Meshtastic and SIGINT
· Four Days In August
Dave, KB5UTY
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Wednesday, Wednesday, August 19, 2026
International Go-Boxes!
· Four Days In August
Zach, K4ZSR
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Intro to line sweeping and antenna building with Bird
· Four Days In August
Jason, KN4MUD
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Listed as the “Lunch” slot on the FDIA schedule.
CPR / Stop The Bleed
· Four Days In August
Jim, WT1W
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
World Radio League
· Four Days In August
James, N0WRL
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Thursday, Thursday, August 20, 2026
Phased Arrays
· Four Days In August
John, NJ4Z
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
No time published on the FDIA schedule — shown here in the morning block as a placeholder. Confirm on 146.45 or at the pavilion.
SOTA Guide
· Four Days In August
Javi, K6TNT
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
No time published on the FDIA schedule — shown here in the morning block as a placeholder. Confirm on 146.45 or at the pavilion.
Build the V-Check Kit — Right Now!
· Four Days In August
Tom, WA2IVD
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Choke Build
· Four Days In August
Eric, W4EPS
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
APRS
· Four Days In August
Jason, KM4ACK
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Telescoping Poles In Ham Radio + Giveaway
· Four Days In August
Steve, AA4BW
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
DIY Loading Coils
· Four Days In August
Craig, W5CBW
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Getting on air in Europe: what do I need to know?
· Four Days In August
Pepe, HB9EVT
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Hands on CW
· Four Days In August
Mike, N4FFF; Becky, N4BKY
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Thursday Night Net — Madison County ARES Training Net
· On the air
All arriving hams welcome to check in
146.94− / 100 Hz (backup 147.220+ / 136.5) · On the air
A more relaxed net than usual, with questions from visitors encouraged. Talk-in station K4BFT also operates 146.94− 100 Hz, backup 145.33− 100 Hz.
Friday, Friday, August 21, 2026
ARRL Training Track 1 — Mini Contest University
· Forum
Track leader Tim Duffy, K3LR — additional presenters TBD
Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
The first time Mini Contest University has come to Huntsville. Learn from veteran amateur radio contesters in a track that appeals to new and experienced contesters alike who want to hone their skills. Presenters cover general contest operations, contesting skills, and the many resources and tools available to get more out of contesting. Sponsored by DX Engineering. One of three day-long ARRL National Convention Training Tracks — you select a single track when you register, and the luncheon is included.
ARRL Training Track 2 — Emergency Communications Academy
· Forum
Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
Emergency communications presenters cover future-proofing ARES® — the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service — plus PACE planning, relationship building, digital communications, emerging technologies, and other topics designed to sharpen your emergency communications knowledge and preparedness. Participants learn the skills and roles needed to become more effective volunteers. One of three day-long ARRL National Convention Training Tracks — you select a single track when you register, and the luncheon is included.
ARRL Training Track 3 — Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Workshop
· Forum
Walt Hudson, K4OGO, with additional presenters
Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
A workshop led by "Salty Walt" Hudson, K4OGO of the Coastal Waves and Wires YouTube channel, featuring practical information on portable antenna building, deployment, and operating. One of three day-long ARRL National Convention Training Tracks — you select a single track when you register, and the luncheon is included. Walt also gives a shorter portable antenna forum on Saturday at 3 PM in Room 2.
Dealer & flea market move-in
· Logistics
Exhibitors only
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Doors open at 10:00 AM (earlier if the VBC allows) and close at 6:00 PM. Second move-in window Saturday 7:00–8:30 AM.
POTA Gathering & YouTuber Cookout Fundraiser
· Four Days In August
Kyle, AA0Z; Jason, KC5HWB — volunteers Michael, KD8GIJ and Jay, W9JCR
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Meet your favorite YouTubers at a donation lunch and POTA event. For 2026 everyone attending must register in advance — food is only purchased for those who register, and registering guarantees your place in line. Sign-up asks whether you are bringing anything; a side dish is always welcome. You get a confirmation email with a QR code, a map to the park, and date/time details. The QR code is scanned at the pavilion. Organizers are planning for 1:30+ at the lunch. Lunch proceeds go to the ARRL Teachers Foundation.
