Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
Archives
Updated July 19, 2015
Dale, KB5NFT, Seth, AF5YN, and Steve, KD5YPB MESH around during Play Day,
May 16, 2015
MESH Networking for Hams
Dale Finley, KB5NFT, enthusiastically enlightened members about MESH networking and Broadband-Hamnet™ at the May 14 meeting. Dale brought his equipment to the May 16 Play Day to show how it works.
This system is a high speed, self discovering, self configuring, fault tolerant, wireless computer network that can be deployed as an amateur radio broadband communications system. It is yet another tool hams can offer “when all else fails.” You can download (right/ctrl-click; save as) Dale’s presentation [PPSX] here. More info on the web at http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/
Gordo rocks the house
Gordon West, WB6NOA, host of Ham Nation on TWiT TV, author of countless ham and commercial licensing study materials, and all-around RF guru, visited our April 9 meeting via Skype. As always, Gordo entertained and enlightened old and new hams with his 60+ years of experience and advice.
Thanks go to David Gilpin, K5GIL, for the loan of his computer, projector and hot spot, and to Bill Krueger, AE5BK, for the suggestion.
Click the link below and select “download” for an audio recording (30MB) of his presentation.
Texas State Parks On The Air a fine success
On Saturday, April 4, thirteen MARS hams met at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park. The official objective was to have competing stations operating from and contacting as many of Texas’ ninety-nine state parks as possible. The actual goal was to get together, play with radios and enjoy the food.
The log revealed 23 QSOs including 7 Texas State Parks. As always, it’s the quality and not the quantity that matters.
Special thanks go to Steve Darrah, KD5YPB, for organizing the event, and to Dale Hiatt, KC5MAY, for feeding us. You can go here to see more pictures.
Choosing your first HF radio
At the March 12, 2015 meeting, seasoned ham Tom Yenny, K5LOL, offered excellent advice about features to look for in your first HF rig. Members found his comments valuable for both old and new hams. You can download Tom’s presentation here.
The Dallas County Medical Reserve Corps recognized Andy Parcel, KE5KOF, for his success in recruiting volunteer amateur radio operators for the MRC. The award was presented Friday, April 17, at their Volunteer Recognition dinner.