James Lathan

Author's posts

📢 Attention All Hams! Big News for this Friday Night! 🎙️

Looking to kick off your weekend with some great conversation? The Friday Night TGIF Net is happening tomorrow, April 3rd, 2026, at 8:30 PM, and we’re making it easier than ever to join the fun! 🌍 How to Connect

Whether you’re a DMR pro or strictly an analog operator, we’ve got you covered:

DMR Users: …

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/%f0%9f%93%a2-attention-all-hams-big-news-for-this-friday-night-%f0%9f%8e%99%ef%b8%8f/

W4CAE in Your Pocket: Setting Up AllStar on Your Smartphone

“Did you know your smartphone can double as a powerful handheld transceiver? Whether you’re away from your shack or out of range of a local repeater, the AllStar Link network keeps you connected. This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your mobile device configured for AllStar—from obtaining your mandatory FCC documentation to connecting directly to the W4CAE (690060) node on both Android and iOS.”

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/w4cae-in-your-pocket-setting-up-allstar-on-your-smartphone/

Get Ready for the Big One: ARRL Field Day 2026!

Mark your calendars! The most anticipated event in amateur radio is just around the corner. ARRL Field Day 2026 is officially set for the fourth full weekend in June: June 27–28, 2026.

Whether you are a seasoned contester, a digital mode enthusiast, or a brand-new ham looking to make your first contact, Field Day is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/get-ready-for-the-big-one-arrl-field-day-2026/

A Special Thank you to dedicated CARC SCQSO Party Team

On behalf of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club (W4CAE), I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who jumped on the air for the 2026 South Carolina QSO Party.

It was great to hear so many familiar voices and call signs representing the club. Whether you were operating from your home station …

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/a-special-thank-you-to-dedicated-carc-scqso-party-team/

Winter Field Day 2026: Radio, Resilience, and Community at Lake Wateree

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 2026: January 24–25

Winter Field Day is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of amateur radio’s versatility …

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/winter-field-day-2026-radio-resilience-and-community-at-lake-wateree/

What a day at the 2026 Harbison 50K Run!

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 …

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/what-a-day-at-the-2026-harbison-50k-run/

Hands-On Gear Review from the Inaugural CARC Lunch & Learn

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 …

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/hands-on-gear-review-from-the-inaugural-carc-lunch-learn/