Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
Archives
January 28, 2026
Christmas Wrapping
American Legion Post 597 in downtown Carrollton hosted MARS’ annual Christmas Party on December 11. Over 40 hams and guests enjoyed the fun and a fine meal prepared with care by Post volunteers.
Gregory Maddra, KG5CKX, took home the big raffle prize—a Kenwood TH-D75A versatile analog+digital portable. President Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, handed out many terrific door prizes to lucky winners.
MARS thanks Main Trading Company in Paris, Texas, for their generosity as well as Gary Rodgers, KI5X, Dave Lane, N5GDL, and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, for donating extra prizes. Thanks go also to Liz Brown, K5EMB, George Williams, KG5GXU, David Gilpin, K5GIL, Mike Brown, W5MDB, and Andy S for making it all happen.
Festival at the Switchyard
Saturday, November 8, 2025—
MARS hams were at their usual spot during Carrollton’s annual Festival at the Switchyard. We had a good crowd stop by to ask about Amateur Radio and we were glad to brag.
Many thanks go to those who worked the booth: Ron Reeves, NN5R, Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, George Williams, KG5GXU, Liz Brown, K5EMB, Gregory Maddra, KG5CKX, Mike Brown, W5MDB, and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, for all their help. The Hams from MARS are looking forward to next year’s event.
Beyond Windows 10
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. At the October 10 meeting, David Gilpin, K5GIL, gave an excellent talk about what you can do to upgrade to Windows 11 even if your machine doesn’t meet specs. He offered advice about buying a new machine if you want to do that. You’ll find his presentation video and links on MARS’ YouTube channel.