Digital Operations

Experimentation

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.

Emergency Communications

Voice Operations

Education

Get Ready for the Big One: ARRL Field Day 2026!

Mark your calendars! The most anticipated event in amateur radio is just around the corner. ARRL Field Day 2026 is officially set for the fourth full weekend in June: June 27–28, 2026.

Whether you are a seasoned contester, a digital mode enthusiast, or a brand-new ham looking to make your first contact, Field Day is the ultimate “open house” for our hobby. It’s part emergency exercise, part contest, and 100% community.

The 2026 Message: “Resilience Through Connection”

Every year, Field Day reminds us why we do what we do. In an era where communication is often taken for granted, the 2026 focus remains clear: Science, Skill, and Service.

The goal isn’t just to rack up points; it’s to prove that when the grid goes down, and the “normal” world goes quiet, amateur radio operators are ready. This year, we are placing a special emphasis on:

  • Emergency Preparedness: Testing our gear in “less-than-optimal” conditions.
  • Technical Growth: Experimenting with new antennas, solar power, and portable deployments.
  • Public Outreach: Showing our neighbors that ham radio is a modern, vital resource for the community.

Call to Action: Start Planning NOW!

A successful Field Day doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of teamwork and early preparation. We are calling on all club members to step up and help make 2026 our best year yet.

Here is how you can jump in right now:

  1. Join a Committee: We need leads for Site Selection, Antenna Safety, Food/Logistics, and Public Relations.
  2. Inventory Your Gear: Dust off those portable rigs, check your battery health, and inspect your coax. Don’t wait until June 26th to find a blown fuse!
  3. The GOTA Station: We need “coaches” for our Get On The Air station. If you enjoy mentoring new hams or curious visitors, this is your time to shine.
  4. Bonus Point Hunting: From satellite contacts to copying the W1AW bulletin, there are dozens of ways to boost our club score. Who wants to take the lead on the Section Manager message this year?

Event Details at a Glance:

  • When: June 27 (1800 UTC) to June 28 (2059 UTC)
  • Where: TBD – will update as soon as possible
  • Objective: To contact as many stations as possible and learn to operate in abnormal situations.

Let’s show the world what we can do! Check your email for the next planning meeting date, or reach out to the Club President to volunteer for a specific role.

W4CAE in Your Pocket: Setting Up AllStar on Your Smartphone

“Did you know your smartphone can double as a powerful handheld transceiver? Whether you’re away from your shack or out of range of a local repeater, the AllStar Link network keeps you connected. This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your mobile device configured for AllStar—from obtaining your mandatory FCC documentation to…

(more…)

Field Day 2026: The Year of the Club!

Join W4CAE for Field Day 2026: The Year of the Club!

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club (W4CAE) invites all hams and enthusiasts to join us for ARRL Field Day 2026 at Sesquicentennial State Park! Starting June 27th at 8:00 AM, we’ll be operating through the night until noon on Sunday.

As part of the ARRL Year of the Club, we are celebrating the local groups that serve as the backbone of our hobby. Come out to the primitive camping area for portable stations, person-to-person QSOs, and on-site VE Testing.

Dinner is on us! We’ll be serving up a catered BBQ spread on Saturday evening—because great radio work deserves great food.

Stay Informed: It is crucial to join all planning calls, attend our May and June Club meetings, and join the Hams and Eggs Breakfasts. For the latest updates, keep a close watch on https://www.W4CAE.com and our Facebook page.

We have plenty of room for visiting groups and individual operators. See you there!

More details to come!

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Columbia Amateur Radio Club – April 2026 Meeting

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club (CARC) invites all members and guests to join us for our April Monthly Meeting!

📅 Date: April 6, 2026
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: SC ETV Building
1101 George Rogers Blvd
Columbia, SC 29201

Can’t join us in perosn?

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89467637228?pwd=V5a40D4GLjkWpPrsCcrATukcT8wzFt.1

Meeting ID: 894 6763 7228
Passcode: 835928

📡 Spring Swap Fest Night!

