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AmateurLogic.TV Episode 217 is now available for download.

George and Tommy’s Excellent Adventure to Hamvention 2026. Meet some old friends. See some new items and some that don’t even exist yet. Visit the West Chester Amateur Radio Association (WC8VOA) at the VOA Museum. And get a quick peek of some of the new things at the VOA Museum in a special episode coming soon.

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This episode of AmateurLogic.TV, AmateurLogic 217: Hamvention 2026, is a deep dive into the 2026 Dayton Hamvention, featuring on-the-ground footage, interviews with vendors, and a visit to the Voice of America (VOA) Museum.
Key Highlights
Hamvention 2026 Coverage: George and Tommy share their “most excellent adventure” at Dayton, highlighting the sights, sounds, and gadgets they encountered.
New Radio Tech & Prototypes:
Icom “X” Concept: A highly anticipated, mysterious new HF/VHF/UHF mobile radio prototype (X026) was shown under glass, sparking speculation about features like a Wi-Fi-enabled control head.
Icom IC-5200: Updates on the upcoming IC-5100 replacement, featuring a color touchscreen and a potential firmware update for APRS.
QRP Amplifiers: An interview with Jim (WA2UJ) from RF Power Tools showcasing their 50W and 100W amplifiers designed specifically for radios like the IC-705.
The National VOA Museum & Ham Club: A tour of the newly renovated National VOA Museum and the WC8VOA club shack. Mike Braun (KB8ZE) discusses their state-of-the-art contesting station, their monthly license testing. Lee Hite discusses the history of the top secret “re-entrant rhombic” antennas that made the station so powerful during WWII.
Mesh Networking: A look at the latest in “Meshtastic” hardware from Low Mesh, including waterproof pocket rangers and outdoor Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) nodes for long-range, low-power data mesh networks.
Audio & Gear: Jerry from Heil Sound discusses their current lineup, the legacy of Bob Heil, and available replacement parts for classic Heil products.
SDR Play: A discussion on using SDR devices (like the RSPduo) as panadapters and lab-grade spectrum analyzers and more with long-time friend Steve (W7UDI).
Technical Updates: A reminder about the new Technician Class question pool taking effect July 1st, 2026, and an encouraging look at the current state of Solar Cycle 25.
The episode wraps up with some lighthearted moments, including a “giant mutant ninja skunk” sighting at the VOA site.