Downtown Huntsville Food Truck Rally
· Food & social
Near the VBC & Big Spring Park · Downtown Huntsville / Big Spring Park
Hospitality Suite
· Food & social
Mayor's Suite, 10th floor — also listed as Room 201 · Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
Come by and talk to the great, the near great, and those who just think they are great. Heads up: hamfest.org publishes two different details for this. The home page says “Mayor’s Suite, 10th floor, 5:30–10:00 PM”; the Activities page says “Room 201, 5:30–10:30 PM.” Shown here with the wider 5:30–10:30 window. Check the lobby board when you arrive.
ARRL National Convention Dinner
· Food & social
Under the full-size Saturn V · U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Dinner under a full-size Saturn V rocket, with museum access and special speakers included. Proceeds benefit the ARRL Education & Technology Program.
Dixieland GHeezers Dinner (VHF–SHF weak-signal ops)
· Food & social
Order from the menu
Tim's Cajun Restaurant
Meet / greet / eat for VHF through SHF enthusiasts, ordered from the menu. The same crowd runs the X-FACTOR microwave event Saturday afternoon.
Friday Night Meet & Eat
· Food & social
Hosted by Grady Evans, W4GLE
88 Buffet
Grady Evans, W4GLE invites visiting hams to a Meet & Eat at the 88 Buffet in the University Place Shopping Centre.
Saturday, Saturday, August 22, 2026
Back doors open — dealer & flea market move-in
· Logistics
Exhibitors only
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Back doors open at 7:00 AM. Flea market move-in runs 7:00–8:30 AM.
Ticket sales & Will Call open
· Logistics
Front lobby · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Tickets are never mailed. Pick up your pre-purchased admission and your door prize tickets at the Will Call tables in the front lobby starting 7:30 AM Saturday. Admission: $12 advance, $15 at the door. Free for Scouts & Royal Rangers in uniform and kids 12 and under.
DXCC Card Checking
· Logistics
North Alabama DX Club representatives
NADXC booth · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Representatives field-check your DX cards for DXCC credit. Visit the NADXC booth for information.
Hamfest doors open
· Logistics
South Hall — air conditioned, all indoor · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Dealer show, flea market, clubs & organizations, and the W1AW America250 special event station. Doors close at 4:30 PM.
W1AW America250 Special Event Station
· On the air
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Operating on the show floor as part of the ARRL National Convention. Running both days.
Youth Lounge
· Youth
Sponsored by FlexRadio
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
For the young and young-at-heart. Running all day: • Robotics — drive a robot with FIRST Tech Challenge team 7842, The Browncoats • 3D printing — see a printer in action and learn how they work • Foxhunts • Kit building — never built one? They will help • Operating — get on the radio, licensed or not • Hamfest scavenger hunt • Computers and ham radio • Basic electronics — intro to circuits, hands-on • Intro to Arduino programming Fun, new friends, and prizes.
ASCTE WX Balloon — Third Try's a Charm
· Forum
Chris Brown, PhD, W9SBS
Madison · Von Braun Center — South Hall
A follow-up to last year's cautionary tale. Covers ASCTE and the many trials and tribulations leading up to a successful high school club weather balloon launch and recovery.
Creating Fun Projects With The Arduino and Other Microcontrollers
· Forum
Glen Popiel, KW5GP
Redstone · Von Braun Center — South Hall
ARRL author and microcontroller enthusiast Glen Popiel, KW5GP presents an all-new talk on using the Arduino and other microcontrollers to inexpensively create fun projects. Covers the Arduino Uno and Nano, Espressif ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico and others, plus integrating Bluetooth, WiFi, and other wireless modes into projects you thought were too complex or expensive.
