W4FSV
Breadboard Radio – Ham Radio Kits that are easy to build and fun to use!
KM4ACK
Build-a-Pi will allow you to get up and running fast with a Raspberry Pi for ham radio.
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®
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 wrn.feedback@noaa.gov. You can also find WRN on X (previously Twitter) @WRNAmbassadors.
ARRL Digital Contest
June 7-8 2025
Amateur radio operators, enthusiasts, and tech lovers, it’s time to mark your calendars for the ARRL Digital Contest, an exciting event hosted by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Whether you’re a seasoned digital mode operator or a newcomer eager to dive into digital communications, this contest offers a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, connect with operators worldwide, and earn recognition in the ham radio community.
The ARRL Digital Contest is an annual competition designed to encourage the use of digital modes in amateur radio. Digital communication methods, including popular modes like FT8, PSK31, RTTY, and more, have become vital in ham radio. They allow operators to make contacts with minimal power, even under challenging propagation conditions, and the contest provides a platform for enthusiasts to challenge themselves and improve their digital mode proficiency.
Participants in the contest are tasked with making as many valid contacts as possible with other operators using digital modes, which can include short-range local exchanges and long-distance contacts across continents. The event is a great way to engage with a global community, exchange QSO information, and compete for awards and recognition.
(more…)
WeatherWise
We kicked things off bright and early with a 5:30 AM meeting at Bojangles by I-20, fueled by chicken bog, biscuits, and plenty of coffee. From there, supplies were handed out and plans finalized—and by 6:50 AM, all locations were checked in and ready to go.
This year, we took communications to the next level by providing event staff with Rapid Radios, enabling them to communicate directly and reliably throughout the course. In addition, every radio call was documented and logged through Net Control, ensuring clear accountability, accurate information flow, and a complete operational record throughout the event.
The day started off cold but ended with a beautiful afternoon, making for an excellent race. At 4:25 PM, the final runner crossed the line, officially wrapping up a successful and safe event.
I want to extend a huge thank you to all the members of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club who supported this event. Without your professionalism, training, and dedication, our communications and safety support simply would not have been possible. Your commitment truly made the difference.
Outstanding work, CARC—another mission accomplished!
Join us at 7pm on Google Meet to discuss upcoming events that include:
Winter Field Day-1/24-25/26
SC QSO Party-2/28/26
Click the link below to join the meeting. Watch this post for updated meeting links for each Wednesday throughout January 2026.
CARC Planning Call
Wednesday, January 21 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gjc-sujg-bz
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/january-7th-2026-planning-call-info/
Join the Columbia Amateur Radio Club for Winter Field Day 2026 at Lake Wateree State Park! Experience satellite communications, Meshtastic mesh networks, digital ham modes, and more—all in a scenic winter camping setting.
Winter Field Day is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of amateur radio’s versatility and resilience. Hosted at the beautiful Taylor Creek Camping Sites in Lake Wateree State Park, this event invites operators of all skill levels to set up, connect, and learn in real-world conditions.
This year’s Winter Field Day is packed with hands-on demonstrations and cutting-edge radio tech:
Expect warm fires, good food, and great company. Whether you’re logging contacts or just soaking in the scenery, you’ll be part of a welcoming community that’s passionate about radio and public service.
Tag your photos with #WinterFieldDay, #CARC, and #HamRadioSC to join the conversation and showcase your setup.
Visit W4CAE.com for updates, gear lists, and event details. Follow us on Facebook to RSVP and stay in the loop.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/winter-field-day-2026-radio-resilience-and-community-at-lake-wateree/
We kicked things off bright and early with a 5:30 AM meeting at Bojangles by I-20, fueled by chicken bog, biscuits, and plenty of coffee. From there, supplies were handed out and plans finalized—and by 6:50 AM, all locations were checked in and ready to go.
This year, we took communications to the next level by providing event staff with Rapid Radios, enabling them to communicate directly and reliably throughout the course. In addition, every radio call was documented and logged through Net Control, ensuring clear accountability, accurate information flow, and a complete operational record throughout the event.
The day started off cold but ended with a beautiful afternoon, making for an excellent race. At 4:25 PM, the final runner crossed the line, officially wrapping up a successful and safe event.
