“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…
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.
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:
1-Use Strong Passwords
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.
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.
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.
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
Club Business
Jimmy Doolittle Day
Spring outing at Potter Park in Elgin: Swap Meet, Meet and Greet, Training, Fox Hunt Example, Mesh Networking Example, Winlink VaraFM, Antenna tunning, and others
Update! Completed the battery build, this is a good bit of kit and I give it 2/5 stars for build difficulty and 4/5 stars for quality. In this build, I used 21 2400 mah 18650 batteries that will produce a max of 40ah with the battery management board. The cost of the total project not including tools less than $100.
I will have this battery and the spot welder used during the build at Ham and Eggs Breakfast on 3/19.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/40ah-li-ion-battery-project-update-2/
Pierce Larkin, a meteorologist with NWS Columbia will be presenting “Basic Spotter Talk” on April 7th to the Columbia Amateur Radio Club Thursday, Apr 7, 2022, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT. You don’t have to be a HAM to attend and/or be a Spotter. Register today and mark your calendars.
What a great way to get outdoors; a Trunkfest is an opportunity to mingle with other Amateur Radio Operators, share ideas, and reconnect with those you haven’t seen face to face in a long while. The Columbia Amateur Radio Club Spring Trunkfest is a swap meet that is free for those who want to buy, sell, swap, or trade amateur radio-related gear and items.
Welcome Amateur Radio Operators from any club to join us, we enjoy meeting fellow hams!
When: April 30th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Potters Community Park, Elgin SC 29045
For more information Contact: Jim Lathan, W4JLP Columbia Amateur Radio Club President Click to EMAIL
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-spring-trunkfest-april-30th-pass-the-word/