Our very own Angelo AC2BC is hosting, as IEEE Section Chair, a presentation on the application of mmWaves (EHF, 30 to 300 GHz). While it obviously a bit techie, but no heavy math, or equations, it is intended for a audience of broad backgrounds. It will have radio issues of interest to many Hams. It is open to all, registration is free. The presentation will be held next Tuesday evening (3/15) at 7PM and held virtually
Continue readingExperimentation
W4FSV
Breadboard Radio – Ham Radio Kits that are easy to build and fun to use!
KM4ACK
Build-a-Pi will allow you to get up and running fast with a Raspberry Pi for ham radio.
ARRL Special Service Club Award
Congratulations! The SSC status has been approved for the Columbia Amateur Radio Club, W4CAE.
Thank you for being so supportive of amateur radio.
Sincerely,
Mike Walters, W8ZY
Field Services Manager
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®
Columbia Amateur Radio Club is now a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador!
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.
January 2025 CARC Monthly Club Meeting: Meet KM6LYW: Innovator Behind DigiPi
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!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85333006112?pwd=SIMA5UTJzYEEf1RPh8rfmIjWbyZMzP.1
Meeting ID: 853 3300 6112
Passcode: 132652
February 2025 CARC Monthly Club Meeting: Meet KB9VBR-Michael Martens
About Michael from his Youtube bio:
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.
Find out more at: http://www.jpole-antenna.com
Additional Meeting Topics & Upcoming Events
- Winter Field Day 2025 Review
- SC QSO Party
- Ham & Eggs / New Lunch and Learn
- April CARC Swapfest
- ARRL Summer Field Day 2025
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85333006112?pwd=SIMA5UTJzYEEf1RPh8rfmIjWbyZMzP.1
Meeting ID: 853 3300 6112
Passcode: 132652
Walk MS 2025
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.
Thank you for your support!
73,
Jim Lathan
President
Columbia Amateur Radio Club
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/bringing-scalable-millimeter-wave-networks-and-applications-to-the-masses/
March Columbia Amateur Radio Club Meeting
The featured March presenter is Rober Bretzmen, found of TGIF DMR Network and Hotspots. Robert discussed his starting of TGIF Network and his Hotspots
Ordering Information (tgifspot.com)
TGIF Dashboard
Member Spotlight
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/march-columbia-amateur-radio-club-meeting/
South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 6 – March 12
South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, jointly sponsored by the National Weather Service and South Carolina Emergency Management Division, will take place the week of March 6-12, 2022.
See club calendar for full details!
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/south-carolina-severe-weather-and-flood-safety-week-march-6-march-12/
Ukraine: IARU-R1 statement
Ukraine: IARU-R1 statement IARU Region 1 has released the following statement regarding any radio transmissions you may hear from radio amateurs in Ukraine.
“Any radio amateur currently transmitting from Ukraine is risking his or her life. If you hear a Ukrainian station, do not broadcast its callsign, location, or frequency-whether on the band, in a cluster, or on social media. You may be putting lives at risk.”
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/ukraine-iaru-r1-statement/
Ham Volunteers for Walk MS Columbia on April 23rd at Riverfront Park
Walk MS® brings together passionate people for a powerful purpose: to end MS forever. Feel the support that can only come from a community whose steps fuel breakthroughs, solutions, and a cure.
Join the movement today to show that together, we are stronger than MS:
For more information and how to volunteer contact Gary K4HGA.
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/walk-ms-columbia-sc-2022/
A February webinar will discuss amateur radio and AUXCOM support to the US Department of Defense.
On Thursday, February 18, at 0100 (the evening of February 17 in North American time zones), the US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) will host a Zoom call to discuss amateur radio and AUXCOM support to the US Department of Defense. During this presentation, the NETCOM representative will discuss the authorities for these operations; upcoming DOD exercise opportunities for 2022 where outreach to the amateur radio/AUXCOM community will be a primary training objective; use of the five 60-meter channels, and the concept for the types of amateur/AUXCOM outreach.
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/a-february-webinar-will-discuss-amateur-radio-and-auxcom-support-to-the-us-department-of-defense/
Richland County Emergency Services Department CERT Initiative
David Bagwell, W4DZF, is Division Captain at Richland County Emergency Services Department and is spearheading a new initiative to build a volunteer communications CERT group to support emergency services in Richland County.
So, what is CERT?
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/richland-county-emergency-services-department-cert-initiative/