The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is now a Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador.
The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is excited to collaborate with NOAA/NWS to help strengthen our nation’s readiness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. If you would like more information, please visit the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador Frequently Asked Questions. And if you need any additional information, email WRN anytime at [email protected]. You can also find WRN on X (previously Twitter) @WRNAmbassadors.
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!
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.
Volunteer for Walk MS – Columbia, SC – March 29th, 2025
Dear Columbia Amateur Radio Club Members and Friends,
We are excited to announce that the Columbia Amateur Radio Club will be supporting the Walk MS event in Columbia, SC on March 29th, 2025. This important event brings our community together to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis research and support. We are reaching out to you for your support in volunteering for event communications to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Event Overview: Walk MS is a nationwide event organized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It aims to connect people living with MS and those who care about them, bringing us all closer to a world free of MS. Participants will walk various routes, raising funds to support research, programs, and services that improve the lives of those affected by MS.
Volunteer Details: We are seeking volunteers to assist with event communications on the day of the walk. Your help will be crucial in providing clear and efficient communication among event organizers, participants, and emergency services.
Event Hours:
Event Date: March 29th, 2025
Volunteer Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:
Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel Street Columbia, SC 29201
Please consider lending your time and expertise to support this worthy cause. Your involvement will make a significant difference in the success of the event and the experience of all participants.
To sign up as a volunteer or for more information, please contact Jim Lathan by emailing [email protected] , visiting our website, and checking the club calendar for all the details.
Michael (KF4W) Teacher at Midlands Stem Charter School with Student on the Air
Every February and October, School Clubs all around the country get on the air and try to work as many contacts as possible. Groups are broken down into Elementary, Middle, High School, and Colleges.
With the holidays closing in on us fast, I have decided to cancel the Decembers Ham and Eggs event. Being so close to Christmas I want to give you all time to be with your families, we will resume Ham and Eggs in December, check the club calendar for new and exciting events planned.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/december-ham-and-eggs-cancelled/
SCHEART will be offering Ham (Amateur) Radio classes in December of 2022. This is for Technician, General, and Extra. All classes will run from December 12th through 16th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Some classes will not take the whole week but will finish when all the material is covered. These classes run concurrently. You can only choose one of the classes.
We’re presenting the classes via video conference using Zoom (http://zoom.us ) If you didn’t have the time to attend in person before, now is your chance. Email me at [email protected]. I’ll forward your email to your instructor and they will send you an invitation to the video conference.
If you’ve never used videoconferencing before, Here are a couple of tips:
Use a headset or headphones. Any headphones that plug into your computer will do. Even the wired ones that came with your cell phone, if it’s using the 1/8” plug. This eliminates feedback when you unmute your microphone. Mute your microphone when not speaking to the instructor. Otherwise, the class will hear any background noise from your computer. Find the text/chat function and use it. New hams will have to start out with the Technician course.
All classes are free. If you wish to attend, RSVP to [email protected]. Be sure to tell me which class you want to take and include your cell number.
Testing will be offered on December 17th at 08:30 am at SCETV headquarters, 1041 George Rogers Blvd in Columbia. We’ll take care of the administrative work first and start the testing when the admin work is done. Bring a photo ID, an original copy of any Ham Radio license, your FRN, and $10.00 cash. If a child is testing and has no photo I.D., bring a copy of a birth certificate.
If you are testing for the first time, you must bring your FCC Registration Number (FRN), which you can get here:https://tinyurl.com/yayymn28
If you’re coming for testing only, email us so we can plan accordingly.
SRD 2022 is a go on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, with a slight modification…the classes/seminars will be held in the airport terminal, and we will have small groups for tours in the building.