The AMSAT presence at Dayton was, in my opinion, the best ever. This was largely due to the efforts of all of the volunteers who gave up part of their Dayton experience to represent AMSAT and grow the organization. The leader of this effort, Steve, N9IP, deserves special recognition because he made sure that attention was given to every detail. Lessons were learned from last year and the result was the best display and group of representatives ever. Years ago there weren't many active satellite operators at the booth and that has changed for the better every year. Those not familiar with satellites need practical and current information and those that are on the birds every week were there to provide it.

One of the most popular books that AMSAT sells is "Getting Started with Satellites." Gould Smith, WA4SXM, and "Friends" put out a completely revised edition this year. It is spiral bound with heavy, glossy paper and contains everything you need to know about satellites in 2016. It doesn't matter if you got into satellites in the 1970's, you will want a copy of this book. There are lots of pictures; there is nothing boring about it. I'm sure that even Ricky Tillman will agree with me on this. You can get a copy at the AMSAT store. It's a great publication to share with your friends that know nothing about what you do for a hobby.

Show and tell is a big part of the Dayton event. The AMSAT demo station plays a big role in showing others what is needed to work a satellite. This year Paul, N8HM, took over the responsibility of this important activity. He had his two FT-817's, an SDR, computer and an Arrow antenna. We also had my IC-910H, computer and Arrow antenna on my custom mount tripod. In past years we had multiple antennas including the M2 Leo Pack. But I can say that the little Arrow antennas did a great job and we were making qso's when the building and vehicles were not blocking the signal. The only problem with Dayton is that the demo station is in the vendor parking lot and there is no regular flow of traffic going by the station as there was in Orlando. People would find out about the demo station at the AMSAT booth and come outside to see it. Some of our visitors included PY2DM, PY5LF, XE1SEW, HP1CQ and many others. We made contacts with Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Europe as well as many stateside stations. Congratulations Paul!

Our future rests in the hands of the young hams that are taking an interest in satellites and space technology. 9 year old Hope, KM4IPF, took over on one of our longer satellite passes and worked station after station like a pro. Those of us that have been active over the last several years have watched as these young operators start with no experience and progress month after month. I listened to Hope operate at Orlando and then heard her operate at Dayton. I was impressed with the improvement. She was focused and wasn't relying on any coaching to complete the contacts. No mater what happened she knew what to do. Congratulations Hope.

I also met Nick, KE8AKW, along with his Dad, N8XQM, at the demo station. Nick started operating with his Dad several years ago. This was the same way I started although it was my older cousin Paul, xW8BUS (SK) who would let me call CQ on 20m with his AM KW. He would control the emissions and flip the switch to transmit. According to my cousin I was only 2 years old when I made the first contact. We didn't hear Nick for a while but when he appeared again he had a callsign. Nick has become a great operator. Practice and patience makes it happen. Congratulations Nick.

There were many other things that went on with AMSAT including the forums, technical assistance, merchandising etc. I am sure others will write about that. This is just a small piece of it that I thought was worth mentioning.

AMSAT is about to launch 2 new FM satellites in the next few months. FM birds are the gateway for those just getting started. So now we have an even better opportunity to attract both young and old to our part of ham radio. The best way to attract hams to the world of satellites is to show them how it's done. Construct a portable station. You only need an FM handheld or mobile and a simple antenna like the Arrow on a tripod. Use a small sealed lead acid battery if needed. Set up wherever hams get together. You will be the center of attention and you will generate the interest that we need to keep the momentum going.

And I apologize for the rambling.

73, John K8YSE