufacturers including Yaesu. If they "miss the boat" they may never, ever, get another chance.  As the average age of radio amateurs increases and many become SK, the outcome could be bleak for many manufacturers and dealers.

UPDATE 2010z: Well Dayton has been running for several hours and I have not yet heard any announcements about new rigs.

Dayton Hamvention - reminder

This is mid-May in Ohio USA. It is one of the biggest amateur radio gatherings in the world. It is often the place where major manufacturers announce new products, even if they are still some way off. I have never been. Let's hope Yaesu do not miss the boat again, or I fear curtains.

See https://hamvention.org/ .

Dayton Hamvention

Mid may sees the Dayton Hamvention in the USA. This is probably the biggest amateur radio gathering on the planet. Often, the big manufacturers use it to announce new products, even if they are still in development.

I really hope Yaesu announces a real successor to the FT817/818, both of which are no longer in production because of component shortages. This is their very last chance. Otherwise I fear they will leave the amateur market. The impression you get is of a floundering market strategy in which they cannot tell their a*e from their elbow. 

What do we want?

• SDR based RX
• Better battery pack
• Auto ATU
• More bands
• Speech processor
• etc.

None of this is rocket science. Yaesu - pull your finger out!! Do it NOW!

Dayton, Ohio, USA Hamvention

The Dayton Hamvention is usually one of the biggest amateur events on the planet. People usually travel there from all over the world. This year, like last, it is a virtual event sadly. These days will end.

Often, the big manufacturers announce new products here. It is an important date in the diary. If you want to attend virtually, there is a link below.

See https://hamvention.org .

They are already selling tickets for 2022, which hopefully will not be virtual.

Dayton 2021 cancelled

My friend Steve G1KQH has forwarded me an announcement that the Dayton Hamvention, perhaps the biggest ham gathering in the world, has been cancelled for 2021. This is obviously as a result of fears over Covid-19. I guess we all feared this. They hope to hold it again next year. 

This is the place where many manufacturers announce new products.

Hamvention 2020

The 2020 Hamvention has a focus of "The Future of Amateur Radio" according  to Southgate News. The Hamvention is one of the really big events in the amateur radio calendar.   Hamvention 2020 takes place from May 15-17 in Xenia, Ohio, USA. I have never been and am unlikely ever to go. Often new products are first showcased there.  As the years go by, I think more minds will be turned to the future of our hobby.

Dayton and new QRP transceivers

Not being in the USA, I don't get to visit the big Dayton Hamvention held each May, but I do look out for announcements from the big suppliers about newly released products, especially QRP radios. Elecraft were displaying the new KX3 and Ten-Tec announced a new Argonaut VI due to be released later this year. This is a little larger than the FT817 and has HF only coverage (less 12m) but looks ideal for a high spec, inexpensive QRP radio up to 10W. For more on the Ten-Tec Argonaut VI (was the Ten-Tec 539) see this link.

But, yet again Yaesu has NOT released, as far as I am aware, a successor to the FT817.

One of the best places to look for news of Dayton is http://qrper.com/ which has reports and photos of new products.