Huntsville Hamfest 2026 and Four Days In August are done. Thank you
to everyone who ran this guide off their phone in the South Hall, on
Monte Sano, and out in the flea market. The full schedule is still
here underneath — nothing has been taken down.
Next yearAugust 21 & 22, 2027
Huntsville Hamfest · Von Braun Center. Dates confirmed on
hamfest.org.
Before I build the 2027 guide: what did you actually use, and what
got in your way? A wrong room, a session I missed, a filter that
should have existed — all of it helps.
Huntsville · ARRL National Convention · Four Days In August
Tuesday, Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Operating Modes: From CW to the WSJT Modes
· Forum
Radio Area — GigaParts
Explore the most common HF communication modes and how each is used to carry information over the air. This session compares CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8/FT4, SSTV, and PSK31, with a brief overview of other digital modes used in amateur radio.
We’ll examine the strengths and limitations of each mode, including bandwidth, data rate, and signal-to-noise performance. Using spectrum displays, waterfall views, and audio examples, you’ll see what these signals look like, hear how they sound, and gain a better understanding of how they perform under different operating conditions. Recorded QSOs will also be used to demonstrate the typical exchanges for each mode and highlight their practical applications.
Wednesday, Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Meshtastic and SIGINT
· Four Days In August
Dave, KB5UTY
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
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.
World Radio League
· Four Days In August
James, N0WRL
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
Truck Radio
· Four Days In August
Jason, KC5HWB
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
AllStar
· Four Days In August
Freddie Mac, KD5FMU; Jason, KC5HWB
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
FDIA links a video for this session — check its description for the shopping list.
Thursday, Thursday, August 20, 2026
Monte Sano SOTA activation
· Four Days In August
Javi, K6TNT
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion, then the summit — W4A/HR-002 · Monte Sano State Park
A short group hike from the pavilion up to the Monte Sano summit to put it on the air. Bring a handheld and activate. Hams down at the campground will be listening. On the summit there is a group photo and a gratis raffle for a truSDX QRP transceiver, donated anonymously.
Summit: W4A/HR-002 · 34.7413, -86.5078 · grid EM64rr
Running order:
8:00 AM — Meet at the pavilion
8:15 AM — Hike to the summit
8:30 AM — Activate
8:45 AM — Group photo and raffle
9:00 AM — Hike back
10:00 AM — QRT
Build the V-Check Kit — Right Now!
· Four Days In August
Tom, WA2IVD
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
FDIA links a video for this session rather than a details page.
Choke Build
· Four Days In August
Eric, W4EPS
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
Automatic Packet Reporting System
· 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
Phased Arrays
· Four Days In August
John, NJ4Z
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion — Monte Sano State Park
Biergarten under the Saturn V
· Food & social
Saturn V hall — U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The Rocket Center's weekly summer biergarten: beer, pretzels, authentic German food and live music under the Saturn V. It runs every Thursday from June 4 to October 29, and August 20 falls in the middle of Hamfest week.
Entry is free — the food and drink are what you pay for. The Rocket Center went cashless on August 6, so bring a card.
Free entry gets you into the Saturn V hall, and you can walk the exhibits in that hall while the biergarten is on. It is not museum admission: the rest of the campus is open only during regular hours and needs a separate ticket. Not a Hamfest, FDIA or GigaParts event — it is on this schedule because Hamfest week is exactly when people are looking for a free evening under the rocket.
Dinner, live YouTube banter, and radio talk with Jason Johnston (KC5HWB) of Ham Radio 2.0, joined on stage by Steve (KM9G), Jason (KM4ACK), and Frank (KG5AHJ) for POTA stories, digital mode updates, and life on the road.
Doors and seating 5:30 PM, dinner served 6:00 PM, livestream 6:30–7:30 PM, then a meet & greet and door prizes — every ticket is entered to win an HF rig. Brought to you by Intellitron.
Capacity is capped at 100 attendees and seats have to be bought in advance.
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.
Planet-Arium
· Four Days In August
Mike, K8MRD; Mike, N4FFF; Becky, N4BKY
Planet-Arium (in Monte Sano State Park) — Monte Sano State Park
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.
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.
Lunch is served around noon. Sign-up asks you to say if you are bringing a side dish. You get a confirmation email with a QR code, a map to the park and park info; the QR code is scanned at the pavilion.
Lunch proceeds go towards getting more youth on the air. Donations welcome here.
234 people are registered so far (as of Aug 23).
