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Here is a list of our upcoming events email with expanded details.
Saturday, September 26th – Lunch & Learn: We’re hosting a hands-on technical workshop featuring the new ARRL VE Testing Tablet system, demonstrations of the NanoVNA and TinySA for antenna and radio testing, and radio programming assistance. Multiple stations will be set up so members can rotate through and learn at their own pace. Mentors are encouraged to join us in guiding newer hams and those seeking to expand their technical skills. Lunch will be provided, and the day will be filled with learning, eating, and fellowship.
October 5th – Columbia Amateur Radio Club Meeting: This meeting will focus on planning for our upcoming November Club Elections, Christmas Party, Winter Field Day, and other seasonal activities. We’ll also share updates on club projects, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming training sessions. Members are encouraged to attend to stay informed and help shape the direction of our events.
October 24th – Fall Swap Fest, Held at Potter Community Park in Elgin, SC, is perfect for buying, selling, and trading amateur radio gear. Whether you’re looking for radios, antennas, test equipment, accessories, or unique finds, the Swap Fest is a great opportunity to connect with fellow hams and discover new equipment. Bring your own items to sell or simply come browse and enjoy the day.
December 7th – Columbia Amateur Radio Club Christmas Gathering: We’ll be celebrating the holiday season at Little Pigs BBQ on Alpine Road in Columbia, SC. This annual gathering is a chance to enjoy great food, fellowship, and fun with club members and families. More details on menu options, activities, and gift exchanges will be shared as we get closer.
January 16th, 2027 – Harbison 50K: The club will once again support this major trail running event. Volunteer roles may include radio communications, checkpoint support, and safety monitoring. More details will be shared soon, and we encourage members to participate in this important community service opportunity.
January 23rd, 2027 – Winter Field Day: Plans are well underway for the 2027 event. This year’s event will include expanded operating positions, improved shelter setups, and additional training opportunities. Members who wish to camp with us should make their reservations now, as spots fill quickly. This is one of our most enjoyable operating events of the year, combining radio, camping, and camaraderie.
More details for all events will be posted at w4cae.com, Facebook, Club Calendar and discussed at club meetings and gatherings. Planning meetings will also be added to the club calendar. We encourage all members to join in, stay informed, and get their questions answered.
Happy weekend everybody! Monday night Club meeting topic will be QRP radios and testing antennas with WSPR. Also, other club business includes nominations for November board elections, October 8th Swap Fest, and more!
Below is Zoom information if you cant make the meeting in person!
We wanted to send a quick update on the Spotter Program at our office!
For those of you who have not taken the spotter training in a while and feel you may have forgotten some of the aspects of the training, we have uploaded a video to our YouTube page which serves as a shorter refresher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVF3_8nRkP4&t=7s
We have created a new private Facebook Group (NWS Columbia SKYWARN) for NWS Columbia Spotters to submit reports! In the coming days, we will send out invites to the email list that we have so be on the lookout for it! We hope that this will enable us to quickly receive trustworthy reports from the NWS Columbia Spotter community.
Thank you for all that you do! If there are any questions, please reach out to me, Chris Landolfi (christopher.landolfi@noaa.gov)
-Chris
NOAA – National Weather Service
Columbia, SC Weather Forecast Office 2909 Aviation Way
West Columbia, SC 29170-2102 Phone: (803) 822-8135 Web: weather.gov/cae
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/nws-columbia-spotter-program-update%ef%bf%bc/
The September monthly meeting will be held on September 12th (Not the 5th) due to the 5th falling on Labor Day. We will meet at ETV at the usual time and will provide Zoom information the weekend prior to the meeting.
Also, don’t forget about Dinner before Meeting, where those who would like to have dinner prior to the club meeting will meet at California Dreaming at 5: pm.
Meeting topic: QRP Radios and testing antennas with WSPR.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-september-meeting/
September training and testing are now being planned and organized. If you are interested in becoming a licensed HAM, upgrading your current license, or even would like to assist with the class training sessions, send an email to MidlandsVE@gmail.com to place your name on the class schedule.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-september-training-and-testing/
Greetings everyone! We will meet in person at the ETV building and encourage all to join us there. In case you can’t make the meeting below is Zoom meeting information for Monday.
