WD5GNR rambles about microcontrollers, ham radio, electronics, the Internet, science fiction, and other oddball things.
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Welcome Well, as if I don't have enough stuff on the Web,
I've decided to post an electronics-oriented "blog" to replace the defunct Al's Electronic Workshop program.
What can you expect? Who knows? My random thoughts and finds on electronics, microcontrollers, ham radio, the Internet,
and who knows what else? I've been blogging for awhile since the magazine I used to work for (New Architect) has a blog (the "daily")
that I wrote to (along with the other editors). Where else am I on the Web?
Programming and consulting Electronics
Ham Radio and PIC/CPLD/FPGA Tutorial.
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Al Williams
WD5GNR Rambles
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Friday, May 23
Dayton Went to the Dayton Hamvention for the second time ever last week. A fun trip. However, there was way too much rain. The crowd seemed light compared to the last time I was there. Some blamed the economy, others the weather. This time I did not go alone, but went with N3LLL who grew up in the area. This greatly enhances the trip since he knew all the local geek haunts. I've done business with Mendleson's before (from their catalog and website) and seen their large tent at Dayton. However, the real store is truly amazing. They have 5 buildings with 3 floors open to the public. Over 1.5 million square feet of space! I've heard people say before that it is indescribable and it is. The 1st floor has general merchandise, books, lab equipment, gas masks, a giant slot machine (only $3000) and the small Parts Express store (which I guess they own). It also has a small room of PC-related stuff off to the side.
You get on the cargo elevator and stand behind the line and the elevator operator (a portly lady who is quite serious that you stand behind the line) takes you to the 3rd floor. The entire floor (and this floor is much larger than, say, a Sams Club) is covered in electronic gear, components, and even electrical stuff like motors, wires, pumps, etc. From the middle of the isle it is difficult to see the far walls. I'm not kidding. The place is huge. That alone was probably worth the trip. Well... maybe not, but it certainly was worth something.
08:21
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