Below are some pictures from the different check point (CP) stations.
CP 13- Paul N4PRF & Adam W4AEL
CP 9- Joe K04WAA
CP 3- John W4SFX & Caden W3DEA
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.
W4CAE in Your Pocket: Setting Up AllStar on Your Smartphone
“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…
Important Club Events and Updates!
Important meeting and event details.
Hi everyone,
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.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
Best regards, Jim
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/harbison-2025-50k-race-photos/
January 2025 CARC Monthly Club Meeting: Meet KM6LYW: Innovator Behind DigiPi
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!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85333006112?pwd=SIMA5UTJzYEEf1RPh8rfmIjWbyZMzP.1
Meeting ID: 853 3300 6112
Passcode: 132652
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/january-2025-carc-monthly-club-meeting-meet-km6lyw-innovator-behind-digipi/
(tr)uSDX
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/
12v UPS for Mini PC
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/
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 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/
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®
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/12340-2/
2024 SCQSO Party Results
A special thank you to all who participated! Fantastic results!
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/2024-scqso-party-results/