Elecraft Update and Q&A
· Forum
Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ is Elecraft's COO and a co-designer of the K4, K3S, K2 and other Elecraft products. He co-founded Elecraft in 1998 with Wayne Burdick, N6KR, and has been licensed over 51 years. Eric will update on the K4, including the K4/0 and the remote system. Q&A at the end.
Growing Amateur Radio through Vibrant Radio Clubs
· Forum
Josh Johnston, KE5MHV; Dr. Lisa Shier, N3WQL
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
2026 is the ARRL Year of the Club. The growth and development of amateur radio rely on our vibrant community of radio clubs. Learn best practices and resources to build strong clubs and eco-systems that recruit, train, license, and develop hams. Everyone invited; club leaders especially welcome. Sponsored by ARRL.
Hourly door prize drawing — 10 AM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
License Exams
· Exam session
CAVEC
Curtained area in the hallway outside South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Conducted OUTSIDE the paid-admission area — you do not need a hamfest ticket. Exams begin at 10:00 sharp; no latecomers, please. Check the CAVEC site for current details.
Lightning Research in Huntsville
· Forum
Monte Bateman, PhD, WB5RZX
Big Spring D · Von Braun Center — South Hall
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and UAH host one of the top lightning research groups in the world — basic physics of lightning, its relationship to storm severity, and lightning protection for the space program. Includes the Geostationary Lightning Mappers (GLMs) on the GOES satellites (through the newest GOES-19), giving lightning coverage over nearly half the Earth, and the Lightning Imaging Sensor aboard the ISS. All developed here in Huntsville.
SIGNALS: Museum of Information Explosion
· Forum
Bob DePierre, K8KI
Monte Sano · Von Braun Center — South Hall
SIGNALS Museum holds more than 2,000 items covering the foundations of electrical/electronic communications technology: telegraph, telephone, recorded sound, radio and radio technology, television, and computers. Find out how you can visit the museum today.
BalloonSats — Taking Amateur Radio to New Heights with High Altitude Balloons
· Forum
Bill Brown, WB8ELK
Madison · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Bill Brown is one of the most knowledgeable experts in balloon-launched ham radio. How he takes amateur radio to new heights on high altitude balloons. Weather permitting, a live balloon launch follows this forum — see the Pico Balloon Launch at noon.
DX Engineering New Products & Customer Program Offerings
· Forum
Tim Duffy, K3LR
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
DX Engineering CEO Tim Duffy, K3LR introduces new products currently in manufacture — coaxial cable assemblies, the new TWIG line of portable items, antenna switches and wire antennas. He also reviews the DX Engineering Rewards Program, Affiliate Program, and Product Protection Plans. Q&A at the end, and Tim may talk about items on the horizon.
Engaging the Next Generation Radio Amateur
· Forum
Max Freedman, N4ML
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
ARRL's mission includes developing the next generation of radio amateurs. Learn about the programs, resources, and opportunities introducing young people to amateur radio, inspiring them to be active hams, and encouraging them toward higher education and careers in wireless technology and radio communications. Sponsored by ARRL.
Georgia State Parks on the Air 2026
· Forum
Claude Ray, AC4SH
Monte Sano · Von Braun Center — South Hall
An overview of Parks on the Air explaining the basics of hunting and activating POTA parks, the growth of the organization, and upcoming developments. Then an introduction to Georgia State Parks on the Air: how it started, what they have done in the last 4 years, and plans for upcoming events. Questions welcomed.
Hourly door prize drawing — 11 AM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Kit Building Techniques for Success
· Forum
Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB
Redstone · Von Braun Center — South Hall
The best tools and techniques to give beginners through experienced builders the best chance at success building a kit. Joe covers low-cost tools, the correct type of solder, how to sort and identify parts, and touches on things he has found available at the hamfest. Recommended (not required) before the Sunday Adult Soldering 101 class.
