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.
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®
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.
$10 per Seller / Vendor
The Columbia Amateur Radio Club (CARC) is thrilled to invite amateur radio enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors to our Annual Swapfest in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina! This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a fantastic opportunity to buy, sell, and trade amateur radio gear, meet fellow hams, and participate in the vibrant community of amateur radio operators. Please note the traffic pattern in the image above, and note that the parking lot is divided into two sections: visitors and sellers/vendors. The event will open to the public at 8:00 am, and the club set up is from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. THIS IS A GUIDED EVENT. PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE PARKING LOT.
Event Details:
ARRL Digital Contest
June 7-8 2025
Amateur radio operators, enthusiasts, and tech lovers, it’s time to mark your calendars for the ARRL Digital Contest, an exciting event hosted by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Whether you’re a seasoned digital mode operator or a newcomer eager to dive into digital communications, this contest offers a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, connect with operators worldwide, and earn recognition in the ham radio community.
The ARRL Digital Contest is an annual competition designed to encourage the use of digital modes in amateur radio. Digital communication methods, including popular modes like FT8, PSK31, RTTY, and more, have become vital in ham radio. They allow operators to make contacts with minimal power, even under challenging propagation conditions, and the contest provides a platform for enthusiasts to challenge themselves and improve their digital mode proficiency.
Participants in the contest are tasked with making as many valid contacts as possible with other operators using digital modes, which can include short-range local exchanges and long-distance contacts across continents. The event is a great way to engage with a global community, exchange QSO information, and compete for awards and recognition.
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This little radio was shown at the November 4th club meeting by Jim Lathan W4JLP.
It can be purchased as a kit ~$90.00 or a ready to operate ~$140.00. Make sure to order via the official suppliers list here. You will receive a serial number with an official kit/radio and need the serial number to download future firmware upgrades.
Here is the main website for the radio and more information. https://dl2man.de/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/trusdx/
Mike- N7ETA
A few years ago, I decided to upgrade my PC. In researching, I found a mini fan-less PC that runs on a 12v wall wart. After researching my software wouldn’t have any issues I purchased and installed the software I use.
The only issue I had was that even with my off the shelf UPS system the PC would reboot during bad weather. I investigated and found the wall wart was susceptible to power line transits.I thought about using one of my ham radio power supplies, which I thought was way over kill.
Searching the internet I found that battery operation was preferable. But then again it was much more than I needed. Then on “YouTube” I found them using an oversize AA with a voltage of 3.7v. This is actually called a 18650 cell as the designated size. What was impressive was the different capacities viable on “Amazon”. These cost from $2.25 in multiples and capacities from 2000mah to 9900mah
More research indicated I could build a DIY UPS with no switching time and a fairly large run time. Since the most time I have been without power has been less than 1 hour. So I sat down and worked out a wiring diagram. The schematics program I use is called “Fritzing”. Here is a link to the webpage for the software. https://fritzing.org/
Here is the parts list, cost supplier.
| 12v 18650 UPS BOM | |||||
| QTY | Label | Part Type | Unit | Part Number | Supplier |
| 1 | Case | Enclosure | $18.99 | Blue Metal Enclosure.7 x 4.33 x 3.1 inch | Amazon |
| 1 | 120vac to 12vdc | S-350-60 Power Supply | $12.98 | 12v @ 5amp | Amazon |
| 1 | 5.15V Out | Generic female header – 2 pins | $1.44 | Terminal Binding Post Spring Clip 2-Way | Amazon |
| 1 | AC1 | AC Power | $1.83 | Inlet Module Plug Socket Power Entry | Amazon |
| 3 | Bat1 | 18650 Battery | $5.97 | 3.7v @ 9900ma | Amazon |
| 1 | C1 | Electrolytic Capacitor | $0.35 | 470uf | Amazon |
| 1 | D1 | Rectifier Diode | $0.05 | 1N4007 | Amazon |
| 1 | DS2Y-5-DC5V1 | DS2Y-12-DC12V | $1.00 | HK19F-DC 5V-SHG Signal Relay | Amazon |
| 1 | LED1 | LED | $0.04 | 3mm Green (570nm) | Amazon |
| 1 | R1 | Resistor | $0.05 | 470kΩ | Amazon |
| 1 | S1 | Push-button | $0.53 | Momentary (NO) | Amazon |
| 1 | TP1 | BMS Li-ion Charger | $0.64 | 3S 12V 10A 18650 Lithium Battery Protection Board | Amazon |
| 1 | U1 | Buck converter | $3.24 | Mini-360 Step-up DC-DC | Amazon |
| 1 | VM1 | Voltmeter | $2.16 | 3 digit LED (2 wire) | Amazon |
| Total | $49.27 | ||||
Here are a couple of pictures of the finished unit.
The Future-
Since I also operate a couple of Raspberry Pi’s 24/7, I am refining the schematic with a couple of changes and will build one for 5v.
Mike- N7ETA (Extra Terrestrial Amateur)
Do you have a project you would like to share on our webpage?
If so please send a brief write-up with info, pictures and any other information to the webmaster, John W4SFX at [email protected]
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12v-ups-for-mini-pc/
A special thank you to all who participated! Fantastic results!
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/2024-scqso-party-results/
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.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-is-now-a-weather-ready-nation-ambassador/
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®
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12340-2/
This program is designed to promote amateur radio to the masses, helping eliminate a possible entry barrier by providing new hams with everything they’ll need to get on the air at a very reasonable price. Jumpstart Packages will be provided to new hams who meet eligibility requirements.
New hams who have recently obtained their first license from the FCC may apply for a welcome package. Applicants must apply within six months of the license grant date per the FCC records.
The eligible ham must have a QRZ user account and be able to log in and apply for the program. Certain types of identification, including a photo ID, will be required. This information is not shared or exchanged with any party and is used only to validate eligibility under this program. Additional shipping charges may apply when shipped outside of the contiguous 48 states.
This program is available exclusively to USA-licensed amateur radio operators.
Click the link to apply: QRZ New Ham Jumpstart Program
Check out the contents of the Jumpstart package in this unboxing video:
Terms and Conditions apply; click here for details.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/qrz-new-ham-jumpstart-program/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/scqso-party-things-to-know-get-ready/
