The 2007 Conference agenda includes all the traditional items, but several new things have been added to this year's conference offerings. Additionally, the lodging situation has some special aspects. All bear special note:

Getting Started in VHF & UHF weak signal operations Program
In keeping with stated CSVHFS policy and concern, we are offering an inaugral effort to entice new operators to VHF & UHF weak signal operations. Our target is everyone from new hams such as Boy Scouts to the "old-timer" who has worked all there is to work on HF and is searching for new challenges in amateur radio. Presentations will stress basic principles and operating practices unique to the higher frequencies. A "Cheap Yagi" workshop will be included, allowing the "shack on the belt" crowd to break into the world of horizontally polarized communication. Our initial impression is that most of the attendees will originate from an area relatively local to the conference, but younger hams who are family members or relatives of the usual "grey-beard" CSVHFS attendee would be especially welcomed! Discounted conference rates are planned for "Getting Started" attendees, as this program will be offered on Saturday only.

Passive Component Testing
Test equipment will be available to characterize passive components such as relays, directional couplers, filters, coaxial cable adapters, coax jumpers, attenuators and the like. The passive devices test equipment covers frequencies to 40GHz allowing us to test devices through the 24GHz ham band. Southwest Research Institute will be supplying both equipment and a technician to make the tests.

Testing of Oscillator Phase Noise
Test equipment will be available to measure oscillator phase noise of your equipment. Testing will be possible over a frequency range of XX-XXXMHz. Equipment and the manpower to operate it will be provided by XXXXXXX. This will give you the opportunity to characterize YOUR transverter(s) and/or IF radio with respect to performance as affected by phase noise.

Child Care on both Friday and Saturday nights
Child care will be provided on both Friday and saturday nights. We have a professional, licensed child care provider who will be caring for your young ones through midnight each night. You will sign your youngsters in and they will not be allowed to leave until you come sign them out. Entertainment suitable for toddler through early teen agers will be provided, as will appropriate snacks and, on Saturday, dinner (perhaps a pizza party). A separate room and sleeping arrangements will be provided for the very young whose bedtime is earlier than when you will pick them up.

Conference Lodging
The conference hotel is the luxurious Omni San Antonio Hotel on the near northwest side of San Antonio. The $87 conference rate is extraordinary, 42-64% off the normal rates for these rooms. Our special room rate holds by contract for registrations made through July 12, 2007, or as long as rooms are available, whichever comes first. Hotels in San Antonio fill quickly, even at rates exceeding $240 per night. We have a guaranteed block of only 100 rooms, so rooms WILL cease to be available well before July 12th. The Omni is a tremendous value at the conference rate. The special rate is available by contract for three days either side of the conference, meaning for arrival as early as July 23rd and departure as late as August 1st. If you make reservations sufficiently early, and rooms are available, hotel personnel have informed us you can get this rate for a longer period. Check the Local Attractions for interesting things to see and do in and around San Antonio. From historical sites, museums, zoo & aquarium, botanical gardens, caves, unique shopping opportunities, great restaurants and the world-famous San Antonio River Walk to a variety of family theme parks, there is literally something for everyone. It is no accident that San Antonio is the first most visited city in the third most visited state in the USA!

Talk-in Operation
The Alamo Area Radio Organization (AARO) is going to provide talk-in for anyone driving in with an appropriate radio in their vehicle. Plans are to use the AARO repeater system, 147.380/443.875 MHz FM, subaudible tone 162.2Hz, and 144.2MHz SSB. Talk-in will be available from 1000-2000 Thursday, 0700-1000 Friday, and 0700-0900 Saturday.

Guys, show this page and the Local Attractions page to your wife and, if applicable, your older kids. There are aspects of this conference and the hosting city which might be attractive enough to allow you to make your attendance at the 2007 CSVHFS conference part of a memorable family vacation. You're certainly not going to match the hotel accomodations anywhere in San Antonio for the price which has been negotiated for this conference!

[2007 Conference Home]   [Invitation]   [Notes of Interest]   [Call for Papers]   [Events]   [Presenter Guidance]   [Author Guidance]   [Poster Guidance]   [Prizes!]   [Registration]   [Lodging]   [Travel Directions]   [Family Program]   [Local Attractions]

Back to CSVHF Home Page