Digital Operations

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

Winlink for Emergency Communications: Beginners Workshop

https://winlink.org/

Wait what? Last month’s Ham and Eggs attendees received a USB key packed with tools and software for Winlink, JS8Call, and VARAChat. Perfect timing, there is training posted at ARES-SC.org that will take you through Winlink A-Z. More details are below: 

NOTE: This is will a late evening event, it is posted to be a 7 pm PST time, making it 10 pm for the east coast.

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COLUMBIA SKYWARN STORM SPOTTERS TEAM

Midlands Skywarn Newsletter Sign-up

The Columbia SKYWARN Team assists the Columbia National Weather Service with Ground-Truth weather observations during severe or dangerous weather. The Columbia NWS forecast area covers much of South Carolina and is divided into August/CSRA, Midlands, and Eastern Midlands.

The Columbia SKYWARM Team holds NETS and Virtual Training/Meetings weekly and monthly. More Information can be found at the Columbia Amateur Radio Club Calendar

Important Links:

Founded in the 1970s, the information provided by SKYWARN Spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite, and other data, has enabled the NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.  SKYWARN Storm Spotters form the nation’s first line of defense against severe weather minutes that can help save lives.

In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damage.  The National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN with partner organizations to obtain critical weather information.  SKYWARN is a volunteer program with 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather Spotters.  These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.  Although SKYWARN Spotters provide essential information for all weather hazards, the focus is reporting on severe local thunderstorms.  In an average year, the United States experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, and more than 1,000 tornadoes.  (Information courtesy of the Columbia NWS)

Interested in learning more, have questions, or want to sign up for training-Newsletter-meetings?

Use the orange form at the bottom of the page to contact us, or visit the Columbia NWS at https://www.weather.gov/cae/skywarn.html

Community Emergency Response Team Training

Community Emergency Response Team – CERT Training – STARTING Tuesday, October 10 at 6 PM at the Richland County EOC.

This is the 20-hour Community Emergency Response Team Class. This training is scheduled for three consecutive Tuesdays & Thursdays in October. We have openings and need additional participants to register with Sharon Long by the close of business on Wednesday, October 4, to avoid canceling this training.

Link for the schedule: CERT October 2023  Link for the application: COMMUNICATIONS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM APPLICATION FORM

For more information, Contact Mark Goddard @ [email protected]

ARRL Special Service Club Award

Congratulations! The SSC status has been approved for the Columbia Amateur Radio Club, W4CAE.

Thank you for being so supportive of amateur radio.

Sincerely,
Mike Walters, W8ZY
Field Services Manager
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®

Columbia Amateur Radio Club is now a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador!

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is now a Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador.

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club is excited to collaborate with NOAA/NWS to help strengthen our nation’s readiness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. If you would like more information, please visit the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador Frequently Asked Questions. And if you need any additional information, email WRN anytime at [email protected]. You can also find WRN on X (previously Twitter) @WRNAmbassadors.

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CARC ARRL Field Day Summary

Greeting all, CARC submitted the following ARRL Field Day Log:

Summary:

Entry received at: 2023-07-18 01:34:20

Call Used: W4CAE     GOTA Station Call: K4TLC     ARRL/RAC Section: SC     Class: 8A

Participants: 34     Club/Group Name: Columbia Amateur Radio Club

Power Source(s): Generator, Battery, Solar

Power Multiplier: 2X

Preliminary Total Score: 1,886 – (Additional 400 points pending bonus documentation)

Bonus Points:
  100% emergency power                            800
  Media Publicity                                 100 – Pending documentation
  Public location                                 100
  Public information table                        100 – Pending documentation
  W1AW Field Day message                          100 – Pending documentation
  Site visit by invited elected official          100
  Site visit by invited served agency             100
  Educational activity                            100
  Youth participation (3 x 20, max of 100)         60
  Safety Officer 100 – Pending documentation
  Social media                                    100
  GOTA Station                                     20
  GOTA Coach                                      100
  Entry submitted via Web 50
Total bonus points                              1,930

Score Summary: (Cabrillo log/dupe sheet file: W4CAE.dup)
                  CW  Digital  Phone  Total
   Total QSOs     72     10      14
 Total Points    144     20      14    178   Claimed Score = (QSO points x power mult) = 356

Submitted by: Jim Lathan, W4JLP   [email protected]

Band/Mode QSO Breakdown:
               CW          Digital      Phone
            QSOs Pwr(W)  QSOs Pwr(W)  QSOs Pwr(W)
      160m                                       
       80m                                       
       40m    17    50      8    35             
       20m    54    50                   6   100
       15m     1    50      2    35      3   100
       10m                               1   100
        6m                                       
        2m                                       
       222                                       
       432                                       
     Other                                       
 Satellite                                       
      GOTA                               4    50
     TOTAL    72           10           14

GOTA Bonus: GOTA Coach – 100 Bonus Points
Name/Call            QSOs  Bonus Points
Tedd Clayton, K4TLC    4        20

We await the final confirmation of documents supporting our claim for Bonus Points.

