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!
Greetings, everyone; here is a new form to simplify your November 2023 Elections nominating process. Click the link below to submit your nominations!
Nominations so far:
President – Jim Lathan
VP – Tedd Clayton
Sec – Dan Cunningham
Treasurer – Amanda McKinnis
Trustee – Stan Slaughter
Director nominees
Steve Ross
Clif Conti
Ed Samsen
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/november-2023-carc-election-nominations/
Lake Murray Ride of Champions Charity Bike Ride
The Columbia Amateur Radio Club will be conducting a Route Survey in preparation for an upcoming event.
If you would like to assist OR learn how to conduct a Route Survey, please note the following:
When: Saturday, Oct 28th 10am
Where: Blowfish Stadium (Lexington) 474 Ball Park Rd, Lexington, SC 29072
What: Bring an HT and/or mobile rig and/or field rig preprogrammed to the Little Mountain repeater
147.210 +6mHz Tone 156.7
We will be meeting to discuss the route and to assign volunteers to the specific rest stops.
The goal is to confirm the best frequency for covering the area where the 3 routes will be followed.
Please consider joining us to conduct the route survey and have some fun with other operators!
Thanks and 73!
N4TAL
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/lake-murray-ride-of-champions-support/
The club roster is now updated and posted at https://w4cae.com/6699-2/.
Take time to verify your status, if you have any questions contact Jim Lathan at jim.lathan@gmail.com, if you need to pay your club dues, followhttps://w4cae.com/become-a-member/ and select pay dues near the bottom of the page.
Thank you
Jim Lathan, W4JLP
CARC President
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/columbia-amateur-radio-club-roster-october-1-2023-posted/
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/iss-sstv-hardware-testing-this-week/
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.
Topics: This month’s breakfast gathering topic will be Show and Tell. Bring an item you would like to tell us about; Ham related or not, and show us what you are interested in or have been working on. W4JLP will bring field power options to include batteries, battery boxes, and solar panels.
TIME: 9:00 am – 11:00am
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/
For more information, contact Jim W4JLP @ 803-669-6135
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/october-hams-and-eggs-10-21-2023-show-and-tell/
The October 2nd guest presenter is Matt Hall, KD4EOD, Trustee of W4FTK. Matt will cover FleetTalk, both the amateur side and the commercial side. He’s preparing a presentation and will bring some cool gadgets to show the group. He’s driving down from York County to make this presentation IN PERSON.
FleetTalk – W4FTK Presentation posted in Presentations.
Also, for the October 2 club meeting, Joe Wilson, KO4WAA, Richland ARES EC, has been actively promoting getting folks – especially ARES guys – involved with simplex, especially regarding emergency communications. Joe has a good plan that he wants to share with the club.
Other topics:
147.330 – Repeater Replacement Discussion
Club officer elections are scheduled for November 6, and there is a need for nominees.
Christmas plans – Planning Committee
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83449661381?pwd=OUhFMWQ4STFtZTk3VGNyOVF4VE5QUT09
Meeting ID: 834 4966 1381
Passcode: 823770
—
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,83449661381#,,,,*823770# US
+13092053325,,83449661381#,,,,*823770# US
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/carc-october-club-meeting/
September 16, 2023 Hams and Eggs will discuss the Who, the What, and the Why of Zello and Hamshack Holine. Don’t miss this special hands-on workshop and demonstration.
After Hams and Eggs, we will QSL to Sesquicentennial State Park Group Camping Area Site 2 for POTA. Bring your gear to activate or activate using radios there. Be your own DXpedition!
Permanent link to this article: https://w4cae.com/september-hams-and-eggs-zello-and-hamshack-hotline-workshops-followed-by-support-your-state-parks-pota/