This month’s meeting will feature our Spring Swap Fest, a great opportunity to buy, sell, and trade all things ham radio.

Bring your:

  • Radios
  • Accessories
  • Antennas
  • Parts and equipment
  • Any ham radio–related items you’d like to sell or trade

Whether you’re looking to clear out your shack, upgrade your gear, or find a great deal, this is the perfect chance to connect with fellow hams and share the hobby.

Some radio items will be sold directly by the club. See the google sheet below to view what is for sale, info and price.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11okhEQAeaHIx7gLLXJ312pMwk1BEokjX-1Bk3ur4Aig/edit?usp=sharing

🤝 All Are Welcome

As always, visitors, new hams, and anyone interested in amateur radio are welcome to attend. Come out, meet the group, and enjoy an evening of radio fellowship and fun!

We look forward to seeing you there!

73, CARC

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-april-2026-meeting/

W4CAE in Your Pocket: Setting Up AllStar on Your Smartphone

“Did you know your smartphone can double as a powerful handheld transceiver? Whether you’re away from your shack or out of range of a local repeater, the AllStar Link network keeps you connected. This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your mobile device configured for AllStar—from obtaining your mandatory FCC documentation to…

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/w4cae-in-your-pocket-setting-up-allstar-on-your-smartphone/

CARC Hams Hangout- 3/21/26, 10:30 am at Sesqi State Park

Calling all Hams, Preppers, Techies, and Radio-Curious!

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is heading to the pines for a Ham Hangout at beautiful Sesquicentennial State Park! Whether you’ve been licensed for 40 years or have never even touched a radio, this event is for YOU.

What’s the vibe?

Think “Science Lab meets Backyard BBQ.” We’re setting up portable stations, firing up the grill, and showing off what modern radio can really do.

What to expect:

GOTA Station (Get On The Air): Want to try making a contact? Our mentors will walk you through it—no license required to try it out!

Off-Grid Messaging: See Meshtastic (mesh texting), Winlink (email over radio), and FT8 in action.

Emergency Power: Check out solar panels, LiFePO4 battery setups, and field-ready gear.

Family Comms: Demos of GMRS, FRS, and Zello for staying connected when cell towers fail.

Food & Fellowship

We’ll have the grill hot and the antennas high. Bring a lawn chair, your family, and all your “how does that work?” questions.

When: March 21, 2026, 10:30 am to 8 PM
Where: Sesquicentennial State Park
Who: Licensed Hams, FRS/GMRS/MURS users, makers and tech enthusiasts, families, and friends!

Let’s build community, share some “Elmering” (mentoring), and enjoy the great outdoors together.

#HamRadio #W4CAE #ColumbiaSC #POTA #Meshtastic #EmergencyPrep #AmateurRadio #SesquiStatePark 

See less

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-hams-hangout-3-21-26-9am-at-sesqi-state-park/

AllStarLink Update: New Node Number for the 330 Repeater (Node 690060)

Thank you for supporting the club and for helping us keep the system running smoothly.

New AllStarLink node number: 690060 (147.330 repeater)

If you have trouble connecting, try disconnecting and reconnecting, and confirm your client is pointing to the new node number. If you still need help, plan to be at Hams and Eggs at Lizards Thicket in Northeast Columbia and Hams Hangout at Sesquicentennial State Park this March 21st.

There will be demonstrations, how-tos, and Q&A during the March 21 Hams and Eggs breakfast, with even more hands-on time at the Hams Hangout at Sesquicentennial State Park (campsites 39 and 41). Parking will be at site 5, with a few additional spots at other campsites.

73, W4CAE

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/allstarlink-update-new-node-number-for-the-330-repeater-node-690060/

Get Ready for the Big One: ARRL Field Day 2026!

Mark your calendars! The most anticipated event in amateur radio is just around the corner. ARRL Field Day 2026 is officially set for the fourth full weekend in June: June 27–28, 2026.