Lightning Protection for Hams
· Forum
Monte Bateman, PhD, WB5RZX
Big Spring D · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Protect your shack and your tower. With a lot of anecdotal grounding discussions generating more heat than light, here is a solid approach to best protection practices and the theory behind how and why they work. Learn how a lightning flash occurs and how to convince it to go elsewhere.
ARISS: Celebrating 25 Years of Continuous Operations on ISS
· Forum
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO; Jim Reed, N4BFR; Tanya Anderson, KD9BQZ
Madison · Von Braun Center — South Hall
ARISS celebrates 25 years of continuous operations on the International Space Station. Past accomplishments, lifelong learning initiatives underway for youth education and the amateur radio community, and how ARISS will pivot to Commercial Space Stations and Lunar initiatives as the ISS retires in 2031. (The forum list also credits Jackie Blumer, KC9LEH.)
ARRL AL Section and ARES Meeting
· Forum
Dennis Littleton, K4DL
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Discussion of ARRL issues as they relate to the Section and the upcoming Simulated Emergency Test (SET).
Hourly door prize drawing — 12 PM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
How NOT to Learn Morse Code
· Forum
Keith Ford, K4KEF; Jerry Poplin, KF4BOE
Big Spring D · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Learn how not to learn Morse code from Keith and Jerry. Scott Wooten talks about the LICW club, and Becky & Mike Spiceland (N4BKY / N4FFF) of Ham Radio Duo share about the fun of learning Morse code.
Joint MARS Meeting
· Forum
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
No description published.
National Weather Service and Skywarn
· Forum
Robert Boyd, KC5ZJO
Redstone · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Senior forecaster Robert Boyd discusses how the NWS uses ham radio operators and the SKYWARN program to enhance their forecasts. Great forum if you participate in weather nets or do storm spotting.
Pico Balloon Launch
· On the air
Following the WB8ELK BalloonSats forum
Embassy Hotel entrance · Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
Subject to prevailing winds. Follows Bill Brown WB8ELK's 11 AM BalloonSats forum in the Madison room.
Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA)
· Forum
Daryl Stout, NK5LA
Monte Sano · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Were you licensed before 2001? Then this forum is for you. Find out the benefits of joining the QCWA and meet other experienced hams who share your passion.
Alabama Repeater Council
· Forum
Grady Evans, W4GLE
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
No description published.
Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year award presentation
· Food & social
Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM (14, Brooksville, FL)
Main stage · Von Braun Center — South Hall
The 2026 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year award goes to 14-year-old Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM of Brooksville, FL. A General class licensee, he passed his Technician exam at 11. Presented on the main stage Saturday afternoon — exact time not published.
AMSAT Forum
· Forum
Tim Cunningham, N8DEU
Madison · Von Braun Center — South Hall
What is new in the world of amateur radio satellites and how to deal with constantly moving satellites and the effects of Doppler shift in real time. How to determine if a satellite is actively working, and how easy it can be to operate the amateur satellites with minimal equipment.
Did Heaviside Delete Maxwell? Scalar Waves and Longitudinal Fields in Radio Science
· Forum
Dr. Hans Schantz, KC5VLD
Redstone · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Did Oliver Heaviside remove part of Maxwell's theory? Do scalar waves exist? Are there electromagnetic waves that travel without transverse electric and magnetic fields? Examines the origins of these claims, from Maxwell's original equations and Heaviside's vector reformulation to modern electromagnetics. Explores where longitudinal fields appear in real radio systems, how they differ from the "scalar waves" of popular literature, and why understanding them can improve intuition about antennas, propagation, and energy flow.
Hourly door prize drawing — 1 PM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
National Amateur Radio Alliance
· Forum
Mikel Turner, W4OPS
Monte Sano · Von Braun Center — South Hall
A new national association bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to amateur radio. NARA is a growing nonprofit focused on engaging operators, strengthening clubs, and advancing amateur radio across the country. Key focus areas, upcoming initiatives, and how they are helping shape the future of the community.
