CARC February Meeting

📅 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#

Meeting Highlights:

📻 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

**Another Winter Field Day in the Books — and What a Weekend It Was!**

**Embracing the Challenge of Winter Storm Fern at Lake Wateree**

Winter Storm Fern tried its best, but the Columbia Amateur Radio Club rose to the challenge and turned a brutally cold weekend into an unforgettable mix of teamwork, learning, and on‑air success.

Our adventure kicked off a day early at **Lake Wateree State Park**, where members arrived to secure our site, unload gear, and set up a large group tent that became our warm, bustling hub for operating and gathering. A hardworking propane heater kept the space cozy as freezing rain, ice, and bitter winds rolled in — but we were ready.

**Operating Through the Storm**

Nearly 15 members took part throughout the weekend, rotating through operating positions, logging contacts, and keeping equipment running smoothly. Four dedicated operators camped overnight to ensure continuous operation despite the harsh conditions.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was electric — full of problem‑solving, shared stories, and plenty of laughter. Outside, the storm raged, but our spirits never wavered.

Together, we enjoyed:

• Great food that kept everyone fueled

• Stronger friendships and a true sense of community

• Contacts from across the country and around the world — proving our resilience and capability even in the worst weather

One operator summed it up perfectly:

*“When Winter Storm Fern arrived, our antennas stood tall, our batteries were charged, and our radios hummed with activity, filling that warm tent with laughter and learning. This was a Winter Field Day I’ll always treasure.”*

**Results That Speak for Themselves**

When the scores were released, our hard work truly shone:

• **8th place overall** out of 1,164 World Radio League participants

• **1st place in the Outdoor category**

An incredible achievement that reflects our teamwork, technical skill, and dedication to the hobby.

**More Than Just a Contest**

Winter Field Day reminded us why amateur radio matters:

• Emergency preparedness and resilience

• Innovation and hands‑on problem‑solving

• Community, camaraderie, and shared purpose

As we look back on this year’s event, we’re reminded that together, we can take on any challenge — even an ice storm named Fern. Here’s to many more Winter Field Days and to the amazing operators who make it all possible.

Thank you, CARC members, for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. You are the heart of this club.

Join the Columbia Amateur Radio Club for Winter Field Day 2026 at Lake Wateree State Park! Experience satellite communications, Meshtastic mesh networks, digital ham modes, and more—all in a scenic winter camping setting.

❄️ Winter Field Day 2026: January 24–25

Winter Field Day is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of amateur radio’s versatility and resilience. Hosted at the beautiful Taylor Creek Camping Sites in Lake Wateree State Park, this event invites operators of all skill levels to set up, connect, and learn in real-world conditions.

📍 Event Details

• Location: Lake Wateree State Park – Taylor Creek Camping Sites
• Dates: Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 AM to Sunday, January 25, at 4:59 PM EST
• Setup Begins: Saturday morning — arrive early to help and learn!

🔧 What You’ll Experience

This year’s Winter Field Day is packed with hands-on demonstrations and cutting-edge radio tech:

• 🛰️ Satellite Communications – Make contacts via orbiting satellites and learn how to track passes.
• 🌐 Meshtastic Networks – Explore LoRa-based mesh messaging for off-grid and emergency use.
• 📶 Digital Hotspots – See MMDVM and Raspberry Pi hotspots in action with DMR, D-Star, and Fusion.
• 💻 Digital Ham Modes – Try FT8, JS8Call, Winlink, and other efficient digital modes.
• 🛠️ Radio Programming Station – Bring your HTs and mobiles for help programming repeaters and talkgroups.
• 📡 Mobile HF & Starlink Internet – Discover how mobile setups and satellite internet keep you connected anywhere.
• 🔍 Antenna Testing & Elmer Station – Get expert advice and hands-on help with your gear.

🔥 Community, Camaraderie, and Campfire

Expect warm fires, good food, and great company. Whether you’re logging contacts or just soaking in the scenery, you’ll be part of a welcoming community that’s passionate about radio and public service.

