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.
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!
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.
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.
February Hams and Eggs breakfast will be about Winter Field Day and our Club results, SCQSO Party planning, and a new inexpensive 10-watt HT. See you Saturday at the Lizards Thicket!
Lizard’s Thicket on Two Notch Road on February 17th at 9 am
10170 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29229
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/february-hams-and-eggs-winter-field-day-results-scqso-party-and-10-watt-ht/
This month’s meeting will feature a presentation by Matthew Littleton from the Ridge Radio Club about EMCOMMS, followed by Winter Field Review, and the South Carolina QSO Party.
Don’t forget, Eat before Meet gathering at California Dreaming…
January Hams and Eggs breakfast will discuss USB-C PD power options for your devices. Will have examples of DIY adapters that will enable you to simplify powering devices. See you Saturday at the Lizards Thicket!
Lizard’s Thicket on Two Notch Road 9 am
10170 Two Notch Road Columbia , SC 29229
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/hams-and-eggs-power-virtually-anything-with-usb-c-pd/
Exciting news from one of our club members! This is very exciting news for the Midlands S.T.E.M. Charter School in Fairfield County.
ARISS lets students worldwide experience the excitement of talking directly with crew members of the International Space Station, inspiring them to pursue interests in careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, and engaging them with radio science technology through amateur radio.
Join us in congratulating the Midlands S.T.E.M. Charter School students, teachers, and Michael Grimsley, KF4W in such an honor. Micheal’s letter to his students is below.
The Columbia Amateur Radio Clubis the primary sponsor of the South Carolina QSO Party and is seeking volunteers to join the event and help cover as many counties as we can. There are 46 counties in our fine state and as a sponsor, we will be one of two bonus stations awarding highly coveted points.
My apologies for the delay in getting this posted. At several club meetings and Hams and Eggs breakfasts, we highlighted several cool and handy Ham gadgets. Here are a few…
Quadra runs as a dedicated HamClock appliance on a TV or monitor (1080p or higher). Our HamClock setup program makes this as easy as a few clicks. You can also view your clock in a browser on any Windows or Mac PC, Apple or Android tablet/phone, or on a smart TV in your local network.