The Dayton Hamvention is the mother of all hacker events. About 20,000 electronics hobbyists gather for three days of technical presentations, vendor exhibits, and a massive electronics flea market that takes days to cover.

This is THE place for bargain test equipment, electronic parts, and just about everything imaginable for electronics hobbyists and DIY'ers. This is their 57th year: http://www.hamvention.org/

You'll learn a lot hanging out with one of the longest-established groups of hackers on the planet. Amateur radio operators (Hams) have been hacking, experimenting, and building electronic communications and other gear for over 100 years! They have legal access to radio spectrum that telcos and broadcasters drool over, and can provide valuable services during emergencies. Hams can legally do 1500 Watt 802.11 communications, transmit freely through satellites, bounce signals around the earth, and more -- free and independently of the Internet and phone lines. Like other hackers, hams are interesting people to hang out with. The FCC licensing exam is fairly easy, and you can take it Friday or Saturday to show you know your stuff.

Ed (bernieS) is driving to Dayton Weds May 13 at noon and returning Sunday around 3:00 (about 9 hours.)

If you want to rideshare, contact him here ASAP: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/rid/1166267713.html
(this rideshare is not an official function of The Hacktory.)

There's an extra reserved hotel room available for approx $59/night.