Date: May 2022
Amount: $10,000

The Eastern States Exposition, also known as the BigE, attracts almost 1.5 million people per year. The exposition is located in Springfield, MA, and takes place from September 16 – October 2, 2022. The Hampden County Radio Association (HCRA), an ARRL-affiliated club, has received approval from the event organizers to create an amateur radio demonstration for all 17 days of the event.

A number of activities, all with the goal of raising awareness of amateur radio, are being planned, including:

• An ISS contact between astronauts and a large group of scouts.
• A Technician Class license course and VE exam for scouts and others.
• Operation of two HF stations that will be equipped with modern transceivers, amplifiers, large screen displays, PCs, and software for logging and directional antennas visible from all over the property.