“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.
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 Columbia Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual Club Officer Elections on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7pm during our regular club meeting at ETV, 1101 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201. All members are encouraged to attend, participate, and help shape the future of our club.
If you’re unable to attend in person, mail-in ballots are accepted. Click HERE to download the pdf mail in ballot. Please follow these important steps to ensure your vote counts:
Place your completed ballot in a sealed envelope.
Sign your name across the glued flap on the back of the envelope.
Mail it to the Club P.O. Box before the election date. CARC PO Box 595 Columbia SC 29202
Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 10/29/25.
🗳️ Voting Eligibility Reminder: To cast a ballot—whether in person or by mail—you must have your dues paid and be a member in good standing with the Columbia Amateur Radio Club.
Below is the current ballot. You are welcome to write in someone on the absentee ballot or in person during voting at the November 3 club meeting.
Position
Name
Call
Incumbent
President
Jim Lathan
W4JLP
Yes
Vice President
Paul Finan
N4PRF
Yes
Treasurer
Amanda McKinnis
K4ASM
Yes
Michael Blackburn
KQ4DNM
Secretary
Wes Munn
KJ4FIG
Yes
Director (2 year term)
Steve Ross
W4LED
Yes
2 slots to be filled
Michael Blackburn
KQ4DNM
Yes
Noah Bergervin
W7RPX
Trustee
Robert Bogan
N2RB
Yes
Let’s make this year’s election a strong showing of member participation and club spirit. See you at ETV on November 3rd!
73, CARC
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/%f0%9f%93%a1-columbia-amateur-radio-club-elections-november-3-2025/
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18 🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia, SC at Shelter 2 by the Ball Field
Join the Columbia Amateur Radio Club (CARC) for a fun and relaxing day in the park at our Ham & Eggs outside gathering this Saturday!
We’ll kick off the day with a lite breakfast provided by the club, so come hungry and ready to enjoy food and great company.
Bring your ham radio gear, set up your portable station, and spend the day operating and experimenting in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the hobby, this is a fantastic opportunity to:
Test your portable setup
Participate in a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation
Get hands-on help and advice from friendly Elmers
Meet fellow hams and share ideas
Demonstrations:
MMDVM Hotspots Featuring DMR, D-Star, Fusion, and more
Allstar Nodes featuring Radioless, UHF, and VHF nodes
SSTV
Digital Modes featuring FT8, Keyboard to Keyboard Chatting/QSOs with JSCall, and VaraAC
QRP Radios and QSOs around the world
Alternative OPs featuring Meshtastic, Rattlegram, Zello, and Signal
Foxhunting – Getting Started
This is a casual, family-friendly event — come and go as you please throughout the day. Please watch this post for weather updates or new info as we get closer to Saturday.
Reminder also that if you have a SC State Park pass bring it with you. You will be responsible for the entry fee into the park. More info on the cost can be found here at-https://southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui
Please bring your own chairs and any other equipment you made need to operate.
Have questions? Join our CARC planning call Wednesday 10/15/25 at 7pm via google meet. Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tsa-wgvn-hwv
We will be monitoring the CARC Simplex frequency (146.400) if you need directions for parking and finding the shelter.
📻 Let’s fill the airwaves from Sesqui and make some contacts!
73, Columbia Amateur Radio Club
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/%f0%9f%a5%93%f0%9f%a5%9a-carc-ham-eggs-at-sesqui-state-park-this-saturday/
