Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
Archives
Updated December 16, 2015
Signals at the Switchyard
7 November 2015
MARS and Carrollton-Farmers Branch-Addison ARES/RACES again participated in this year’s Festival at the Switchyard in old downtown Carrollton. Hams converged to show off amateur radio. We had three stations demonstrating Winlink, PSK and CW.
Event leader Steve Darrah, KD5YPB, noted, “Of the three years we’ve participated, this was the best so far. I think we did a great job showing off the hobby.”
Back for its second year, was the “Kid Code Key.” Hopeful hams translated their names into Morse code and sent them using the scratch-built sounder. Arnold Krusemark, K0YVI, Daryl DeVault, KE5SAB, Van Kozak, AG5VK, and Liz Brown, K5EMB, guided the novice operators through the process.
David Little, AF5U, worked CW with his solar-powered QRP station, Steve Darrah, KD5YPB, demonstrated messaging via Winlink, and Mike Brown, W5MDB, ran the PSK station.
Andy Parcel, KE5KOF, loaned his frequency-agile CrankIR vertical, Liz Brown, K5EMB, opened the literature table, David Gilpin, K5GIL, brought his 10m “painter pole” vertical, and Steve set up his trailer with HF and VHF aerials on the mast.
Granger Spain, AF5BG, Ron Reeves, NN5R, and Jim Colwell, KG5GIF, were on hand for setup. Kevin Grantham, N5KRG, designed and printed a new promotional brochure.
Based on this year’s success, we expect the MARS-ARES/RACES booth to be even better in 2016. Many thanks go to all who made this event possible.
Boxes-To-Go
12 November 2015
At the November meeting, hams showed off a wide variety of “go” boxes. For a closer look, click on any image below.