Watch two new videos to get you ready for the fun in May!
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It’s hard to believe that Dayton Hamvention®, May 15-17, 2026, is less than a month away!
At DX Engineering, getting ready for this annual celebration of everything amateur radio—only about three hours south of DX Engineering headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio—starts soon after we tear down our booths and say farewell to the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia.
Our first thought: What can we do to make next year’s event even more special for the thousands of amateur operators who attend?
Here’s a preview of what you can expect in 2026:
Contest University
The day before Hamvention kicks off, another event with a long history of helping hams thrive takes place only a short drive from Xenia—Contest University. It’s a full day of learning hosted by Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering CEO, and a faculty of some of the most accomplished contesters on the planet.
Registration is still open. Click here and sign up now if you don’t want to miss out. The latest edition of this information-packed event will be Thursday, May 14, 7 am to 5 pm at the Hope Hotel on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio.
To get an idea of why Contest University is not to be missed, watch this video from DX Engineering media partner Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio:
Giving Back
You’ll feel good knowing that when you stop by the DX Engineering booths in Building 1 at the fairgrounds, you’re supporting a company that believes in giving back to the amateur radio community. In addition to sponsoring DXpeditions and contributing to youth operator programs, DX Engineering recently donated a fully equipped Hummer with an HF mobile station to the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA).
Pictured below is Tim, K3LR with DARA treasurer and Dayton Hamvention® spokesperson Michael Kalter, W8CI. As the host of Hamvention, DARA plays a vital role in bringing the ham radio community together each year. DX Engineering was honored to contribute to their ongoing effort and the future of amateur radio.
Here’s a video from Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio featuring W8CI that’s sure to get you excited about Hamvention 2026:
Make Eyeball QSOs with the DX Engineering Team
Once again, DX Engineering’s active hams, who have a combined 1,000-plus years of amateur radio experience, will be available from the moment gates open at 9 am on Friday until the final bell at 1 pm on Sunday. You won’t find a friendlier, more knowledgeable group of operators anywhere. Their goal: Help you find the exact gear you need for your station. You won’t get a sales pitch on purchasing equipment beyond your requirements—just honest, straightforward guidance on what’s best for you and your operating goals.
Bring your technical questions and be ready to swap stories about battling pileups! Our folks love to talk ham radio.
Get Your Hands on the Latest Equipment
Okay, this is why most of you traveled to southeast Ohio in the first place—and DX Engineering will not disappoint on this front. Because of DX Engineering’s proximity to Dayton Hamvention®, we’re able to bring truckloads of gear for you to view firsthand and purchase right from our booths. This includes the latest products from the more than 180 manufacturers carried by DX Engineering as well as DX Engineering branded gear, including both new products and longtime station essentials. Here are a few:
Check Out Our POTA/SOTA Area
DX Engineering will once again have an entire area devoted to portable operating, featuring the latest gear from manufacturers exclusively available through DX Engineering, such as REZ Antenna Systems.
Pick Up the Brand-New DX Engineering Catalog
Hot off the presses, the 140-page 2026 DX Engineering Amateur Radio Products Catalog will be available free at the show. The cover features members of the DX Engineering team going portable—your assurance that when you call us, you’ll be talking with hams who can help you assemble an effective station for all your POTA, SOTA, and IOTA activations. Plus, you’ll find:
- A full page devoted to FlexRadio transceivers and accessories
- Gear from other manufacturers now carried by DX Engineering, including Armoloq, Begali Keys, DX Launcher, Momobeam, Packtenna, PowerFilm, Sierra Radio Systems, Spooltenna, and others
- A Manufacturer Index that makes it easy to find the products you want
- Select products for outdoor activations highlighted with a “Go Portable” logo for easy reference
Take Home Some DX Engineering Swag
In addition to bringing along loads of gear for sale, DX Engineering will also have logo polo shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, umbrellas, tote bags, cinch bags, ball caps, sports bags, mugs, and more. DX Engineering apparel comes in both men’s and women’s styles from small to 4X-large. Know someone who couldn’t make the trip to Xenia? DX Engineering swag makes a nice way to say, “Hey, I was thinking about ya!”
The post DX Engineering Gearing Up for Dayton Hamvention® 2026! appeared first on OnAllBands.