New Hams

📡 Get Radio‑Active! Hands‑On Ham Radio Workshop

Hosted During CARC Lunch & Learns — Check the Club Calendar for Dates & Times

If you’ve just earned your FCC Technician license — or recently upgraded to General or Extra — you’re probably asking the same question every new ham asks:

“I passed the test… now what?”

You’re not alone. Getting on the air can feel confusing, intimidating, or overwhelming. That’s exactly why the Columbia Amateur Radio Club created the Get Radio‑Active Workshop — a fast‑paced, hands‑on learning experience designed to take you from newly licensed to confident operator in a single session.

This is not a lecture. This is not a slideshow. This is real radio, real practice, real Elmers, and real fun.

🔄 Rotating Pod / Session Format

To keep the energy high and ensure every attendee gets personal attention, Get Radio‑Active uses a rotating pod system. You’ll move through multiple learning stations, each led by an experienced Elmer, with plenty of time for questions, demos, and hands‑on practice.

Every 20–30 minutes, your group rotates to the next pod — and by the end of the workshop, you’ll have completed all stations.

This format is engaging, interactive, and perfect for new operators who learn best by doing.

🧭 What You’ll Learn (Pod Stations)

🔹 Pod 1 — Smart Gear Choices

See real radios, antennas, power supplies, and accessories used by active hams. Learn what to buy, what to avoid, and how to build a station that fits your budget.

🔹 Pod 2 — Programming & Repeater Operations

Hands‑on programming with CHIRP, RT Systems, and RepeaterBook. Learn offsets, tones, repeater etiquette, and how to make your first repeater contact.

🔹 Pod 3 — Simplex, Propagation & On‑Air Practice

Understand when simplex makes sense, how terrain affects signals, and how to give proper signal reports. Includes guided mic practice to help overcome “mic fright.”

🔹 Pod 4 — Antennas, Feedlines & SWR

Explore real antennas, coax types, connectors, and SWR meters. Learn how to troubleshoot poor performance and improve your signal.

🔹 Pod 5 — Digital Tools & Callsign Lookups

QRZ.com, logging tools, online databases, and introductions to digital modes like FT8 and Winlink.

🔹 Pod 6 — Public Service & Emergency Communications

ARES basics, SCHEART hospital network overview, message handling, tactical call signs, and field‑ready go‑kits.

🎯 Bonus Pods (As Time Allows)

Portable & Field Operations (POTA/SOTA basics)
Build‑Your‑Own Antenna (roll‑up J‑pole or mag‑mount tuning)
Upgrade Path & VE Testing Prep

🤝 Meet Your Elmers

CARC is known for its friendly, experienced, and highly active Elmer community. During this workshop, you’ll get direct help from builders, DXers, emergency communicators, and long‑time operators who love helping new hams succeed.

They’ll help you:

Program your specific handheld or mobile rig
Troubleshoot signal or antenna issues
Practice on‑air communication
Connect with club activities, builds, and events

🚀 Hosted During CARC Lunch & Learns

The Get Radio‑Active workshop is offered during our Lunch & Learn events, held at Little Pigs BBQ. These sessions are relaxed, fun, and packed with hands‑on learning.

👉 Check the Club Calendar at www.w4cae.com for upcoming dates and times.

📡 Ready to Get Radio‑Active?

Bring your radio, your manual, a notebook, and all your questions — and leave with the confidence to get on the air and start making contacts.

Join us at the next Lunch & Learn and take your first step toward becoming an active, skilled amateur radio operator.

Get on the Air!

We encourage new hams to check into our weekly Net held on Sunday at 8:30 pm on the club’s 147.330 repeater. Not sure what a “net” is? Think of it as a meeting that takes place on the air instead of a boardroom. Participants “check in” to radio nets using their callsign and often participate in topical discussions.

To participate, you’ll need a radio capable of operation on the 2-meter band. A 5-watt handheld radio is often all you need to enjoy the net. Be advised our tower is located in northeast Columbia, so if you are farther outside the metropolitan area, a good antenna may be required. Once the net begins, follow the control operator’s instructions, and don’t be afraid to speak when check-ins are called!

To see the list of our nets just click here..

Setting up your radio is important. The net takes place on a repeater, so remember your Technician-class license training and get your rig programmed properly! Our repeater transmits on 147.330 with a positive (+) shift. Your radio should be programmed for a PL tone of 156.7 Hz.

QRZ Jumpstart Program- Newly licensed? Want a free handheld radio? Check out this link to learn more!

Having issues? Feel free to contact us!

New hams may find the ARRL’s resources helpful!

Elmer (mentor) Program <-click if you would like an Elmer to help you.

We have an “Elmering” program here at the Columbia Amateur Radio Club. If you need help and are looking for an Elmer, or you’re an experienced operator with some time to mentor new hams, please let us know.

Origin of the term “Elmer”

The term “Elmer”–meaning someone who provides personal guidance and assistance to would-be hams–first appeared in the March 1971 issue of the ARRL Magazine QST in a column by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD (now also VA3ZBB). Newkirk called them “the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio.” While he probably was not trying to coin a term at the time, here’s how Newkirk introduced “Elmer” in his column and, as it turned out, to the rest of the Amateur Radio world:

“Too frequently one hears a sad story in this little nutshell: ‘Oh, I almost got a ticket, too, but Elmer, W9XYZ, moved away and I kind of lost interest.'”

Newkirk went on to say, “We need those Elmers. All the Elmers, including the ham who took the most time and trouble to give you a push toward your license, are the birds who keep this great game young and fresh.” –Rick Lindquist, N1RL

Helpful links