Q. What’s a Hamfest?
I thought this was a computer show!
The Rochester Hamfest had its origins 73 years ago as a place for amateur radio
operators to swap radio and electronic equipment.
With the introduction of packet radio, computers became a part of the hamfest
experience. The Rochester Hamfest is one of the few Ham Fests that showcase a
variety of computer vendors from all over the country.
New equipment, old equipment, odd equipment! You name it, we’ve got it.
Q. Got plenty of Pentiums? Have too many electronic gadgets?
Unlike some other shows out there, the Rochester Hamfest is one of the only places
in upstate New York where you can attend and sell your old equipment in our flea market
area
Q. I want to sell at your show, what should or shouldn’t I
bring?
Since the majority of the attendees for the Rochester Hamfest are tech oriented,
selling your new or used electronics is what you should bring. Although you could
bring other things, it is not recommended. A good rule of thumb is: If you can plug
it in or it runs on batteries, it can be sold.
Q. Can I take the test to become a ham at the Rochester
Hamfest?
A. YES! The Volunteer Examiners will be giving
Ham Radio tests Saturday morning.
Q. Where can I stay while in Rochester?
The RIT Inn & Conference Center at 5257 West Henrietta Road is convention headquarters.
Special rates are in place for hamfest attendees.
Q. Can I get on the Internet?
Yes. Bring your 802.11b/g enabled device.
Q. Do you guys take suggestions?
Yes, please. We need your feedback to make the next one even better.
Please send us an email to:
rochfst@frontiernet.net. We really do value your comments.
Q. What IS a 'hamfest?'
A. First, stop thinking of pork. Think of it as
convention of technically inclined people. New and used equipment is available for
sale. Electronics, radios, transmitters, tools, computer parts, TV
equipment... all that cool technology stuff that your eyes focus on at the store or the
garage sales. But you get to park once and see a day's worth of stuff.
When your feet get tired from all that walking, you can attend inter
esting demonstrations and meetings.
Q. Ok, what is a 'ham'?
A. Do you have a couple hours? To cut to the chase,
we're licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to be able to use radio spectrum.
We use it to help our communities, learn more about radio
technology, and to respond to disasters. We use voice, data, images, video,
Morse code and any new technology that comes along. It's a huge hobby... so it really can't be explained
in a few sentences. Take a closer look and I'm sure you'll find
something very interesting to you personally.
Q. I'm not a ham, why should I be interested?
A, First of all, if you've gotten this far, there's a chance you
might want to become a ham. But even if things that transmit signals
around the world (and beyond) don't interest you... there's a lot of other
things that you'll find at the Rochester Hamfest. Computer?
Who doesn't have a computer? I'm willing to bet you're using one right
now! If you're ready for an upgrade, or want to set up a second
one for the kids (or the parents) then you'll find what you'll need here.
Also tools, test equipment, video, networking, satellite...
all types of technical stuff you know you find
interesting. If you have ever taken something apart to see what makes
it work, this is the convention for you.
Q. Is this something new?
A. Depends on what you call 'new'. Compared to radio
itself, no, not really. But this is the Seventy Third yearly Rochester
Hamfest. We aren't responding to a fad. The Rochester
Hamfest has been around for a long long time and will be here a lot longer.
The technology may come and go, but this convention/show is rock solid.
Q. How does this compare to the local computer shows that I see
advertised?
A, First of all, we've been doing this longer than any of them.
We have a following, a reputation, and if you've been to one of theirs,
you'll see ours has a LOT more to see. We aren't doing this in a small hotel
ballroom. This is the big time as far as electronics and computer conventions
are concerned. We don't hit you up with lots of charges just to get in.
Our parking is free and tickets are only $8 in advance, $10
at the gate and that's good for two days.
Q. My significant other is demanding that I clean out the
garage... can you help?
A. You bet. If you have a bunch of technical
stuff piling up and you need to make room, our flea market is your
solution. For the price of a flea market parking spot, you'll be able to sell your used equipment to people who are interested in what you have. Don't put up with sitting in the weather trying to sell your gear to the 'baby clothes and furniture' crowd. Bring it to the Rochester Hamfest for your potential buyers. You'll even have fun looking at (or buying) the other
seller's stuff.
Q. Is this the last FAQ question?
A. Only if you don't ask anything else.
Send your questions