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.
ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups, or simply with friends to operate from remote locations.
Zoom Meeting information: Start time is 7:00 pm, feel free to sign in early
Every April 18, radio amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. It was on this day in 1925 that the International Amateur Radio Union was formed in Paris.
Amateur Radio experimenters were the first to discover that the short-wave spectrum — far from being a wasteland — could support worldwide propagation. In the rush to use these shorter wavelengths, Amateur Radio was “in grave danger of being pushed aside,” the IARU’s history has noted. Amateur Radio pioneers met in Paris in 1925 and created the IARU to support Amateur Radio worldwide.
Congratulations to the first group of Richland ARES members to join the Richland County Communications Emergency Response Team (CERT).
An important role for ARES is to help with emergency communications of “served agencies.” Richland County Emergency Services is certainly a served agency that we want to be able to help when the need arises. This group has completed established prerequisite requirements to work in the Richland EOC and assist with emergency communications. We look forward to learning to operate communication systems in the Richland EOC and we are exploring other opportunities to collaborate with Richland County Emergency Services.
If you are interested in joining this group, there will be additional opportunities. Please contact Mark, KN4KRZ, at [email protected].
Got a late notice from the weather team responsible for Skywarn Training that tonight’s training is canceled and will be rescheduled. They apologize but recent and current weather is keeping them busy.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/skywarn-spotter-training-cancelled/
Even with the heavy rain, we had a surprisingly good turnout for Jimmy Doolittle Day. A special thank you goes out to Earl Dean, Dan Cunningham, Gary Anderson, Tammy Livingston, and Tedd Clayton for planning and coordinating this event. Job well done!
Cyber security is becoming more essential than ever with the growth of threats increasing each day. Prevention of a cyberattack is important, so make sure to follow these steps:
1-Use Strong Passwords
Passwords that are unique, long, and feature multiple characteristics and combinations are the most secure. Make sure you use a different password for each account.
