Amateur Radio Innovators Unite at California Tech Summit

Amateur radio operators are proving that one of the oldest forms of wireless communication is getting a high-tech makeover, and they're gathering in California this October to share their innovations.

The Zero Retries Digital Conference returns to San Ramon on October 16, 2026, bringing together engineers, experimenters, and tech enthusiasts who are reinventing ham radio for the modern age. Now in its second year, the conference focuses on how amateur radio operators are applying cutting-edge computing and software to traditional radio technology.

The event will showcase projects in digital voice and data, software-defined radio, satellite communications, and new modulation technologies. Attendees will see how modern radios are essentially computers with antennas, opening up possibilities that early radio pioneers could never have imagined.

Steve Stroh, editor of Zero Retries, explains the shift simply: "Amateur radio has always been a place where people experiment with technology. Today, radios are increasingly computers with antennas, and the opportunities for innovation in amateur radio are greater than ever."

The conference will feature presentations from people actively developing new technologies, giving attendees a chance to learn about current projects and exchange ideas. Organizers are also dedicating time to revisit projects presented at the inaugural 2025 conference to share progress updates.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this gathering special goes beyond just radio enthusiasts sharing technical specs. Amateur radio operators have historically played crucial roles during emergencies when traditional communications fail. By modernizing these systems with digital technology, today's innovators are ensuring that communities have resilient backup communication networks for disasters and emergencies.

The conference is also bridging generations of technology enthusiasts. Young engineers interested in software and networking are discovering amateur radio as a hands-on playground for experimentation, while experienced operators are learning how modern tools can enhance their hobby.

Conference manager Tina Stroh captures the spirit: "Our goal is to bring together people who are excited about where amateur radio technology is going and provide a place where they can share what they are building, experimenting with, and learning."

The event takes place the same weekend as Pacificon 2026 at a nearby venue, giving radio enthusiasts a chance to experience both conferences during one trip to the San Francisco Bay Area.

This gathering proves that even century-old technology can find new life when curious minds refuse to stop innovating.