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.
“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…
Hi everyone,
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.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
Best regards, Jim
“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…
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/w4cae-in-your-pocket-setting-up-allstar-on-your-smartphone/
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
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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-hams-hangout-3-21-26-9am-at-sesqi-state-park/
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/
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.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/get-ready-for-the-big-one-arrl-field-day-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.
This month’s meeting will feature:
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/
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/
📅 Date: February 2
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: NO IN PERSON MEETING THIS MONTH DUE TO WEATHER. VIRTUAL ONLY
Join us for the Columbia Amateur Radio Club February Meeting as we catch up on recent activities and look ahead to what’s coming next. This month’s meeting will feature event recaps, an informative presentation, and plenty of time for discussion.
Columbia Amateur Radio Club Join Via Online Details
Monday, February 2 · 7:00 – 8:30pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82174551107?pwd=dI86Fv0qooiutywdzubH7XaiDhAM9L.1
Meeting ID: 821 7455 1107
Passcode: 010367
One-Tap Mobile:
+1 305 224 1968,,82174551107#,,,,*010367#
+1 309 205 3325,,82174551107#,,,,*010367#
📻 Winter Field Day Recap
We’ll review how Winter Field Day went, share lessons learned, and talk about what worked well—and what we can improve for next time.
🏃 Harbison 50K Recap
A recap of CARC’s radio support for the Harbison 50K race, including communications challenges, successes, and volunteer experiences.
📡 South Carolina QSO Party Discussion
We’ll wrap up with a discussion about the South Carolina QSO Party, including operating plans, participation ideas, and how members can get involved.
All members and guests are welcome.
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/february-2026-club-meeting/