📸 Share Your Experience

Tag your photos with #WinterFieldDay, #CARC, and #HamRadioSC to join the conversation and showcase your setup.

🔗 Stay Connected

Visit W4CAE.com for updates, gear lists, and event details. Follow us on Facebook to RSVP and stay in the loop.

We kicked things off bright and early with a 5:30 AM meeting at Bojangles by I-20, fueled by chicken bog, biscuits, and plenty of coffee. From there, supplies were handed out and plans finalized—and by 6:50 AM, all locations were checked in and ready to go.

This year, we took communications to the next level by providing event staff with Rapid Radios, enabling them to communicate directly and reliably throughout the course. In addition, every radio call was documented and logged through Net Control, ensuring clear accountability, accurate information flow, and a complete operational record throughout the event.

The day started off cold but ended with a beautiful afternoon, making for an excellent race. At 4:25 PM, the final runner crossed the line, officially wrapping up a successful and safe event.

I want to extend a huge thank you to all the members of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club who supported this event. Without your professionalism, training, and dedication, our communications and safety support simply would not have been possible. Your commitment truly made the difference.

Outstanding work, CARC—another mission accomplished!

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club kicked off its first-ever Lunch & Learn with a packed room, great BBQ, and an impressive lineup of hands-on gear demonstrations. From antenna analyzers to compact HF rigs to 3D printing for the shack, attendees got to see, touch, and test equipment that’s shaping the future of amateur radio.

Below is a detailed look at every piece of gear showcased during the event, along with Amazon links where available.

NanoVNA – Vector Network Analyzer

NANOVNA remains one of the most versatile and affordable tools in amateur radio. During the event, members used it to sweep antennas, measure SWR, and visualize impedance curves in real time.

• Portable and battery-powered
• Clear touchscreen interface
• Excellent for antenna tuning and troubleshooting
• Works from HF through UHF, depending on the model

Amazon Link: Upgraded NanoVNA-H4 Vector Network Analyzer V4.3, Elikliv 10KHz-1.5GHz HF VHF UHF Antenna Analyzer Measuring S Parameters, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, Phase, Delay, Smith Chart, 4″ Screen

Join us at 7pm on Google Meet to discuss upcoming events that include:

Winter Field Day-1/24-25/26

SC QSO Party-2/28/26

Click the link below to join the meeting. Watch this post for updated meeting links for each Wednesday throughout January 2026.

CARC Planning Call
Wednesday, January 21 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gjc-sujg-bz

73, CARC

Welcome to 2026!  I hope everyone had a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday season and is ready for another exciting year with the Columbia Amateur Radio Club.

We’re kicking off the new year on Monday, January 5th, at 7pm at the ETV Building and this is an important meeting you won’t want to miss. January is shaping up to be one of our busiest months, and your attendance and involvement are more important than ever. Zoom meeting details can be found in the Club calendar. Columbia Amateur Radio Club Calendar

 January 5th Club Meeting Highlights

7pm, 1041 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201

 Feature Presentation:
We’re excited to welcome The Smoking Ape as our featured presenter for the evening. This is sure to be an engaging and entertaining presentation—don’t miss it!

 New Name Badges Are In!
If you attended the 2025 Christmas Party and/or Hams and Eggs, a new CARC name badge will be available for pickup at the meeting. More details at the club meeting!!!

 Key Topics for Discussion:
We’ll be covering several upcoming events and activities, including:

• First-ever CARC Lunch and Learn
• Hams and Eggs
• Harbison 50K (volunteers and planning)
• Winter Field Day
• SCQSO Party

These events require planning, participation, and teamwork. Your input matters, and January sets the tone for the rest of the year.

 Why This Meeting Matters
January is a critical month for CARC. Decisions are being made, events are being finalized, and opportunities to get involved are everywhere. Strong attendance ensures we continue to grow, serve our community, and have fun doing what we love—radio.

Let’s start 2026 strong, together.

I look forward to seeing everyone on January 5th!

73,
Jim Lathan, W4JLP
President
Columbia Amateur Radio Club
W4CAE