Parking: green only. That means Cabin Dr SE and the mountain-bike trail lot — at a 45° angle where the pavement is marked for it. Nothing in red: not SE Nolen Ave, not Bankhead Pkwy NE west of the junction, not the main trailhead lot, not the campground. And watch your speed on the way up — the state park enforces the limit strictly.
Bubba On The Lake — Meet & Greet
· Food & social
Bill “Bubba” Bussey, KJ4JJ
GigaParts
A meet-and-greet with Bill “Bubba” Bussey (KJ4JJ), longtime co-host of the nationally syndicated Rick & Bubba Show and current host of the Bubba On The Lake podcast.
Stop by to meet Bubba, take a photo, and chat with one of broadcasting’s most recognizable personalities and a fellow amateur radio operator.
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.
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.
Bambu Presents: The 3D Printed Shack
· Forum
Classroom — GigaParts
An interactive workshop on custom gear, shack solutions, and DIY innovation — how additive manufacturing fits the homebrew tradition, whether you are building a field go-bag, organising the shack, or making custom antenna mounts.
Covers why hams want a printer, the workflow from downloaded model to finished part, how desktop printers differ, and which filament to reach for — PLA for indoor organisers, PETG for field gear, ABS/ASA for vehicle and outdoor mounts, TPU for strain reliefs and bumpers. Ends with show-and-tell of real printed radio parts and a live Q&A.
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.
Pancake Breakfast at Field Day
· Food & social
Field Day
Breakfast next door to GigaParts before the hall opens, with early-bird doorbusters in the store afterwards. A ticket is one full plate — 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 bacon strips, and a drink.
Field Day also runs mini golf, bowling, axe throwing, and interactive darts if you stick around.
Across town from the VBC — allow about 15 minutes to drive downtown afterwards.
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 Lounge
Sponsored by FlexRadio
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
For the young and young-at-heart. Drop in any time:
• Get on the Air (GOTA) — get on the radio, licensed or not
• Robotics — drive a robot with FIRST Tech Challenge team 7842, The Browncoats
• 3D printer demo — see one in action and learn how they work
• Morse code bingo and Morse code bracelets
• Make a doodle bot
• Foxhunts
• Hamfest scavenger hunt
• Computers and ham radio
• Earn the Achievement Award
Three tables also run classes on the hour — solder kit, Arduino and electronics. Each one is on this schedule as its own session, so filter to Youth Lounge to see the day laid out.
Fun, new friends, and prizes.
ASCTE WX Balloon — Third Try's a Charm
· Forum
Chris Brown, PhD, W9SBS
Madison · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 1st floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Satellite demo — RS-44 and JO-97
· On the air
KB5FHK
Parking lot · Von Braun Center — South Hall
KB5FHK has three passes posted for Saturday, all SSB through linear transponders from grid EM64:
RS-44 — 10:19 to 10:42 AM (15:19–15:42 UTC)
JO-97 — 11:28 to 11:38 AM (16:28–16:38 UTC)
RS-44 — 12:15 to 12:29 PM (17:15–17:29 UTC)
The 10 AM to 1 PM block is rounded out to bracket all three, so most of that window is waiting on the next bird rather than operating. Pass times shift as the orbits are refined — check hams.at on the day.
Worked from a parking lot. The alerts say only “Demo @ Huntsville Hamfest,” so it is most likely the VBC lot or the Embassy Suites lot next door — no exact spot is published.
SIGNALS: Museum of Information Explosion
· Forum
Bob DePierre, K8KI
Monte Sano · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Youth Lounge — Electronics Class (10 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Electronics Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (10 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
BalloonSats — Taking Amateur Radio to New Heights with High Altitude Balloons
· Forum
Bill Brown, WB8ELK
Madison · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 1st floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Youth Lounge — Arduino Class (11 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Arduino Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Electronics Class (11 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Electronics Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (11 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
ARISS: Celebrating 25 Years of Continuous Operations on ISS
· Forum
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO; Jim Reed, N4BFR; Tanya Anderson, KD9BQZ
Madison · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 1st floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Youth Lounge — Arduino Class (12 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Arduino Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
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.
Separately, the 2026 ARRL Alabama Outstanding Youth Ham Award goes to Morrighan E. Phillips, KR4FTP. hamfest.org announces the recipient but publishes no presentation time or place for it.
AMSAT Forum
· Forum
Tim Cunningham, N8DEU
Madison · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 1st floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Youth Lounge — Electronics Class (1 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Electronics Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (1 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
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 · 1st floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Youth Lounge — Arduino Class (2 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Arduino Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Electronics Class (2 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Electronics Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (2 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 1st floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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 · 2nd floor — Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
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.
