Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
April 1, 2026
It’s Election Time!
Once again, it’s election season for the MARS Board of Directors. Fortunately, there will be no annoying TV ads, no primaries, no debates, and no yard signs.
Four Officer positions and one Director seat are up for grabs. Any MARS member in good standing who is 21 years old and has been an active member for the last 12 months is eligible to serve. If you wish to run for a position, nominate a willing ham, or want to know more about serving in a MARS leadership role, please send an email to nominations@KB5A.org. Meanwhile, review our By-Laws for a brief job description of each office.
Sign up for TSPOTA
Beach front property has been reserved for MARS’ activation of the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park on April 18. We will be operating under the club call, KB5A, from pavilion № 2.
Come prepared for April weather; hot sun, rain, wind, cold, who knows? Sign up on the EVENTS page for lunch and dinner, and let us know you’re coming. Remember there is a $7 per person admission fee at the entrance to the park entrance.
Planning for Field Day
The ARRL Field Day will be June 27 and 28. It may seem a little early, but there are things you can do now to get ready:
• Review your notes from last year. What equipment needs to be repaired or reworked before Field Day?
• Practice your operating skills during TSPOTA on April 18 at Ray Roberts Lake—coming up soon!
• Get out the manual for your rig and read how to use the knobs, buttons, switches and menus you’ve never touched.
• Install the N3FJP Field Day Logging software onto your computer and learn how to use it.
• Setup your rig and favorite portable antenna in your backyard or at Duck Duck Goose Park for an afternoon of operating time in nice weather.
• Send an email to FieldDay@kb5a.org and volunteer to be a member of the Field Day planning committee.
• Send an email to FieldDay@kb5a.org and volunteer to fill one of the many leadership positions. All positions are open: Marshal, Deputy Marshal, Antenna Farmer, Operating Room Organizer, Registrar, Publicist, all Station Lead positions, Satellite Lassoer, GOTA Coach, Winlinker, FT8 Shooter, Bonus Points Lead, Chef, Network Guru, Log Manager, Safety Officer, Rules Specialist, whatever you want to do. We’ll show you how to do it.
Here’s your chance to get in on the action early and do something different and exciting. Save the dates: June 27 and 28. Get ready for Radio Playtime fun during Field Day.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 PM
Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, will talk about contesting with N1MM logging software.
You’ll find more details on the EVENTS page.
License Testing
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, will have an in-person test session on the third
Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Check the EVENTS page for details. Allan continues to offer remote testing sessions as well. Please visit https://wb5qng.org/ to learn how to sign up.
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
April 12, 2026, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
April 19, 2026, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
Happy Birthday!
This radio pioneer was born on April 25. He grew up to win a
Nobel Prize.
Donate to MARS
Support MARS When You Shop
A percentage of your purchases can be donated when you visit Tom Thumb, or Kroger at no extra cost to you. Please go to the SUPPORT page to learn how.
“ARES®” and “Amateur Radio Emergency Service®” are registered service marks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.