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January 2025 CARC Monthly Club Meeting: Meet KM6LYW: Innovator Behind DigiPi

January Featured Presentation

We are excited to announce that at the January Club meeting, we have a special guest: Craig KM6LYW. Craig KM6LYW is a trailblazer in the amateur radio community, known for blending traditional ham radio practices with cutting-edge technology will be joining the Clubs Zoom meeting. As the creator of DigiPi, a compact, Raspberry Pi-based platform for digital communications, KM6LYW has made digital modes more accessible and affordable for amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide. The Club Zoom meeting details are at the end on this article.

The DigiPi is a versatile and user-friendly solution that supports popular digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, APRS, and more. By combining modern software with low-cost hardware, KM6LYW has empowered operators to explore the exciting world of digital amateur radio without needing expensive, specialized equipment.

Beyond developing the DigiPi, KM6LYW is passionate about supporting the ham radio community. He actively shares his knowledge, engages with fellow enthusiasts, and fosters innovation to ensure that digital amateur radio continues to thrive. Explore the world of digital amateur radio with KM6LYW and DigiPi—where tradition meets innovation.

In addition to exploring the exciting world of DigiPi and digital amateur radio, we’re excited to share that the club will offer our members a variety of amateur radio hobby items. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting, you’ll find a range of gear and accessories to enhance your amateur radio experience. These items are available on a donation basis, and all proceeds will go directly to supporting the club’s activities, resources, and outreach efforts. It’s a great way to get something you need while giving back to the community that keeps the hobby alive and thriving! Bring your $$$.

Here’s how you could present the additional topics for the meeting:


Additional Meeting Topics

Join us for a dynamic and informative meeting as we dive into several exciting topics, including:

  • Harbison 50K Review: This is a look back at the event and the role amateur radio played in its success.
  • Winter Field Day: Preparation and strategies for this popular event to hone emergency communication skills.
  • South Carolina QSO Party: Tips for participating and maximizing your contact logs during this state-focused radio contest.
  • Hams and Eggs & New Lunch and Learn: Discover these engaging opportunities to connect, share, and learn in a casual setting.
  • Hands-On Experience: A practical session to explore and practice amateur radio techniques.
  • April CARC Swapfest: Get a preview of this must-attend event for buying, selling, or trading amateur radio gear.
  • ARRL Summer Field Day: Early planning for one of the most significant events in amateur radio, focusing on teamwork and readiness.

Whether you’re a long-time operator or new to the hobby, there’s something for everyone at this meeting. Don’t miss out!


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85333006112?pwd=SIMA5UTJzYEEf1RPh8rfmIjWbyZMzP.1

Meeting ID: 853 3300 6112
Passcode: 132652

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/january-2025-carc-monthly-club-meeting-meet-km6lyw-innovator-behind-digipi/

(tr)uSDX

This little radio was shown at the November 4th club meeting by Jim Lathan W4JLP.

It can be purchased as a kit ~$90.00 or a ready to operate ~$140.00. Make sure to order via the official suppliers list here. You will receive a serial number with an official kit/radio and need the serial number to download future firmware upgrades.

Here is the main website for the radio and more information. https://dl2man.de/

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/trusdx/

12v UPS for Mini PC

Mike- N7ETA

A few years ago, I decided to upgrade my PC. In researching, I found a mini fan-less PC that runs on a 12v wall wart. After researching my software wouldn’t have any issues I purchased and installed the software I use.

The only issue I had was that even with my off the shelf UPS system the PC would reboot during bad weather. I investigated and found the wall wart was susceptible to power line transits.I thought about using one of my ham radio power supplies, which I thought was way over kill.

Searching the internet I found that battery operation was preferable. But then again it was much more than I needed. Then on “YouTube” I found them using an oversize AA with a voltage of 3.7v. This is actually called a 18650 cell as the designated size. What was impressive was the different capacities viable on “Amazon”. These cost from $2.25 in multiples and capacities from 2000mah to 9900mah 

More research indicated I could build a DIY UPS with no switching time and a fairly large run time. Since the most time I have been without power has been less than 1 hour. So I sat down and worked out a wiring diagram. The schematics program I use is called “Fritzing”.  Here is a link to the webpage for the software. https://fritzing.org/

Here is the parts list, cost supplier.

12v 18650 UPS BOM
QTYLabelPart TypeUnitPart NumberSupplier
1CaseEnclosure$18.99Blue Metal Enclosure.7 x 4.33 x 3.1 inchAmazon
1120vac to 12vdcS-350-60 Power Supply$12.9812v @ 5ampAmazon
15.15V OutGeneric female header – 2 pins$1.44Terminal Binding Post Spring Clip 2-WayAmazon
1AC1AC Power$1.83Inlet Module Plug Socket Power EntryAmazon
3Bat118650 Battery$5.973.7v @ 9900maAmazon
1C1Electrolytic Capacitor$0.35470ufAmazon
1D1Rectifier Diode$0.051N4007Amazon
1DS2Y-5-DC5V1DS2Y-12-DC12V$1.00HK19F-DC 5V-SHG Signal RelayAmazon
1LED1LED$0.043mm Green (570nm)Amazon
1R1Resistor$0.05470kΩAmazon
1S1Push-button$0.53Momentary (NO)Amazon
1TP1BMS Li-ion Charger$0.643S 12V 10A 18650 Lithium Battery Protection BoardAmazon
1U1Buck converter$3.24Mini-360 Step-up DC-DCAmazon
1VM1Voltmeter$2.163 digit LED  (2 wire)Amazon
Total$49.27

Here are a couple of pictures of the finished unit.

The Future-

Since I also operate a couple of Raspberry Pi’s 24/7, I am refining the schematic with a couple of changes and will build one for 5v.

Mike- N7ETA (Extra Terrestrial Amateur)

Do you have a project you would like to share on our webpage?

If so please send a brief write-up with info, pictures and any other information to the webmaster, John W4SFX at [email protected]

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12v-ups-for-mini-pc/

Ham Radio Dashboard

Here is a great tutorial on how to get your Ham Radio Dashboard up and running. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIdqMQTGNSc

You can download the zipped files down below.

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/ham-radio-dashboard/

2024 SCQSO Party Results

A special thank you to all who participated! Fantastic results!

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/2024-scqso-party-results/

Columbia Amateur Radio Club is now a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador!

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is now a Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador.

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is excited to collaborate with NOAA/NWS to help strengthen our nation’s readiness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. If you would like more information, please visit the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador Frequently Asked Questions. And if you need any additional information, email WRN anytime at [email protected]. You can also find WRN on X (previously Twitter) @WRNAmbassadors.

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-is-now-a-weather-ready-nation-ambassador/

ARRL Special Service Club Award

Congratulations! The SSC status has been approved for the Columbia Amateur Radio Club, W4CAE.

Thank you for being so supportive of amateur radio.

Sincerely,
Mike Walters, W8ZY
Field Services Manager
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12340-2/