Using Free Propagation Resources to Make Better Operating Decisions
· Forum
Martin Buehring, KB4MG
Big Spring D · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Introduces the major categories of free propagation resources — statistical prediction models, real-time monitoring networks, ionospheric measurements, and space weather information — and explains the strengths and limitations of each. Learn to combine them to evaluate band conditions, choose the most effective mode, and identify the best times of day and seasons. A decision-making framework that turns propagation data into actionable operating strategy, whether contesting, activating a POTA site, chasing DX, or casual operating.
What's New at Chameleon Antenna
· Forum
Steve Krumm, KV4AN
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Chameleon Antenna has introduced many new products this year — from a 3.4 oz EFHW for SOTA/POTA to a 34-foot heavy duty carbon fiber mast, plus guide books for HOA and portable operating. Focuses on these new products and gives an overview of the best kinds of antennas for portable applications. A prize drawing will be held for forum participants.
ARRL Membership Forum
· Forum
Mickey Baker, N4MB — ARRL Southeastern Division Director
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
What's next for ARRL — and for you as an active radio amateur? Gather with ARRL leaders for a look at how the organization is working to promote, protect, and grow amateur radio. Updates on outreach to students and educators, the momentum behind the Year of the Club, ARRL's partnership with America250, and the latest legislative advocacy. Director Mickey Baker also shares a Southeastern Division update.
DXing 101
· Forum
Wes Lamboley, W3WL
Big Spring D · Von Braun Center — South Hall
For folks just getting started in HF — a session on how to "work the world." You WON'T find a better Elmer, and you WILL be entertained.
Flex Radio Update
· Forum
Michael Walker, VA3MW
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
The latest updates from Flex Radio, including the Aurora Series of radios.
Hams Over IP
· Forum
Dr. Gary Pike, KA4KBX
Monte Sano · Von Braun Center — South Hall
No description published.
Hourly door prize drawing — 2 PM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Meteor Scatter Communications — The Science Behind the Pings
· Forum
Dr. Rob Suggs, NN4NT
Madison · Von Braun Center — South Hall
The HamSCI Meteor Scatter QSO Party was very successful last year and continues in 2026. Retired NASA scientist Dr. Rob Suggs describes basic meteor characteristics, how signals scatter from meteor ionization trails, and how hams communicate on those trails using the MSK144 mode of WSJT-X. Includes preliminary results from the 2025 event and how to contribute to meteor science with a modest station.
Microwave I
· Forum
Ben Lowe, K4QF
Redstone · Von Braun Center — South Hall
This year's Microwave/VHF/UHF forum takes a different approach — an educational process showing how to get on the microwave bands and what activities are available. Instead of the usual presentations, several leading area microwave operators each spend 10–15 minutes describing their stations and setup with displays: how the station is configured and why, best contacts, what did not work, what they would do differently, and considerations for other bands from 1296 MHz up. Continues in Microwave II at 3 PM.
Fox Hunting 101
· Forum
Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK; Mary Catharine Domaleski, KI4HHI
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Fox hunting — amateur radio direction finding — is part scavenger hunt, part orienteering, part radio skill-building. How it works, why it is fun for hams and non-hams alike, and how it builds skills for public service, emergency communications, and locating interference. Covers basic equipment (radios, antennas, attenuators) and a simple three-step approach: find the signal, triangulate the source, close in on the fox. Includes a mini indoor foxhunt at the hamfest!
Hourly door prize drawing — 3 PM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Lunar Mission Updates
· Forum
Dr. Heidi Haviland, KK6SZW
Madison · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Science from upcoming NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) landed missions carrying low frequency (<100 kHz) radio astronomy instruments, and the need for a radio quiet zone on the Moon. Also science highlights from recent Artemis and CLPS missions.
