First licensed in 1981 as KA8NRC, Anthony has been a QRP operator from his very first QSO (no one told him Novices should not start with a 2-watt QRP rig). Changed call sign to K8ZT in June 2000 after updating to Extra Class License. One significant thing in his early Amateur Radio learning was the publications of two QRP clubs- SPRAT from the GQRP Club and QRP Quarterly from the QRP ARCI.

He is active in a variety of Amateur Radio activities, but his favorite activity is operating! Whether it is contesting, DXing or rag chewing, satellites, etc. CW Phone or Digital, the QRP contacts have added up and now top 107,000. First drawn to contesting by his love of working DX, he has consistently finished in the top ten of a variety of major contests and finished first in the US in both CQ Worldwide Phone and CW QRP categories multiple times. As a bonus, his QRP DXCC total recently topped the 326 mark, and he has completed 11-band WAS.

A prolific operator, Anthony also maintains websites k8zt.com & ZTlearn.com, writes for CQ Magazine & On All Bands Blog from DX Engineering and developed an ARRL online Contesting course. A frequent speaker for club presentations. Avid QRP Contester and DXer. Anthony currently serves as ARRL Ohio Section Youth Coordinator.

Columbia Amateur Radio Club monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of the month, 7 pm at the ETV building on George Rogers Blvd, next to the football stadium. 1101 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201

Can’t join us in person? Google Meet details below.

Columbia Amateur Radio Club Google Meet Details
Monday, May 5 · 7:00 – 8:30pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jzb-zctq-iee

From the ARRL Division News Roanoke Division Email:

ANTENNA RELIEF BILL REINTRODUCED – Identical versions of The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act have been reintroduced in Congress in both the House and the Senate. If passed and signed into law, the legislation would require homeowner associations to accommodate the needs of FCC-licensed Amateur Radio operators by prohibiting the enforcement of private land use restrictions that ban, prevent, or require the approval of the installation or use of Amateur Radio station antennas. Among other provisions, this legislation would prohibit homeowner association rules that would preclude or ban Amateur Radio antennas, specify an approval process for installing Amateur Radio antennas, and provide a federal private right of action to Amateur Radio operators in disputed cases. The bill numbers are HR1094 for the House version and S459 for the Senate bill. ARRL will be coordinating a grassroots campaign to have members contact their congressional representatives for support.

The text of the House Bill can be found at the link below:

About Michael from his Youtube bio:

Hi I’m Michael‚ KB9VBR‚ and I’m on a mission to inspire and educate the amateur radio community. I’ve been a ham radio operator since 1999‚ so my interests are varied and run deep. But most of all‚ ham radio is more than a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that I enjoy and love to share with others.

My goal is to share positive and uplifting videos. I’ll answer your questions and take deeper dives into some of the mysterious parts of ham radio. Whether you are a new ham or a grizzled veteran‚ I’m sure there will be something you’ll like. Ham Radio Q&A answers your amateur radio questions and explores the different aspects of the hobby.

Ham Radio Q&A is brought to you by KB9VBR Antennas: Supplier of Amateur Radio, Land Mobile, Scanner, Low Power FM, and Airband VHF/UHF Antennas.

Find out more at: http://www.jpole-antenna.com

KB9VBR Youtube Channel

Additional Meeting Topics & Upcoming Events

• Winter Field Day 2025 Review
• SC QSO Party
• Ham & Eggs / New Lunch and Learn
• April CARC Swapfest
• ARRL Summer Field Day 2025

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

Meeting ID: 853 3300 6112
Passcode: 132652

Below are some pictures from the different check point (CP) stations.

CP 13- Paul N4PRF & Adam W4AEL

CP 9- Joe K04WAA

CP 3- John W4SFX & Caden W3DEA

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