The annual convention is the largest gathering of listeners to the radio spectrum — longwave, mediumwave, shortwave (broadcast, utilities, pirates), VHF/UHF, FM, scanners, television and satellites — in the United States, perhaps the world. About 200 persons from around the world attend each year. It is a nice way to break out of the doldrums of the northern hemisphere winter. Broadcaster representatives, clubs, and vendors attend. The gathering is sponsored by NASWA (North American Shortwave Association).
The inn is located at the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension Exit 31, north of Philadelphia and south of Allentown. Driving time is about 30 minutes north of the city of Philadelphia. Do you have a GPS? The coordinates are N 40° 14.736', W 75° 20.342'.
Room reservations are your responsibility and are not included in the festival registration fees. At the end of the calendar year (usually December), call or fax the inn directly and ask for the special event rate (not available through any Web site or the 800 number reservation system). If you opt not to stay at the host inn, there are other lodgings in the area; check the Internet for details.
Festival Registration
The registration form is normally made available in December. Availability is announced by the newsfeed (see below).
Links
Winter SWL Fest Blog — hosted by Richard Cuff, this is a must–read blog with up–to–date information, schedules, and announcements. The pages include the schedule of presentations, door prizes and all that you need to know.
SWLfest discussion list — for fun and entertainment, for questions and answers, sign up for this mail list.
Scanner Scum — hosted by Skip Arey (N2EI), these pages include data on scanning, amateur radio repeaters, area broadcast media and much more. Have a read.
Contacts
Contact the organizing committee members, John Figliozzi and Richard Cuff, by posting a message at the Fest Discussion List. if you wish to help, give a presentation, make a suggestion, or have a question.
Postal mail should be addressed to:
Winter SWL Festival PO Box 4153 Clifton Park, NY 12065-4153 USA
If requesting a registration form or require a reply to a question, please include a #10 business-size self-addressed stamped envelope. Please note that the postal mailbox is checked infrequently until December; replies may be delayed. E-mail is preferred.
Contact the Webmasters
Questions and comments on the technical aspects of the Website may be sent to Ralph or Tom. Please be patient if you expect a reply; we have other lives too. We cannot answer questions about the convention activities and functions.
Newsfeed
Keep up to date with changes to this page by subscribing to the "Really Simple Syndication" newsfeed. For help using the newsfeed, click on the "?".
The annual convention is the largest gathering of listeners to the radio spectrum — longwave, mediumwave, shortwave (broadcast, utilities, pirates), VHF/UHF, FM, scanners, television and satellites — in the United States, perhaps the world. About 200 persons from around the world attend each year. It is a nice way to break out of the doldrums of the northern hemisphere winter. Broadcaster representatives, clubs, and vendors attend. The gathering is sponsored by NASWA (North American Shortwave Association).