Microwave II
· Forum
Ben Lowe, K4QF
Redstone · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Second half of the microwave forum. Note: once the forum ends and the hamfest closes Saturday, microwave operators adjourn to the parking deck across the street to work 10 GHz and above via TV tower scatter — see the X-FACTOR event. Anyone with a 5670 MHz station is encouraged to join an experiment testing TV tower scatter for wide-area, wide-band emergency communications.
Salty Walt's Portable Antennas
· Forum
Walt Hudson, K4OGO
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Join "Salty Walt" Hudson, K4OGO of the Coastal Waves and Wires YouTube channel for a lively, practical look at building portable antennas that really perform. Simple, effective antennas you can take to a park, beach, or summit and work the world. Drawing from his ARRL books including Salty Walt's Portable Antenna Sketchbook and the NEXT LEVEL Sketchbook. Sponsored by ARRL.
There is More to DXing than DXCC
· Forum
Jay Slough, K4ZLE
Big Spring D · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Jay has played the DX game for 58 of the 68 years he has been licensed and operated from some 50 DXCC entities. In 1994 he made several trips to Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast — all three in civil war, at a lull in civil war, or pre-civil war. This is the humanitarian story behind the on-the-air activity. The story behind the story.
YOTA Huntsville 2026, a Retrospective
· Forum
Neil Rapp, WB9VPG
Monte Sano · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth on the Air held its annual region-wide summer camp for 15- to 25-year-old licensed amateurs in Huntsville last month. A look back at what the campers did and how this retention program plans to continue inspiring young hams and mentoring amateur radio's future leaders.
⚠ LAST CALL to claim hourly prizes
· Prize drawing
Show floor · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Hourly prizes must be claimed BEFORE the 4:00 PM grand prize drawing. Unclaimed prizes are donated to the Volunteer Team Recognition Dinner. Winning numbers and callsigns are posted on the TV monitors near the corners of the show area and to Facebook after each drawing — they are NOT announced over the PA.
Closing ceremony
· Logistics
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Saturday closing ceremony, followed by doors closing at 4:30 PM.
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING (Saturday)
· Prize drawing
Main stage · Von Braun Center — South Hall
The grand prize drawing takes place prior to the end of the show. You do NOT need to be present to win — winners not present are notified by mail or phone. The winning ticket stub must be presented to claim.
X-FACTOR Microwave Event — 10 GHz & Up
· On the air
Local microwave operators
Top level of the parking deck · Hilton parking deck — top level
Hamfest always coincides with the first weekend of the ARRL 10 GHz & Up contest. Immediately after the 4 PM prize drawing, walk across the street from the VBC to the top level of the parking deck adjacent to the Hilton to work other microwave operators around the area via TV tower scatter. If you have a 5670 MHz station there is active interest in testing TV tower scatter for wide-area, wide-band emergency communications. Operators are encouraged to be part of the experiment.
DX Banquet — Social Hour
· Food & social
North Alabama DX Club
SIGNALS — Museum of Information Explosion
Social hour at the SIGNALS Museum of Information Explosion, followed by dinner seating at 6:15 PM.
Hospitality Suite
· Food & social
Mayor's Suite, 10th floor — also listed as Room 201 · Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
Second night of the hospitality suite. As with Friday, hamfest.org lists both "Mayor's Suite, 10th floor, 5:30–10:00 PM" and "Room 201, 5:30–10:30 PM." Shown here with the wider window.
DX Banquet — Dinner Seating
· Food & social
North Alabama DX Club
SIGNALS — Museum of Information Explosion
Weak-signal ops dinner at Old Heidelberg
· Food & social
VHF–SHF crowd, after the X-FACTOR operating session
Old Heidelberg German Restaurant
The weak signal operators head to Old Heidelberg German Restaurant for dinner following Saturday operating activities. No fixed time published — shown here as an evening estimate.
Sunday, Sunday, August 23, 2026
YL Breakfast
· Food & social
Huntsville Area Young Ladies Amateur Radio Club (HAYLARC) — all are welcome
Cracker Barrel
A Dutch treat breakfast organized by HAYLARC. All are welcome. Approximately 6 minutes / 2 miles south of the VBC.
