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.
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.
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:
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:
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!
More details to come!
This little radio was shown at the November 4th club meeting by Jim Lathan W4JLP.
It can be purchased as a kit ~$90.00 or a ready to operate ~$140.00. Make sure to order via the official suppliers list here. You will receive a serial number with an official kit/radio and need the serial number to download future firmware upgrades.
Here is the main website for the radio and more information. https://dl2man.de/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/trusdx/
Mike- N7ETA
A few years ago, I decided to upgrade my PC. In researching, I found a mini fan-less PC that runs on a 12v wall wart. After researching my software wouldn’t have any issues I purchased and installed the software I use.
The only issue I had was that even with my off the shelf UPS system the PC would reboot during bad weather. I investigated and found the wall wart was susceptible to power line transits.I thought about using one of my ham radio power supplies, which I thought was way over kill.
Searching the internet I found that battery operation was preferable. But then again it was much more than I needed. Then on “YouTube” I found them using an oversize AA with a voltage of 3.7v. This is actually called a 18650 cell as the designated size. What was impressive was the different capacities viable on “Amazon”. These cost from $2.25 in multiples and capacities from 2000mah to 9900mah
More research indicated I could build a DIY UPS with no switching time and a fairly large run time. Since the most time I have been without power has been less than 1 hour. So I sat down and worked out a wiring diagram. The schematics program I use is called “Fritzing”. Here is a link to the webpage for the software. https://fritzing.org/
Here is the parts list, cost supplier.
| 12v 18650 UPS BOM | |||||
| QTY | Label | Part Type | Unit | Part Number | Supplier |
| 1 | Case | Enclosure | $18.99 | Blue Metal Enclosure.7 x 4.33 x 3.1 inch | Amazon |
| 1 | 120vac to 12vdc | S-350-60 Power Supply | $12.98 | 12v @ 5amp | Amazon |
| 1 | 5.15V Out | Generic female header – 2 pins | $1.44 | Terminal Binding Post Spring Clip 2-Way | Amazon |
| 1 | AC1 | AC Power | $1.83 | Inlet Module Plug Socket Power Entry | Amazon |
| 3 | Bat1 | 18650 Battery | $5.97 | 3.7v @ 9900ma | Amazon |
| 1 | C1 | Electrolytic Capacitor | $0.35 | 470uf | Amazon |
| 1 | D1 | Rectifier Diode | $0.05 | 1N4007 | Amazon |
| 1 | DS2Y-5-DC5V1 | DS2Y-12-DC12V | $1.00 | HK19F-DC 5V-SHG Signal Relay | Amazon |
| 1 | LED1 | LED | $0.04 | 3mm Green (570nm) | Amazon |
| 1 | R1 | Resistor | $0.05 | 470kΩ | Amazon |
| 1 | S1 | Push-button | $0.53 | Momentary (NO) | Amazon |
| 1 | TP1 | BMS Li-ion Charger | $0.64 | 3S 12V 10A 18650 Lithium Battery Protection Board | Amazon |
| 1 | U1 | Buck converter | $3.24 | Mini-360 Step-up DC-DC | Amazon |
| 1 | VM1 | Voltmeter | $2.16 | 3 digit LED (2 wire) | Amazon |
| Total | $49.27 | ||||
Here are a couple of pictures of the finished unit.
The Future-
Since I also operate a couple of Raspberry Pi’s 24/7, I am refining the schematic with a couple of changes and will build one for 5v.
Mike- N7ETA (Extra Terrestrial Amateur)
Do you have a project you would like to share on our webpage?
If so please send a brief write-up with info, pictures and any other information to the webmaster, John W4SFX at jkiselica@gmail.com
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12v-ups-for-mini-pc/
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 wrn.feedback@noaa.gov. You can also find WRN on X (previously Twitter) @WRNAmbassadors.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-is-now-a-weather-ready-nation-ambassador/
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®
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12340-2/
A special thank you to all who participated! Fantastic results!
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/2024-scqso-party-results/
This program is designed to promote amateur radio to the masses, helping eliminate a possible entry barrier by providing new hams with everything they’ll need to get on the air at a very reasonable price. Jumpstart Packages will be provided to new hams who meet eligibility requirements.
New hams who have recently obtained their first license from the FCC may apply for a welcome package. Applicants must apply within six months of the license grant date per the FCC records.
The eligible ham must have a QRZ user account and be able to log in and apply for the program. Certain types of identification, including a photo ID, will be required. This information is not shared or exchanged with any party and is used only to validate eligibility under this program. Additional shipping charges may apply when shipped outside of the contiguous 48 states.
This program is available exclusively to USA-licensed amateur radio operators.
Click the link to apply: QRZ New Ham Jumpstart Program
Check out the contents of the Jumpstart package in this unboxing video:
Terms and Conditions apply; click here for details.
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/qrz-new-ham-jumpstart-program/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/scqso-party-things-to-know-get-ready/
