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:
Join a Committee: We need leads for Site Selection, Antenna Safety, Food/Logistics, and Public Relations.
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!
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.
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.
“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…
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!
I hope everyone is doing well. I want to bring to your attention a recent announcement from the ARRL that has significant implications for our rights as amateur radio operators — and how we can help ensure these rights are protected.
The article “ARRL Launches Nationwide Grassroots Campaign to Pass Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act” (Sept. 19, 2025) describes a new push in Washington to pass legislation that would give us, licensed hams, the same protections to install antennas on our property that people already enjoy for TV antennas, wireless internet antennas/systems, and even flagpoles. (ARRL)
Whether you’re reporting severe weather in real time or keeping your community safe, the WeatherWise app is built to support SKYWARN members and weather-savvy users who need fast, reliable, hyper-local weather data anytime, anywhere.
Amateur radio operators, enthusiasts, and tech lovers, it’s time to mark your calendars for the ARRL Digital Contest, an exciting event hosted by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Whether you’re a seasoned digital mode operator or a newcomer eager to dive into digital communications, this contest offers a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, connect with operators worldwide, and earn recognition in the ham radio community.
What Is the ARRL Digital Contest?
The ARRL Digital Contest is an annual competition designed to encourage the use of digital modes in amateur radio. Digital communication methods, including popular modes like FT8, PSK31, RTTY, and more, have become vital in ham radio. They allow operators to make contacts with minimal power, even under challenging propagation conditions, and the contest provides a platform for enthusiasts to challenge themselves and improve their digital mode proficiency.
Participants in the contest are tasked with making as many valid contacts as possible with other operators using digital modes, which can include short-range local exchanges and long-distance contacts across continents. The event is a great way to engage with a global community, exchange QSO information, and compete for awards and recognition.
From the ARRL Division News Roanoke Division Email:
ANTENNA RELIEF BILL REINTRODUCED – Identical versions of The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act have been reintroduced in Congress in both the House and the Senate. If passed and signed into law, the legislation would require homeowner associations to accommodate the needs of FCC-licensed Amateur Radio operators by prohibiting the enforcement of private land use restrictions that ban, prevent, or require the approval of the installation or use of Amateur Radio station antennas. Among other provisions, this legislation would prohibit homeowner association rules that would preclude or ban Amateur Radio antennas, specify an approval process for installing Amateur Radio antennas, and provide a federal private right of action to Amateur Radio operators in disputed cases. The bill numbers are HR1094 for the House version and S459 for the Senate bill. ARRL will be coordinating a grassroots campaign to have members contact their congressional representatives for support.
The text of the House Bill can be found at the link below:
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.
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!
