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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
“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…
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!
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!
Check out the Clubs Facebook site @ Columbia Amateur Radio Club | Facebook for the latest pictures and videos.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/jimmy-doolittle-day-update/
The FCC application fee for amateur radio licenses takes effect on Tuesday, April 19, 2022
KB8VBR has a great video that highlights the new FCC fees and tips to be aware of…
Reference Links
https://www.fcc.gov/document/effectiv…
http://www.arrl.org/news/new-amateur-…
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/fcc-amateur-radio-application-fee-good-bad-and-ugly/
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:
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.
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/cyber-attacks-are-you-ready/
Introduction
Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio, often referred to by its acronym RaDAR, is a concept for operating an amateur radio station anywhere, anytime, and even in adverse environmental conditions. This concept supports the amateur radio service’s emergency communications mandate.
Where the concept originated
Radio amateurs from South Africa came up with a concept to build a comfortable portable radio station capable of operating for extended periods while walking or stationary after walking to a specified site.
The idea was discussed in an open forum and ideas gleaned from many of the local hams, some prototyping was done and the “Shack in a Sack” (SiaS) concept was born.
In August 2009 RaDAR – Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio, was launched – a more professional version of the SiaS concept.
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/moving-amateur-radio-stations-are-you-on-the-radar/
The SC Midlands ARES Training Net for Thursday, March 24 will be a Zoom meeting from 8 – 9 PM. (Note the start time is 8 PM, not the normal 8:30 PM). The agenda topic will be “Sharing COMMEX Experience” from March 15, 16, and 19 as described here: 2022 State FSE- March 15, 16, 19 | SCHEART
We’ll start the call with Tuesday and Wednesday COMMEX participants. They’ll share with us the type of tasks they were involved in and what they learned.
We’ll continue the call with Saturday COMMEX participants. (Same deal) – They’ll share with us the type of tasks they were involved in and what they learned.
Hopefully, we have some time for discussion and Q and A.
For more information contact Mark KN4KRZ
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/sc-midlands-ares-training-net-for-thursday-3-24/
The April meeting topics:
Let’s see those Go-Kits/Boxes, Mobile Gear, Antennas, or what you want to share with the club.
ZOOM MEETING DETAILS
Topic: Columbia Amateur Radio Club April Meeting
Time: Apr 4, 2022, 06:45 PM Eastern Time (the US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86434664158?pwd=WU1saVVUNy9jV0hlTEVSRStrNXR6Zz09
Meeting ID: 864 3466 4158
Passcode: 472820
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,86434664158#,,,,472820# US (New York) +13017158592,,86434664158#,,,,472820# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 864 3466 4158
Passcode: 472820
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kJk8xTBDy
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/april-carc-meeting-shack-go-box-show-tell/
WHAT: Columbia Amateur Radio Club Get Radio Active class is targeted at new and old licensed Amateur Radio Operators. This is a 3-hour session with volunteer club members who will discuss and demonstrate some topics for Radio Activity to help get you started (in no particular order):
Continue readingPermanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/i-got-my-license-now-what-get-radio-active/
