News
May 15, 2024
Ballots in the Box
MARS annual election of officers is underway and voting members will soon have their ballots in their mailboxes. There is only one contested office but please mark your choice and return it to arrive not later than 12 noon, Thursday June 13
The Nominating Committee will tally the votes and announce the results at the meeting that starts at 7:00. If you aren’t able to mail your ballot, please bring it to the meeting. Go now to the EVENTS page for more information.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, June 13, 2024 • 7:00 PM
The Nominating Committee will count the ballots for the election of Officers.
Go to the EVENTS page for more details.
Sell Your Stuff
MARS is hosting 3 tables at to sell some club-owned items at this year’s DFW Ham Expo starting June 14. If you have surplus equipment you want to sell, you are welcome to bring it for the Club to sell on consignment.
We will be at the event from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Friday and 9:00 AM Saturday until closing around 3:00 PM.
There is paperwork involved. Go over the EVENTS page to learn all about it.
Field Day Plans Coming Together
ARRL ARRL Field Day 2024 just a few weeks away. There’s plenty of time to get your gear in gear for Field Day. Marshal Ron Reeves, NN5R, has outlined a weekend of adventure and high fun for June 22–23. This year we’ll be at the Farmers Branch Fire Station № 2, 13333 Alpha Link in Farmers Branch.
We have plenty of room for antennas and we can work through the night as class 3A. If the weather holds, we even can set up a station outside. This is not a one-day deal! And there will be food.
Of course, Field Day takes many volunteer heads and hands to set up and wrap, act as department leads, and work the bands. There are many opportunities to help make this event a success. Please go to HERE to download Ron’s complete report.
If you have questions or want to volunteer, please shoot an email to FieldDay@KB5A.org. Meanwhile, go to the signup page register and monitor the EVENTS page for updates.
MFJ to Shutter Factory
Martin F Jue, K5FLU, founder and owner of MFJ Enterprises announced on April 25 that the manufacturing plant in Starkville, Mississippi will close on May 17, 2024. This affects the sister companies, Ameritron, Hygain, Cushcraft, Mirage and Vectronics as well. MFJ’s innovative products are ubiquitous in many if not most amateur radio shacks.
Martin founded the iconic company in 1972. The economic impact of Covid and his own desire to retire at age 80 were the driving forces behind this decision. The company will continue to sell remaining stock and offer repair and warranty services for the near future.
MFJ will certainly be missed and MARS wishes Martin well. Please go to https://mailchi.mp/62e24f2ccc99/a-heavy-sad-heart to read his announcement.
Play Day
Due to ARRL Field Day June 22-23, there will be no Play Day in June. The next Play Day will be the third Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Visit the EVENTS page for more details.
License Testing
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, will have an in-person test session on the third Saturday July 20 at the Library. 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.
Brass Pounder
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
June 9, 2024, 8:00 PM CDT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
May 19, 2024, 7:45 PM CDT
145.210 Tone 110.9
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.