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-arrl-field-day-summary/

August Hams and Eggs Update!!!

UPDATE!!! We will not have access to Sesqui for Hams and Eggs; they are hosting Military Day, and all sites are booked. We will be meeting at a new venue; Lizards Thicket NE.

Join us for breakfast! Local friends and HAMS will meet every 3rd Saturday of the month for breakfast and fellowship. Meet with Friends, find an Elmer, ask questions, share your experiences, or discuss your next outing over breakfast.

TIME: 9:00 am 

Where: Lizard’s Thicket Restaurant, 10170 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29229, USA

NEW VENUE ANNOUCEMENT!

HAMS AND EGGS WILL NOW BE HOSTED AT LZARDS THICKET NE IN A PRIVATE ROOM. 

https://www.lizardsthicket.com/food-menus/breakfast/

Topics: SSTV Hands-On Demonstration, October Elmer Day, Open Topics


For more information, contact Jim W4JLP @ 803-669-6135

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/august-hams-and-eggs/

September Meeting Agenda: Proposed Columbia Amateur Radio Club By-Laws Adoption

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club formed a committee to review the Club’s current Bylaws and recommend any edits/changes/additions to modernize the Club Bylaws. During the August 2023 Club General Meeting, these Bylaw recommendations were presented for Club consideration. I ask all club members to review the recommended Revised Club Bylaws and be prepared to discuss them in an open forum at the September meeting. After the Open Discussion, there will be an open vote to adopt the revised Bylaws.

Important Note: Zoom attendees who are current members are encouraged to participate and vote!

Zoom Meeting Details:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88960505814?pwd=N3RVTXlGVzErWlpEKzd3eDIxa1BqUT09

Meeting ID: 889 6050 5814
Passcode: 974895

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,88960505814#,,,,*974895# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,88960505814#,,,,*974895# US

Access Bylaws for review:

Click to access 2023-Revised-ByLaws-V3.pdf

Current By-Law for reference.

Constitution & Bylaws

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/proposed-columbia-amateur-radio-club-by-laws/

CARC August Meeting Details

Greetings, everyone! This month we will have an in-person Skywarn training/presentation.

A Skywarn presentation is an educational session to inform and train individuals about the Skywarn program and its role in severe weather reporting and response. The presentation is typically conducted by representatives from the National Weather Service (NWS) or trained volunteers who know the program.

During a Skywarn presentation, participants can expect to learn the following key points:

  1. Introduction to Skywarn: The presentation starts with an overview of the Skywarn program, its history, and its importance in enhancing public safety during severe weather events.
  2. Weather Spotter Training: Participants receive training on becoming effective weather spotters. This includes learning about severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds.
  3. Identifying Severe Weather: The presentation includes guidance on how to identify and observe severe weather conditions, including cloud formations, visual cues, and other signs of imminent weather hazards.
  4. Reporting Procedures: Participants are taught how to report severe weather observations to the NWS. This includes information on the different reporting methods, such as phone hotlines, websites, and social media channels.
  5. Safety Measures: Skywarn presentations emphasize the importance of safety while spotting severe weather. Participants are educated about safe observation practices and how to avoid putting themselves in harm’s way.
  6. Collaborating with NWS: The presentation explains how the information provided by Skywarn spotters is used by meteorologists at the NWS to issue accurate and timely severe weather warnings.
  7. Community Involvement: Attendees are encouraged to get involved in the Skywarn program and contribute to their community’s preparedness and safety during severe weather events.

Overall, a Skywarn presentation aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become active participants in the program, contributing to the overall goal of creating a weather-ready nation.

Following Skywarn training, we will present suggested CARC By-Law changes for Club consideration.

Zoom Details

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85161979965?pwd=azJzaWhFaWozNE51R0FvNFlWc1dnZz09

Meeting ID: 851 6197 9965
Passcode: 386573

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-august-meeting-details/

July 15th CARC POTA Experience Day

This month, hams and Eggs will meet at Sesqui Centennial State Park, Group Camping area. We will be there at 9 am Saturday, hosting a breakfast of biscuits, gravy, doughnuts, and coffee. This is a great time to test your gear, ask questions, and enjoy the fellowship outdoors. Like ARRL Field Day, when you check in at the gate, let them know you are there for the Radio Club Event in the Group Camping area.

We will monitor Club Repeater 147.330 if you have any questions or need directions. So, what to bring? You are welcome to bring your gear and setup, we have the entire area to ourselves, and there will be plenty of help if needed.