Whether you are a seasoned contester, a digital mode enthusiast, or a brand-new ham looking to make your first contact, Field Day is the ultimate “open house” for our hobby. It’s part emergency exercise, part contest, and 100% community.

The 2026 Message: “Resilience Through Connection”

Every year, Field Day reminds us why we do what we do. In an era where communication is often taken for granted, the 2026 focus remains clear: Science, Skill, and Service.

The goal isn’t just to rack up points; it’s to prove that when the grid goes down, and the “normal” world goes quiet, amateur radio operators are ready. This year, we are placing a special emphasis on:

  • Emergency Preparedness: Testing our gear in “less-than-optimal” conditions.
  • Technical Growth: Experimenting with new antennas, solar power, and portable deployments.
  • Public Outreach: Showing our neighbors that ham radio is a modern, vital resource for the community.

Call to Action: Start Planning NOW!

A successful Field Day doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of teamwork and early preparation. We are calling on all club members to step up and help make 2026 our best year yet.

Here is how you can jump in right now:

  1. Join a Committee: We need leads for Site Selection, Antenna Safety, Food/Logistics, and Public Relations.
  2. Inventory Your Gear: Dust off those portable rigs, check your battery health, and inspect your coax. Don’t wait until June 26th to find a blown fuse!
  3. The GOTA Station: We need “coaches” for our Get On The Air station. If you enjoy mentoring new hams or curious visitors, this is your time to shine.
  4. Bonus Point Hunting: From satellite contacts to copying the W1AW bulletin, there are dozens of ways to boost our club score. Who wants to take the lead on the Section Manager message this year?

Event Details at a Glance:

  • When: June 27 (1800 UTC) to June 28 (2059 UTC)
  • Where: TBD – will update as soon as possible
  • Objective: To contact as many stations as possible and learn to operate in abnormal situations.

Let’s show the world what we can do! Check your email for the next planning meeting date, or reach out to the Club President to volunteer for a specific role.

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/get-ready-for-the-big-one-arrl-field-day-2026/

📡 Columbia Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting – March 2026

Join us for the March meeting of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club! We look forward to another informative and engaging evening with fellow amateur radio operators.

📅 Meeting Details

📋 Meeting Agenda

This month’s meeting will feature:

  • 🎤 Special Presentation: Bob Connell will present on EMP Protection and how it relates to amateur radio operations.
  • 📡 SC QSO Party Follow-Up: Review and discussion of our recent participation.
  • 📅 Upcoming Events Preview:
    • CARC Hams Hangout at Sesqi State Park 3/21 @9am
    • Other exciting club activities

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to amateur radio, this meeting is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and stay involved.

We hope to see you there!

73, CARC

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/%f0%9f%93%a1-columbia-amateur-radio-club-monthly-meeting-march-2026/

A Special Thank you to dedicated CARC SCQSO Party Team

On behalf of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club (W4CAE), I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who jumped on the air for the 2026 South Carolina QSO Party.

It was great to hear so many familiar voices and call signs representing the club. Whether you were operating from your home station or out in the field, your effort made a real difference in keeping the bands active and showcasing what CARC is all about. We truly appreciate the time you dedicated to making the event a success..

Our Dedicated SCQSO Party Team, a special thank you to our team for their hard work:
* Brad Carlton (KN4LPJ)
* Dan Cunningham (K9DBC)
* Paul Finan (N4PRF)
* Richard Gates (K4OMC)
* CJ Hamrick (KC4RKQ)
* Bill Johnson (KB4DE)
* John Kiselica (W4SFX)
* Richard Kline (KQ4AMK)
* Jim Lathan (W4JLP)
* David Lauten (KF4HAW)
* Ronnie Livingston (W4RWL)
* Michael W. Magnuson (N7ETA)

It’s the people that make this hobby what it is, and we’re lucky to have such an active and committed group. We’re already looking forward to seeing the final logs and hearing everyone’s favorite stories from the weekend at the next meeting.

73,

The CARC Board
Columbia Amateur Radio Club (W4CAE) 

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/a-special-thank-you-to-dedicated-carc-scqso-party-team/