Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
Archives
Updated July 1, 2024
MARS Chooses New Board of Directors
MARS Board of Directors for 2024-25 (L-R): Dave Lane, N5GDL, Director; George Williams, KG5GXU, Vice-President; Liz Brown, K5EMB, Treasurer; Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, Director; Mike Brown, W5MDB, Secretary; Darrell Crimmins, KG5E, Director; Andrew Smolenski, KI5YLX, President; David Gilpin, K5GIL, Immediate Past President.
At the June 13 meeting, MARS Members elected a new Board of Directors for 2024–25: Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, and George Williams, KG5GXU, will be our new President and Vice-President respectively. Mike Brown, W5MDB, returns as Secretary and Liz Brown, K5EMB, returns as Treasurer. Dave Lane, N5GDL, was elected as Director and Darrell Crimmins, KG5E, returns as Director for another term. Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, continues his unexpired term as Director.
Many thanks go to Daryl DeVault, KE5SAB, James Jernigan, KG5WVL, and Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX for serving on the Nominating Committee, and thanks as well to Ron Reeves, NN5R, for helping count the votes.
Of course, we thank David Gilpin, K5GIL, for leading our Club for the past four years. David will now serve on the Board as Immediate Past President.
The new Board will take office on July 1. Congratulations to all.
QRP Addiction
Kevin Grantham, N5KRG, captivated hams attending the May 9, 2024, MARS meeting with his adventures in QRP. [QRP in ham-speak means “Reduce power.” or “Should I reduce power?”] Kevin brought a sampling of his favorite QRP rigs, talked about their pros and cons and had high praise of operating using only 5 watts or less. Check out the video of his presentation.
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.