The Shelby Hamfest is quickly approaching, and this year marks its 69th anniversary. Once one of the largest gatherings of amateur radio operators in the Southeast, attendance has dipped in recent years. But with a renewed interest in radio and a rise in new licenses being issued, the airwaves are buzzing again. We’re hopeful Shelby will see the same resurgence in enthusiasm that other hamfests across the country have enjoyed. Learn more about the Hamfest here.

When & Where

• Dates: Friday, August 29, 2025, and Saturday, August 30, 2025 
• Location: Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 1751 E. Marion St., Shelby, North Carolina 

This year, the Amateur Radio Collective of Western Carolina (ARCWC) will be showcasing two very different technologies: the “old guard” of packet radio and the cutting-edge experiments of Meshtastic. Together, they represent both the roots of digital communication in amateur radio and the new directions hams are exploring today.

The Old: Packet Radio’s Comeback

Packet radio first took hold in the 1980s, when it allowed hams to send text messages, access bulletin board systems (BBS), and even chat in real time—long before most people had an email account. Using AX.25 and simple terminal software, stations could connect via RF, trade information, and keep networks alive during emergencies.

As the internet grew, packet faded into the background, seen by many as a nostalgic relic. But today, with the rise of APRS activity, affordable radios with built-in TNCs, and even software-based TNCs, packet is quietly making a comeback. Hams are once again spinning up BBS systems, experimenting with chat nodes, and tying it all into Winlink gateways.

What was once considered “old-school” is now being rediscovered as a reliable, resilient tool…a perfect fit for amateur radio’s mission of keeping people connected when it matters most.

The New: Meshtastic

On the other end of the spectrum sits Meshtastic, a completely different approach to communication. Built around inexpensive, low-power radios using the 900 MHz ISM band, Meshtastic forms a self-healing mesh network that can stretch for miles. It can work entirely off-grid to provide long range secure communications, but can also be bridged to the internet or other networks when needed to further expand the reach.

Unlike packet, Meshtastic isn’t limited to licensed amateur operators so anyone can experiment with it. Its open-source firmware, active development community, and versatility have made it wildly popular for outdoor adventurers, emergency preparedness groups, and experimenters alike.

In our local area, Meshtastic nodes are popping up everywhere! Bridging neighborhoods, tracking hikes, and giving hams and non-hams alike a chance to experience digital radio in a fresh way. It’s an exciting glimpse of what the future of off-grid communication could look like.

See It for Yourself at Shelby

ARCWC will be hosting live demonstrations of both Packet and Meshtastic throughout the day on Friday and Saturday at Shelby Hamfest. Whether you’re a new ham just earning your ticket or an old hand who remembers the heyday of packet, there’s something to learn, share, and explore.

• Check out the gear in action
• Ask questions about setup, applications, and how to get started
• Share your own knowledge and experiences with others

Ham radio thrives on curiosity, innovation, and community. By honoring the old while embracing the new, we continue to keep the spirit of amateur radio alive. Stop by the ARCWC tents at Shelby Hamfest—let’s talk packet, mesh, and everything in between!

Once we have our table assignment we will post it here.