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 – Vector Network Analyzer

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.

• Portable and battery-powered
• Clear touchscreen interface
• Excellent for antenna tuning and troubleshooting
• Works from HF through UHF, depending on the model

Amazon Link: Upgraded NanoVNA-H4 Vector Network Analyzer V4.3, Elikliv 10KHz-1.5GHz HF VHF UHF Antenna Analyzer Measuring S Parameters, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, Phase, Delay, Smith Chart, 4″ Screen

Join us at 7pm on Google Meet to discuss upcoming events that include:

Harbison 50K-1/17/26

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 14 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xau-ovao-zgx

73, CARC

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 Highlights

7pm, 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:

• First-ever CARC Lunch and Learn
• Hams and Eggs
• Harbison 50K (volunteers and planning)
• Winter Field Day
• SCQSO Party

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

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

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.

What to Expect

🔧 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:

• DMR
• D-Star
• Yaesu Fusion
• Hotspots
• And other digital modes

🖨️ 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.

Food Information

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

Thanks to Caden W3DEA, Noah W7RPX and Don Taylor K4KGT for sharing the photos.

Thank you to those who voted in person or by mail in ballot at the November 2025 club meeting. Below is a list of who was elected for the 2026 calendar year.

President- Jim Lathan W4JLP

Vice President- Paul Finan N4PRF

Treasurer- Amanda McKinnis K4ASM

Secretary- Wes Munn KJ4FIG

Director- Steve Ross W4LED, Noah Bergervin W7RPX (Two Year Term)

Trustee- Robert Bogan N2RB

73, CARC