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
Nano Spectrum Analyzer
This compact spectrum analyzer gives hams a powerful way to visualize RF activity across a wide frequency range. It’s ideal for checking noise floors, spotting interference, and verifying transmitter output.
- Real-time spectrum display
- Lightweight and field-friendly
- Great companion to the NanoVNA
MMDVM Digital Hotspot
Digital modes were a big hit at the Lunch & Learn, and the MMDVM hotspot demo showed how easy it is to get on DMR, D-STAR, Fusion, and P25 with a single device.
Works with Pi-Star or other hotspot firmware
Supports multiple digital voice modes
Perfect for handheld users wanting global reach
31-Foot Fiberglass Mast
Portable operators loved the demonstration of the 31-ft fiberglass mast, a lightweight and quick-deploy support for wire antennas, end-fed half-waves, and verticals.
- Extends high enough for effective HF operation
- Collapses small for easy transport
- Great for POTA, SOTA, and emergency deployments
Amazon Link:
Jackite Green Fiberglass Pole 31 Foot for Bird Kite, Wind Sock
Bambu Lab 3D Printer
The Bambu 3D printer drew a crowd as it produced shack accessories, antenna parts, and organizational tools right on the table. Its speed and print quality make it a favorite among makers and hams alike.
- Fast, high-precision printing
- Excellent for custom radio mounts and enclosures
- Multi-material support depending on the model
QMX HF Transceiver
The QMX is a compact, high-performance HF transceiver designed for digital modes and QRP operation. Its clean signal, low power draw, and rugged build make it a fantastic field radio. This is becoming a favorite in some groups.
Great for portable ops and experimentation
Digital-mode optimized
Extremely efficient QRP rig
QMX multi-band transceiver kit
tr(u)SDX HF Transceiver
The tr(u)SDX is a tiny, all-in-one HF transceiver that continues to amaze operators with its size-to-capability ratio. Perfect for backpacking, POTA, or emergency kits.
- Full HF coverage in a pocket-sized package
- Built-in digital-mode support
- Excellent entry-level QRP radio
Amazon Link: Malahit tr usdx transceiver 5-Band usdx Multimode QRP Assembled with case by PE1NNZ and DL2MAN
Raspberry Pi 5
The Raspberry Pi 5 demo showed how powerful this tiny computer has become for amateur radio applications. From running Pi-Star to hosting logging software to powering APRS gateways, the Pi 5 is a shack essential.
- Faster CPU and GPU
- Great for digital modes and hotspots
- Perfect for portable or low-power setups
Amazon Link: CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit PRO – Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (8GB RAM)
HF Telescoping Antenna
This adjustable HF antenna was used during the event to demonstrate quick-deploy portable operation. With its tunable length and rugged build, it’s ideal for field work.
- Rapid deployment
- Works well with QRP rigs
- Great for POTA, SOTA, and emergency comms
Final Thoughts
The inaugural CARC Lunch & Learn delivered exactly what amateur radio is all about: learning, experimenting, sharing knowledge, and building community. Whether you came for the gear, the demos, or the BBQ, the event showcased the passion and curiosity that make our club thrive.
Stay tuned for the next Lunch & Learn — and until then, get Radio Active!