If you would like to be put in touch with a mentor then click here.
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.
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/digital-messaging-for-technicians/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/november-operating-day/
Net Control Manager program
The Sunday night net was logged into a program called Net Control Manager and here is the “mapping” feature. A logging program like this could be used for ARES exercises or special events.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/net-control-manager-program/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/simplex-net/
When to self ID
Riley Hollingsworth is the ARRL guy managing the Volunteer Monitor program and he has cleared up a few things about when you must self ID.
You must self ID once every 10 minutes if:
- You are using your own callsign
- You are using a club callsign, like W4CAE or K4EMD
- You are using a special event tactical callsign, like the ones we use for Harbison 50K or Tour De Cure
- You are using an ARES/Auxcomm tactical callsign, Like LEX EOC or State EOC
Of course you will self ID sooner if the event coordinator directs you to. In some events you might be asked to self ID on every transmission you make. An example would be “Net Control LEX EOC message body goes here K4LLE“
You must self ID every 60 minutes if:
1 You are using an FCC issued 1×1 special event callsign. An Example is K2L. It is also suggested that you instead of every 60 minutes you self ID every 30 minutes just to be on the safe side. You should always follow the direction of the event coordinator.
FCC article on FCC issued 1×1 callsign, CLICK
There is no need to say “for ID” just say your callsign
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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/when-to-self-id/
New FCC RF safety rules for ham radio – May 3 2021
N2RJ does a great job of explaining this for us.
Highlights:
- Before May 3 2021 anything transmitting less then 100 watts was exempt from doing an RF Exposure checklist.
- After May 3 2021 everything, even QRP transmitters needs to have an RF Exposure checklist done and kept on file at your QTH.
- RF exposure is about safety more then RF interference (RFI). If you are running an amplifier and the antenna is on a tripod next to your chair, you really need to think about what all that RF energy is doing to your eyeballs… No kidding.
- For stations already in place, that evaluation must be completed by May 3, 2023. After May 3 of this year, any new station, or any existing station modified in a way that’s likely to change its RFE profile — such as different antenna or placement or greater power — will need to conduct an evaluation by the date of activation or change.
- The CARC has operators with plenty of experience on doing an RF Exposure checklist so don’t get concerned if some of this looks difficult. Attend our Sunday night net at 8:30p and ask net control for help, someone will contact you and take you through it. All you really need is a tape measure.
- ARRL RF safety page, just click here.
Click on the video for the full story.
ARRL video on RF Exposure Rules..
http://hintlink.com/power_density.htm
Shows compliance at a given distance
Lake Washington Ham Club and Wayne N6NB
http://www.lakewashingtonhamclub.org/resources/rf-exposure-calculator/
Shows distance to compliance
Ham Radio School Excel Sheet (save XLS file)
https://hamradioschool.com/rf-exposure-calculator/
Show MPE and compliance for a given distance
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/new-fcc-rf-safety-rules-for-ham-radio-may-3-2021/
AREDN-MESH Networking by Wayne N1CLV
New presentation added from our April 2021 club meeting.
Located on the presentation menu tab or click the pic
This video is on Google Drive and as such will NOT play if you have cookies blocked on your web browser. You can download it or allow all cookies and play the video, just remember to block cookies again if that is what you want to do.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/aredn-mesh-networking-by-wayne-n1clv/