An action-packed April

This is the busy season for ham radio! The spring always brings many opportunities for radio amateurs to exercise their equipment and showcase their skills.

Here's a look at everything coming up:

Saturday, April 1: Our annual CARC Swapfest. 8 a.m. - noon. Be advised the location has changed! This year we are meeting in the Kmart parking lot located at 7325 Two Notch Road near Decker Boulevard. Admission and parking are free, bring your own tables and chairs, "trash, treasure and cash." There will be no power hookups this year for equipment testing, so plan accordingly. Hardee's is across the street for biscuits, coffee, and bathrooms. We will be joined by the Columbia Fire Department and a K9 team as well!
Monday, April 4: CARC monthly meeting. 7 p.m., SCETV, 1101 George Rogers Blvd Columbia. All parties interest in the amateur radio hobby are welcome to attend. Membership is not required to attend meetings. Be sure to join us for the "Eat Before We Meet" around 5 p.m. at the Carolina Ale House in the Vista.
Saturday, April 8: The Georgia QSO Party. The club is encouraging individual participation. Learn more and check out the rules at georgiaqsoparty.org.
April 14 - April 21: PTSD Challenge. This event is a 175-mile river challenge for 22 combat vets. To assist with this event, please contact Susan Benesh, KK4DGM, at exitjustahead@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 15: Ridge Club Tailgate. 9 a.m – until whenever, 358 East Columbia Ave. (Highway 1), Leesville. Free admission, Free parking, Free booths. No power outlets are on-site. Shealy’s BBQ is across the street for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and bathrooms.
Saturday, April 22: MS Walk. 9 a.m. pre-event meeting, 10 a.m. start at Riverfront Park. This is a half-day easy event to work as community service. We need five operators.
Saturday, April 29: Mini-Maker Faire. 8 a.m. setup, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Adventure, 211 Gervais St. All-day event. Admission fee for adults and children who are not working a booth. Volunteers needed to work this event.

As you can see, there is a lot happening and something for everyone, whether you enjoy contesting, public service, or just having fun with fellow hams. As always, be sure to share this e-mail with new hams and folks who may be considering the hobby!

Thanks to Tammy, N4TAL for keeping us all up-to-date on events coming up!

Forward

COOP & SKYWARN Open House Day Saturday April 22

This is not a public event. It’s only for Ham Radio Operators involved or interested in SKYWARN, our Cooperative Weather Observers, and their families.

Where & When: 8 a.m to 3 p.m. EST. NWS Forecast Office Columbia, SC 2909 Aviation Way, W. Columbia, SC 29170 (We are at the CAE Airport)
Special Event Radio Station WX4CAE – operational the entire day.
8 – 10 AM: SKYWARN Spotter Class.
10 – 11 AM: Introductory SKYWARN Net Control Orientation.
11 AM – 1 PM: Lunch and office visit.
1 – 2 PM: History & Future of the COOP Observing Program.

Please RSVP to Doug Anderson, W4NWS: caewx@noaa.gov, (803) 822-8133. Let us know if you’d like to operate the ham station, and if you are bringing any equipment or antennas to set up.

April net control schedule

April 2: KB4IAN
April 5: N4BQQ
April 9: KI4VGA
April 12: KM4VSW
April 16: K9DBC
April 19: KI4LKG
April 23: KG4KOW
April 26: KM4DRP
April 30: N3MME

Interested in becoming a net controller for our twice-weekly radio nets? Contact CARC Net Manager Gary Anderson, K4HGA.

Nets are held Sunday and Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. EST on the 147.330 repeater.

Learn more about our weekly net on our website: w4cae.com/area-nets/carc-net-schedule/