Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society

Board Appoints Interim Secretary

January 12, 2021

  As previously announced, Dave Lane, N5GDL, stepped down as Secretary on January 1. According to Article 10.10(c)(iii) of the By-Laws, the Board appointed Mike Brown, W5MDB, to fill Dave’s term through June.

  Dave has invested countless hours as Secretary since 2018. He helps engineer and maintain Club repeaters and will be continue to be involved in future projects. MARS sends its appreciation for all of his good work.

Hams Help SWL Get Running

December 17, 2020

  Jim Taylor used to be an accomplished woodworker. Like a lot of us, advancing age made him give up that hobby. His wife Barbara suggested he get back into shortwave listening (SWL) that he enjoyed years ago. Accordingly, his Christmas present was a new state-of-the-art Icom IC-R8600 receiver. But he had no suitable antenna.

  He got little help from commercial electricians or local technology stores. As luck would have it, Jim’s HVAC contractor put him in contact with David Gilpin, K5GIL. David was more than happy to organize an antenna party.

  Together with Ron Reeves, NN5R, and Steve Darrah, KD5YPB, David scouted the site and determined a long wire, a 9:1 balun and RG-8 coax would do the trick. Along with Liz Brown, K5EMB and Mike Brown, W5MDB, the gang descended on Jim’s QTH to string the aerial.

  Since most everyone on the team was “ladder-challenged” Ron volunteered to be the designated climber and braved the evil mountain cedar hay fever to attach mounting points high on the roof. Following Steve’s designs, Ron successfully raised the antenna. A few hours later Jim and Barbara were enjoying distant signals on his all-band radio.

  David thanked all on the team and said, “I believe that spreading joy and happiness is a huge part of what Christmas is all about—sharing our gifts with others.”

Radio Resolutions for the Entire Year

—Ron Reeves, NN5R

  It’s that time of year again. Time for New Year’s Resolutions—the first-of-the-year promises you make to yourself that are long forgotten by February. To get your creative juices flowing, how about this Ham Radio Resolution: The State QSO Party Challenge. It’s a year-long QSO event with the ultimate goal of working all the State QSO Parties in one year. Check out their website www.stateqsoparty.com.

  If that seems a bit over-the-top, how about just 13 resolutions—one for every month and a spare.

» January – Work Winter Field Day

» February – Attend Storm Spotter School ....

Please go here to gather all the resolutions.

N5KRG Reviews the Xiegu X6100 QRP Radio

January 4, 2022

Kevin Grantham, N5KRG, takes the new QRP rig from Xiegu into the field for a thorough shakedown.

Please go here to read the whole story.

Lee Norup K5WXR SK

  MARS has lost another member with the passing of Lee Norup, K5WXR. Lee was active in the Club for many years and held a Technician license. He was also active with ARRL, ARES®, the Denton County Amateur Radio Club (DCARA), the Lake Area Amateur Radio Klub (LAARK), and the Lewisville Amateur Radio Association (LARA). Lee was a past host of “Digitally Speaking,” a Sunday night net on the DCARA repeater.

  MARS sends our condolences to Lee’s wife Lori, and to the rest of his family.

Glen Warnstaff K5CPD SK

  We are saddened to report that Melvyn G. “Glen” Warnstaff, K5CPD, passed away December 16, 2021, at the age of 82. Glen was first licensed in 1955 and held an Amateur Extra. He was a long-time member of MARS and had served as Secretary and Treasurer. He was active in several groups such as RACES and ARES and had served as ARRL North Texas Assistant Section Manager.

  After serving in the military as a microwave communications technician, Glen worked for Texas Instruments and Collins Radio. He later earned an MBA and became an IRS Enrolled Agent. As such he helped radio clubs become 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

  MARS offers our deepest condolences to his wife Joyce, and to the rest of Glen’s family.

Thursday, February 10, 2022 •  7:00 PM

The meeting will be virtual via Zoom. More information to come!

Play Days are usually on the third Saturday of each month.

The next Play Day is February 19, 2022.

​Please go to the EVENTS page for the details.

Carrollton Josey Ranch Lake Library

1700 Keller Springs Road

License Testing

Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, continues to offer remote testing sessions. Please visit https://wb5qng.org/ to find out all the details and how to sign up.

1st, 4th, and 5th Thursdays 7:00 PM CT

145.210 Repeater

Next scheduled nets

ARES® Training

13 February 2022, 8:00 PM CT

145.210 Tone 110.9

​RACES Training

20 February, 2022, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9

Please go to the ARES/RACES PAGE for more information.

The group meets by Zoom Thursdays (except 2nd) at 8:00 PM CT.

If you wish to join, send your name, call sign, and your club name (if applicable), to ke5kof450@gmail.com. Beat the FCC license fee—get your Extra soon! Good luck to the new candidates!

Way Back When in January

Beam me up!

Support MARS When You Shop

A percentage of your purchases can be donated when you visit Amazon, Tom Thumb, or Kroger at no extra cost to you. Please go to the SUPPORT page to learn how.