Activities

Parks on the Air: This is an excellent opportunity to activate the park; you only need ten contacts. We will have plenty of ways to get you on the air.

Bill W4SFV Clock Kit Build: Bill discussed his new little clock kit at the last club meeting. He will have kits available to buy and build at the event. The cost is $10 per clock.

Gear Testing: Great opportunity to test your radio, antenna, and portable power. We will have plenty of space for all who want to join.

Title: Exploring Nature’s Wonders through Parks on the Air (POTA)

In an increasingly digital world, it’s refreshing to find a hobby combining nature’s wonders with the art of radio communication. Parks on the Air (POTA) is a captivating activity that brings amateur radio operators out of their shacks and into the great outdoors. By setting up portable radio stations in parks, forests, and other natural areas, participants not only indulge in their passion for radio but also immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of Mother Nature.

POTA enthusiasts travel to designated parks with portable antennas, radios, and batteries. The objective? To establish radio contacts with fellow operators across the globe, exchanging signals and experiencing the thrill of communication through various bands and modes. Whether the crackle of Morse code echoing through the trees or the clarity of voice transmissions amidst breathtaking landscapes, POTA offers a unique fusion of technology and nature. It presents an opportunity for operators to challenge their skills in adapting to different environments, setting up efficient antennas in the wilderness, and overcoming the logistical hurdles of operating in remote areas.

Beyond the technical aspects, POTA is also about building connections and fostering a sense of community. As operators navigate national parks, wildlife reserves, and other public lands, they meet like-minded individuals who share their love for radio and the great outdoors. The POTA website serves as a central hub, listing designated parks and providing a platform for operators to log their contacts, track their progress, and engage in friendly competition. Through POTA, operators contribute to the preservation of natural areas and inspire others to explore and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

Conclusion:
Parks on the Air (POTA) is more than just a hobby; it’s a gateway to new experiences, adventures, and friendships. By combining the thrill of radio communication with the serenity of natural environments, POTA enthusiasts immerse themselves in an extraordinary blend of technology and nature. So, if you’re seeking a unique way to explore the world, connect with fellow radio enthusiasts, and contribute to preserving our precious parks, grab your radio gear and embark on a POTA adventure. The wilderness awaits!

We hope to see you all there!

Jim W4JLP

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/july-15th-carc-pota-experience-day/

CARC July Club Meeting

Greetings all! In this months Club meeting we will have a guest speaker, John P Gendron, NJ4Z, ARRL Section Manager, South Carolina. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask ARRL leadership questions and hear what is in store for the future of ARRL.

Zoom meeting details are below if you can’t attend the in-person meeting!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877095357?pwd=ZlRjUk9WSkdreWV3UEtISjd2ZFZVZz09

Meeting ID: 828 7709 5357
Passcode: 705215

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Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-july-club-meeting/

June 17th Hams and Egg!

Reminder! Tonight is the CARC Events planning call, if you are planning to attend CARC’s ARRL Field Day event please join so you will be in the know! Also, a reminder that Hams and Eggs is this Saturday, see calendar for details. We will be going to Sesquicentennial State Park right after Hams and Eggs for a POTA Experience and to test AREDN Mesh Networking! This is a great time to ask questions and learn more about POTA and AREDN Mesh Networking.

Safety and Antenna Placement – Gary Hester, W4GWH
I will be at Sesquicentennial State Park’s primitive area Saturday morning and can assist with your antenna placement and installation if needed. Since RF Exposure calculations have been required since early May, I would ask that you bring a copy either paper or digital. I will have flags and caution tape to mark off any restricted areas. Also, please be aware that there is a power line running across Site 4 to Site 1. There are a few dead or dying trees that I will have marked so watch out for falling branches when placing your antenna and/or tent if camping overnight. I will be available on the Club’s simplex frequency of 146.400 if you need to reach me.

Meal Planning and Preparations – Jean Covey and Charles McKinnis
At 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 24th, we will take a little break from Field Day Activities for dinner.  Charles McKinnis has graciously offered to grill our main course, grilled chicken.  We are asking those who attend to bring a side dish or dessert to share.  We will have limited ability to heat cold dishes, but, for those coming after 5 PM, we will be able to keep hot dishes warm until dinner.  We want to make a list of foods being brought, so if you would please email Jean Covey at [email protected] with what you will be bringing it would be very helpful.
Thank you.

GOTA – Get on the Air
We will have a GOTA station setup and need to have a few volunteers operate the station during the day. The GOTA station will be active starting at 2:00 pm until late evening. Please stop by the GOTA station if you can spare 30 minutes to an hour. Join the Planning call to learn more about GOTA!

Planning Call Information

Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/june-17th-hams-and-egg/