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.

Emergency Communications

Voice Operations

Education

Get Ready for the Big One: ARRL Field Day 2026!

Mark your calendars! The most anticipated event in amateur radio is just around the corner. ARRL Field Day 2026 is officially set for the fourth full weekend in June: June 27–28, 2026.

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.

The 2026 Message: “Resilience Through Connection”

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:

• Emergency Preparedness: Testing our gear in “less-than-optimal” conditions.
• Technical Growth: Experimenting with new antennas, solar power, and portable deployments.
• Public Outreach: Showing our neighbors that ham radio is a modern, vital resource for the community.

Call to Action: Start Planning NOW!

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:

1. Join a Committee: We need leads for Site Selection, Antenna Safety, Food/Logistics, and Public Relations.
2. Inventory Your Gear: Dust off those portable rigs, check your battery health, and inspect your coax. Don’t wait until June 26th to find a blown fuse!
3. The GOTA Station: We need “coaches” for our Get On The Air station. If you enjoy mentoring new hams or curious visitors, this is your time to shine.
4. Bonus Point Hunting: From satellite contacts to copying the W1AW bulletin, there are dozens of ways to boost our club score. Who wants to take the lead on the Section Manager message this year?

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.

W4CAE in Your Pocket: Setting Up AllStar on Your Smartphone

Field Day 2026: The Year of the Club!

Join W4CAE for Field Day 2026: The Year of the Club!

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club (W4CAE) invites all hams and enthusiasts to join us for ARRL Field Day 2026 at Sesquicentennial State Park! Starting June 27th at 8:00 AM, we’ll be operating through the night until noon on Sunday.

As part of the ARRL Year of the Club, we are celebrating the local groups that serve as the backbone of our hobby. Come out to the primitive camping area for portable stations, person-to-person QSOs, and on-site VE Testing.

Dinner is on us! We’ll be serving up a catered BBQ spread on Saturday evening—because great radio work deserves great food.

Stay Informed: It is crucial to join all planning calls, attend our May and June Club meetings, and join the Hams and Eggs Breakfasts. For the latest updates, keep a close watch on https://www.W4CAE.com and our Facebook page.

We have plenty of room for visiting groups and individual operators. See you there!

More details to come!