Youth Lounge — Arduino Class (3 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Arduino Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (3 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Claim your Saturday hourly prizes
· Prize drawing
Show floor · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Winning names and callsigns go up on the TV monitors near the corners of the show area, on hamfest.org, and in the ARRL Events app after each drawing — they are NOT announced over the PA, so check the monitors.
If you cannot collect today, Saturday prizes can still be claimed up until 11:00 AM Sunday. Bring the winning stub.
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 Saturday grand prize is an ICOM IC-7300MK2 HF and 6 meter SDR transceiver.
The 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.
This is the grand prize only. The Saturday hourly prizes are not forfeited at 4 PM — those can be claimed up until 11:00 AM Sunday.
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.
Online ticket sales closed on 28 July 2026. There may be a limited number left — check at the North Alabama DX Club booth on the show floor. There are still no sales at the door of the museum itself.
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.
Check the lobby board when you arrive.
Huntsville Hamfest Ice Cream Social
· Food & social
Retail store — GigaParts
Wind down the show over complimentary ice cream sandwiches in the air conditioning at the GigaParts retail store, after a day of exhibits and forums.
There is also a drawing for the unreleased Kenwood TM-D750A. Free and open to everyone, not just badge holders.
DX Banquet — Dinner Seating
· Food & social
North Alabama DX Club
SIGNALS — Museum of Information Explosion
Dinner seating follows the 5:15 PM social hour. Online sales closed 28 July 2026; any remaining tickets are at the NADXC booth on the show floor, not at the door.
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 Lounge
Sponsored by FlexRadio
South Hall · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Same drop-in lineup as Saturday — GOTA, robotics, 3D printer demo, Morse code bingo and bracelets, doodle bots, foxhunts, scavenger hunt, computers and ham radio, and the Achievement Award. The solder, Arduino and electronics tables run a shorter Sunday timetable, each slot listed separately. 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.
Youth Lounge — Electronics Class (10 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Electronics Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (10 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
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.
⚠ LAST CALL to claim SATURDAY prizes
· Prize drawing
Show floor · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Hard cutoff for anything won on Saturday. Saturday hourly prizes still unclaimed at 11:00 AM Sunday are donated to the Volunteer Team Recognition Dinner raffle.
If you won yesterday and did not collect, this is the deadline. Bring the winning stub.
Hourly door prize drawing — 11 AM
· Prize drawing
Ticket barrel near the entrance doors · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Arduino Class (11 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Arduino Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (11 AM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · 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.
Youth Lounge — Electronics Class (12 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Electronics Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (12 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
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.
Youth Lounge — Arduino Class (1 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Arduino Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Youth Lounge — Solder Kit (1 PM)
· Youth Lounge
Solder Table, Youth Lounge · Von Braun Center — South Hall
⚠ LAST CALL to claim hourly prizes
· Prize drawing
Show floor · Von Braun Center — South Hall
Sunday hourly prizes can be claimed up until the 2:00 PM Main Prize drawing begins. Anything still unclaimed then is donated to the Volunteer Team Recognition Dinner raffle.
Winning names and callsigns are posted on the TV monitors near the corners of the show area, on hamfest.org, and in the ARRL Events app — 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
The Sunday main prize is an ICOM IC-7300MK2 HF and 6 meter SDR transceiver — the same radio as Saturday's grand prize, drawn again and on its own ticket.
You MUST be present, with the winning ticket, to win. Announce yourself to the stage quickly or another ticket is drawn — no grace period is published, so stay within earshot of the stage. Takes place prior to the end of the show.
Time not yet announced
Astrophotography
Todd, AI4TB
Planet-Arium · Monte Sano State Park
44Net
Don, N5SKT
John Scoble Memorial Pavilion · Monte Sano State Park
Places to visit
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
9 AM – 5 PM daily
U.S. Space & Rocket Center · 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
FDIA sessions listed without a day or time. Ask at the pavilion or
listen on 146.45.
Places to visit
Worth a detour while you're in town. Tap one for hours, the address
and a way to get there.
Good to know
Show floorVon Braun Center · South Hall
100%
Exhibitors on the 2026 show floor
89 named exhibitors on the Von Braun Center South Hall floor plan for Huntsville Hamfest 2026. Flea-market spaces 1–455 aren't listed here — open the floor plan and tap one for who holds it.