Linux in the Ham Shack at Hamvention 2023

Our Story

Linux in the Ham Shack is a podcast, a state of mind and a phenomenon. Originally begun in 2008 to help amateur radio fans and everyday computer users move from proprietary computer operating systems and applications to Linux and Free Software, the show has broadened its scope. Through a weekly audio podcast, live streaming Internet radio show, community event sponsorship and general outreach, Linux in the Ham Shack (LHS) familiarizes users with Free Software, and amateur radio to everyone.

Since 2010, our co-hosts have received donations from listeners to purchase booth space at the Dayton Hamvention. Hamvention attracts more than 25,000 attendees, so it is the perfect place to provide our community outreach. The co-hosts give out free advice and technical support to convention goers, free informational materials about Free and Open Source Software, ham radio software and Linux, and now provide free copies of LHS's own Linux distribution. All expenses are covered out-of-pocket by the hosts of the program.

What We Need & What You Get

We hope to continue our tradition of outreach by providing these benefits at no charge to attendees of Hamvention. The past few years' economic climates do not allow us to foot the bill personally anymore. However, with crowdfunding, we can provide even more benefits to the community than ever before. With a successful fundraising campaign we will be able to cover all expenses, including the booth rental and all travel costs. Any donations received beyond the initial $550 will be used for educational materials, out-of-band social interactions with the hosts, media and time to create free copies of Linux to give away, prizes and more.

Other Ways You Can Help

We understand that in times like these some people simply can’t contribute monetarily but that doesn’t mean you can’t help! Getting the word out to your friends and families is one of the best ways to make sure that our campaign is funded successfully. Please use the GoFundMe sharing tools and your own social media subscriptions to let everyone know about our fundraising effort. The more people who hear about us, the more likely it is that we'll achieve our goal. Thank you for taking the time to look at our campaign and we hope to see everyone at the Dayton Hamvention in 2023!