“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.
As the year comes to a close and the holiday lights brighten our homes and airwaves, the Board of Directors and I want to take a moment to wish each of you a happy and joyous holiday season.
May your Hanukkah be filled with light and warmth, your Christmas be merry and bright, and may the New Year bring happiness, good health, and many exciting contacts both on and off the air.
Thank you for being such a wonderful part of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club. Your friendship, enthusiasm, and dedication make this club truly special. Whether it’s public service, club events, POTA activations, or just good conversation on the radio, it’s been a pleasure sharing another great year with you.
As we look ahead, we’re excited for a bright New Year filled with learning, laughter, service, and strong signals.
On behalf of the CARC Executive Board, I would like to extend warm holiday wishes to you and your families.
73,
Jim Lathan, W4JLP President, Columbia Amateur Radio Club
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/warm-holiday-wishes-from-columbia-amateur-radio-club/
Join us for a CARC Lunch & Learn on January 10th2026 hosted at Little Pigs BBQ from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM! This will be a relaxed, hands-on day focused on learning, experimenting, and sharing knowledge across all things amateur radio.
What to Expect
🔧 Elmer Help: Bring your questions—big or small! Experienced Elmers will be available to help with anything and everything radio.
📡 Digital Modes Assistance: Need help getting on the air digitally? We’ll have members ready to assist with setup and troubleshooting for:
DMR
D-Star
Yaesu Fusion
Hotspots
And other digital modes
🖨️ 3D Printing Demonstration: Learn how 3D printing can enhance your ham projects—from enclosures to tools and custom accessories.
🔨 Show & Tell / Project Help: Bring your radios, kits, in-progress builds, or puzzling problems. This is a great opportunity to share what you’re working on or get help overcoming challenges.
Food Information
As a thank-you for allowing us to use their smaller dining space, please be prepared to purchase lunch from Little Pigs BBQ during the event.
Please keep an eye on this post for updated information about the event.
Looking forward to a great day of learning and fellowship—see you there!
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/december-2025-carc-lunch-learn/
Thank you to those who voted in person or by mail in ballot at the November 2025 club meeting. Below is a list of who was elected for the 2026 calendar year.
President- Jim Lathan W4JLP
Vice President- Paul Finan N4PRF
Treasurer- Amanda McKinnis K4ASM
Secretary- Wes Munn KJ4FIG
Director- Steve Ross W4LED, Noah Bergervin W7RPX (Two Year Term)
Trustee- Robert Bogan N2RB
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-2026-board-of-directors-election-results/
Join us for the November meeting of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club (CARC) on Monday, November 3, 2025, at our usual location — ETV Headquarters — and on Zoom for those who can’t attend in person.
This month’s meeting will feature club officer elections for the upcoming year. Your participation is important — come cast your vote and help shape the future direction of our club! See the website post below for more details on voting and absentee ballot requirements.
Following the elections, we’re excited to welcome a special Zoom presentation from the Long Island CW Club (LICW). The LICW is well-known for promoting Morse code training and camaraderie among hams worldwide. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn more about CW operations, training programs, and how you can get involved.
Please note the zoom meeting will not start till 7:30pm. Voting will take place in person from 7pm-7:30pm and then the LICW club will start to present at 7:30pm.
Meeting Details:
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: ETV Headquarters (and via Zoom)
Topics: Club Officer Elections & Long Island CW Club Presentation
All members and guests are welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or newly licensed, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss!
The future of CARC is built by its members! The Columbia Amateur Radio Club will host its annual Club Officer Elections on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM during our regular club meeting at SCETV (1101 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201).
Whether you are a seasoned operator or newly licensed, your voice and vote play an essential role in guiding our repeaters, technical projects, community service nets, and field events for the year ahead. All members are encouraged to attend, participate, and cast their ballot!
🗳️ Voting Eligibility & Absentee Mail-In Options
To cast a ballot—either in person or by mail—you must have your club dues up to date and be a member in good standing with the Columbia Amateur Radio Club.
Can’t make it to ETV in person? You can still make your vote count via mail-in absentee ballot:
Mark your choices and place the completed ballot into a sealed envelope.
Sign your name across the glued flap on the back of the sealed envelope.
Mail it to the club address:CARC, PO Box 595, Columbia, SC 29202
Postmark Deadline: All mailed ballots must be postmarked by October 28, 2026.
Note: Nominations and write-ins are welcomed on absentee ballots as well as from the floor during the November 2 meeting.
📋 Expectations of Elected Board Members
Serving on the CARC Board is an active, rewarding commitment to supporting our membership, maintaining robust club repeater infrastructure, and leading our public service initiatives. Candidates standing for election are expected to uphold the following standards:
Regular Attendance & Vacancy Policy: Attend monthly club meetings at ETV and participate in scheduled Board of Directors meetings (in-person or virtual). Officers and directors are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of regular meetings and may miss no more than two consecutive meetings without prior excused notice. Unexcused absences exceeding this threshold will result in the seat being reviewed by the Board and considered vacant, initiating appointment or special election procedures under club bylaws.
Operational Oversight & Governance: Collaborate closely on club decisions, budget approvals, technical repeater maintenance plans, and compliance with CARC bylaws.
Active Event Leadership: Champion signature club activities throughout the year—including ARRL Field Day, public service communications, local hamfests, and license examination sessions.
Mentorship & Community Ambassador: Serve as an approachable guide for newcomers, foster active Elmering, and keep members engaged across our local frequencies and nets.
🏛️ Role-Specific Highlights
President & Vice President: Steer executive leadership, coordinate meeting agendas, drive long-range vision, and represent CARC across regional amateur radio events.
Secretary: Accurately record and publish meeting minutes, oversee official club correspondence, and preserve historical records.
Treasurer: Manage finances, maintain active membership dues records, file necessary administrative paperwork, and present regular financial statements.
Directors (At-Large): Provide independent governance, champion membership interests during board sessions, and lead key committee initiatives.
Trustee: Ensure strict FCC license compliance, proper operation, and physical security of club callsigns and repeater facilities.
📝 Current Ballot
Below is the current ballot lineup. Write-in candidates may be submitted on your mail-in ballot or directly in person at the meeting. To write in someone on the absentee ballot or in person during voting at the November 2 club meeting.
Position
Name
Call
Incumbent
President
Jim Lathan
W4JLP
Yes
Vice President
Paul Finan
N4PRF
Yes
Treasurer
Amanda McKinnis
K4ASM
Yes
Secretary
Wes Munn
KJ4FIG
Yes
Director (2 year term)
Brad Carlton
KN4LPJ
2 slots to be filled
John Kiselica
W4SFX
Yes
Nick Paton
K4NAS
Trustee
Don Taylor
K4KGT
Mike Wieber
N4BQQ
Let’s make this year’s election a strong showing of member participation and club spirit. See you at ETV on November 2nd!
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/%f0%9f%93%a1-columbia-amateur-radio-club-elections-november-2026/