I want to extend a huge thank you to all the members of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club who supported this event. Without your professionalism, training, and dedication, our communications and safety support simply would not have been possible. Your commitment truly made the difference.
Outstanding work, CARC—another mission accomplished!
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/what-a-day-at-the-2026-harbison-50k-run/
The Columbia Amateur Radio Club kicked off its first-ever Lunch & Learn with a packed room, great BBQ, and an impressive lineup of hands-on gear demonstrations. From antenna analyzers to compact HF rigs to 3D printing for the shack, attendees got to see, touch, and test equipment that’s shaping the future of amateur radio.
Below is a detailed look at every piece of gear showcased during the event, along with Amazon links where available.
NANOVNA remains one of the most versatile and affordable tools in amateur radio. During the event, members used it to sweep antennas, measure SWR, and visualize impedance curves in real time.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/hands-on-gear-review-from-the-inaugural-carc-lunch-learn/
Welcome to 2026! I hope everyone had a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday season and is ready for another exciting year with the Columbia Amateur Radio Club.
We’re kicking off the new year on Monday, January 5th, at 7pm at the ETV Building and this is an important meeting you won’t want to miss. January is shaping up to be one of our busiest months, and your attendance and involvement are more important than ever. Zoom meeting details can be found in the Club calendar. Columbia Amateur Radio Club Calendar
January 5th Club Meeting Highlights7pm, 1041 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201
Feature Presentation:
We’re excited to welcome The Smoking Ape as our featured presenter for the evening. This is sure to be an engaging and entertaining presentation—don’t miss it!
New Name Badges Are In!
If you attended the 2025 Christmas Party and/or Hams and Eggs, a new CARC name badge will be available for pickup at the meeting. More details at the club meeting!!!
Key Topics for Discussion:
We’ll be covering several upcoming events and activities, including:
These events require planning, participation, and teamwork. Your input matters, and January sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Why This Meeting Matters
January is a critical month for CARC. Decisions are being made, events are being finalized, and opportunities to get involved are everywhere. Strong attendance ensures we continue to grow, serve our community, and have fun doing what we love—radio.
Let’s start 2026 strong, together.
I look forward to seeing everyone on January 5th!
73,
Jim Lathan, W4JLP
President
Columbia Amateur Radio Club
W4CAE
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/january-5th-carc-meeting/
Dear Columbia Amateur Radio Club Members,
As the year comes to a close and the holiday lights brighten our homes and airwaves, the Board of Directors and I want to take a moment to wish each of you a happy and joyous holiday season.
May your Hanukkah be filled with light and warmth, your Christmas be merry and bright, and may the New Year bring happiness, good health, and many exciting contacts both on and off the air.
Thank you for being such a wonderful part of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club. Your friendship, enthusiasm, and dedication make this club truly special. Whether it’s public service, club events, POTA activations, or just good conversation on the radio, it’s been a pleasure sharing another great year with you.
As we look ahead, we’re excited for a bright New Year filled with learning, laughter, service, and strong signals.
On behalf of the CARC Executive Board, I would like to extend warm holiday wishes to you and your families.
73,
Jim Lathan, W4JLP
President, Columbia Amateur Radio Club
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/warm-holiday-wishes-from-columbia-amateur-radio-club/
Join us for a CARC Lunch & Learn on January 10th 2026 hosted at Little Pigs BBQ from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM! This will be a relaxed, hands-on day focused on learning, experimenting, and sharing knowledge across all things amateur radio.
🔧 Elmer Help:
Bring your questions—big or small! Experienced Elmers will be available to help with anything and everything radio.
📡 Digital Modes Assistance:
Need help getting on the air digitally? We’ll have members ready to assist with setup and troubleshooting for:
🖨️ 3D Printing Demonstration:
Learn how 3D printing can enhance your ham projects—from enclosures to tools and custom accessories.
🔨 Show & Tell / Project Help:
Bring your radios, kits, in-progress builds, or puzzling problems. This is a great opportunity to share what you’re working on or get help overcoming challenges.
As a thank-you for allowing us to use their smaller dining space, please be prepared to purchase lunch from Little Pigs BBQ during the event.
Please keep an eye on this post for updated information about the event.
Looking forward to a great day of learning and fellowship—see you there!
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/december-2025-carc-lunch-learn/
