These are group events that do not (explicitly) involve on-the-air activity.  On-the-air activities are found under 'Operating'.

 

Dial has several Social Activities beyond the monthly fellowship preceding the meeting.  The major Non Operating events are the Dayton Hamvention in mid-May, and the Dial Picnic that occurs on Saturday afternoon of the ARRL Field Day weekend (last full weekend of June).  More info below.

Dayton Hamvention:

Dial has a long presence at Hamvention which occurs in mid-May. For many years we have been located at site 3201. We are also easily distinguished by the yellow 'Dial' flag on the mast that supports our portable repeater. We have a trailer for temporary storage of purchases, display tables for members to sell radio related items and a canopy to keep the sun off - sometimes it is not too good with the rain. We also provide water, soft drinks and snacks to members, and the lawn chairs sure are a relief for tired feet. In 2015, our repeater antenna 'caught' a flying pop-up canopy. The canopy became airborne during a thunderstorm that occurred after Hamvention had closed for the day. It was very interesting.


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Field Day Picnic:

Dial puts a big effort into participating in the ARRL's Field Day weekend which always occurs during the last full weekend in June.  It is a three-day event with setup beginning Friday afternoon, operation begins Saturday afternoon and continues through Sunday, early afternoon.  There is much effort involved with the set up activities.  When we moved to our present site at Smith Park in Middletown, we instituted a Club Picnic at 6:00 pm on Saturday of Field Day.   The Club furnishes the meats and soft drinks.  Members bring their families and a dish to share. 

Attendance ranges from 40 to 70 depending upon the weather.  It has rained very hard during some of the picnics, while others have had beautiful weather with clear blue skies.  All members and Field Day guests are invited to participate in the picnic.  The Activities Manager coordinates the picnic and information is sent out via the Club's email reflector.

 

Come Join Us For the Next Field Day Picnic!

 

In addition to having the picnic at Field Day, we have in information table that tells who we are, what we are doing, and gives some information on how to become a radio amateur.  In addition to helping the Park visitors understand why we are there (with so many wires), we also get bonus points on our Field Day score.