DXCC Card Checking
· Logistics
North Alabama DX Club representatives
NADXC booth · Von Braun Center — South Hall
End time listed as TBD on hamfest.org.
Hamfest doors open
· Logistics
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Final day. Doors close at 3:00 PM.
W1AW America250 Special Event Station
· On the air
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge
· Youth
Sponsored by FlexRadio
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Same lineup as Saturday — robotics, 3D printing, foxhunts, kit building, operating, scavenger hunt, computers and ham radio, basic electronics, Arduino. Closes at 2:00 PM.
Adult Soldering 101
· Forum
Matthew Sager, KI4AJZ; Kevin Hibbs, KG4TEI; Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB; Gary Dion, N4TXI
Room 2 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Want to get into kit building but do not know where to start? This hands-on class covers more than which end of the soldering iron to hold, and you build a kit to take home. Three sessions are offered: one with an SMD kit and two with a through-hole kit. Tools and kits are provided. ⚠ Spaces are limited and it is first come, first served — you must sign up in advance at the Information Booth on Saturday morning. Joe Eisenberg K0NEB's Saturday 11 AM "Kit Building Techniques for Success" forum is recommended but not required.
Hourly door prize drawing — 10 AM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
License Exams
· Exam session
CAVEC
Curtained area in the hallway outside South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Outside the paid-admission area. Begins at 10:00 sharp; no latecomers, please.
YouTubers Group Roundtable
· Forum
Hosted by Jason, Ham Radio 2.0 — with Mike, Josh and several others
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
A two-hour meet-and-greet panel forum. Come meet some of your favorite YouTube ham radio celebrities — many of the people you watch every week will be present to talk about their channels and answer your questions.
Hourly door prize drawing — 11 AM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Hourly door prize drawing — 12 PM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
POTA Forum
· Forum
James Mon, KE8PZN — Ham Radio Adventure Guy
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
No description published.
Hourly door prize drawing — 1 PM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
How Huntsville's YL Club Started Thriving Again
· Forum
Dr. Lisa Shier, N3WQL
Room 1 · Von Braun Center — South Hall
A few years ago HAYLARC had an aging membership and few activities. Now the average age has dropped, membership has increased, and it is a very active club. Why the club was struggling and the specific actions taken to fix it. The ideas and techniques are relevant to a wide variety of radio clubs and other clubs.
⚠ LAST CALL to claim hourly prizes
· Prize drawing
Show floor · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Hourly prizes must be claimed BEFORE the 2:00 PM main drawing. Unclaimed prizes are donated to the Volunteer Team Recognition Dinner. Winners are posted on the TV monitors near the corners of the show area and to Facebook — not announced over the PA.
Closing ceremony
· Logistics
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Sunday closing ceremony. Doors close at 3:00 PM — that is a wrap on Hamfest 2026.
MAIN PRIZE DRAWING (Sunday) — MUST BE PRESENT
· Prize drawing
Main stage · Von Braun Center — South Hall
You MUST be present, with the winning ticket, to win. If the winning ticket is not present after 2 minutes, a new ticket is drawn and announced. Takes place prior to the end of the show.
Time not yet announced
POTA with a Naturalist
Lou, K4HNH
SIGNALS — Museum of Information Explosion
U.S. Space & Rocket Center visit
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Planet-Arium
Mike, K8MRD; Mike, N4FFF; Becky, N4KKY
Planet-Arium · Monte Sano State Park
Astrophotography
Todd, AI4TB
Planet-Arium · Monte Sano State Park
Truck Radio
Jason, KC5HWB
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
44Net
Don, N5SKT
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
AllStar
Freddie Mac, KD5FMU; Jason, KC5HWB
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Time not announced
FDIA sessions listed without a day or time. Ask at the pavilion or listen on 146.45.